buying new 2007 F53 chassis in 2011

[v8steel]

I am going to look at a 2007 F53 Ford V-10 Stripped Motorhome chassis that has an in-service date of April-2008. The gentleman selling it bought it to build his own motorhome, but health issues got in the way and now he is selling it. Nothing has ever been built on the chassis.

I have a 2000 Excursion with the 2V V-10 and have been very happy with it. I know this chassis has the 3V -10 engine so I expect it to be even better. Thoughts?

I am looking at this chassis to put a 1953 Ford Cab on it and use it as a car hauler for my obsession with antique cars.

Can any of you guys experienced with this chassis help me with what I should be looking for on a chassis with such little use? Potential issues?

I also want to add... If I buy this, I plan to disconnect the driveshaft and tow it directly on the road with an extremely beefy tow bar. Pulling truck is a F-350 super duty dually. Tow distance is about 750 miles. The bare chassis weighs 6300 lbs. Any ideas here or caution messages?

Thanks, Bill

[mpaton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by v8steel I am going to look at a 2007 F53 Ford V-10 Stripped Motorhome chassis that has an in-service date of April-2008. I also want to add... If I buy this, I plan to disconnect the driveshaft and tow it directly on the road with an extremely beefy tow bar. Pulling truck is a F-350 super duty dually. Tow distance is about 750 miles. The bare chassis weighs 6300 lbs. Any ideas here or caution messages? Thanks, Bill

I have towed a 2800# Toyota truck behind an F350 with a tow bar a few times. I had no available braking from the Toyota. F350 was unladen, so going wasn't a problem, stopping took only a little care. However on tight turns, I could feel the Toyota pushing the rear of the F350 to the outside of the turn, and this was on a dry road. I was glad I didn't have to do this in the rain.

In your case, I would try pretty hard to

1 Get some of the F53 weight onto the back of the f350

and

2 Find a way to actuate the F53 brakes.

[tderonne]

Sounds like a great project. I saw something like that done once.

I assume you done the basic dimensional kind of work? Can you leave the powertrain alone? The steering? The large aft of axle fuel tank? Will it be a 5th wheel style hauler or rollback/flatbed?

What GVWR and weight rating is it? 19.5" wheels? Has it been indoors?

[v8steel]

Chassis GVWR is 20,500.
It does have the 19.5 wheels.
It has been under cover and started regularly.
I may need to shorten the wheelbase a little and remove some of the frame behind the axle. Depending on bed choices, the tank may be swapped for side tanks. It could become a flatbed. I will be on the lookout for beds while I'm doing the cab relocation. Thanks for the responses.