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Scarab0088 · 01-14-2013, 06:42 PM

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We all know it's coming...Ford will replace the venerable E-Series Van (and Cab Chassis) with the European fullsized Transit van...schedules seem to show a phase out of the E-150 first (2014ish), then the bigger models over time.

Well Dynamax, Four Winds, and Chateau are looking for the replacement before Ford makes the switch...a Class C on a F-Series chassis - and these are F-450's and F-550's!

What do you think? See:
Class C Motorhome | Ford® F550 | Touring Sedan | Isata F-Series | Overview | Dynamax
2013 Four Winds Super C Motorhomes by Thor Motor Coach
Newest Super C Motorhomes | Class C Diesel Ford F550 Super Duty RV

baraff · 01-14-2013, 06:50 PM

Sometimes I wonder how this country managed to become as great as it is. Ford has like 80% of the van market and they're going to throw that away?
Sheesh. Management by Morons.

68westfalia · 01-14-2013, 10:34 PM

Pretty lame on Fords part. If it ain't btoke why fix it? I will stick with my e450.

W4MBG · 01-15-2013, 08:19 AM

from autoblog.com:

But Ford will actually continue to build the E-Series in chassis and cutaway cab form at its Ohio Assembly facility in Avon Lake in suburban Cleveland. This plant will be devoted entirely to commercial chassis production, with Ford's Super Duty F-650 and F-750, and F-53 and F-59 models also being produced there. The F-53 is primarily a Class A motorhome chassis; the E-Series chassis is also popular for motorhomes.

Scarab0088 · 01-15-2013, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W4MBG

from autoblog.com:

But Ford will actually continue to build the E-Series in chassis and cutaway cab form at its Ohio Assembly facility in Avon Lake in suburban Cleveland. This plant will be devoted entirely to commercial chassis production, with Ford's Super Duty F-650 and F-750, and F-53 and F-59 models also being produced there. The F-53 is primarily a Class A motorhome chassis; the E-Series chassis is also popular for motorhomes.

This is correct...through the decade. According to several automotive media outlets, they are "weighing the acceptance and earning customer loyalty" for the new "Global Van."

The Transit is available in Europe in several lengths and cab-chassis w/ front, rear (singles and duals) and all wheel drive...I think the great new is that it will come to the US with a smallish (just over 3L) Eco-Boost turbo Diesel!

But, the switch to the BIG F-Series will give mfgt's an unbroken source for heavy duty cab-chassis. And these truck based cab-chassis are already available w/ several cab's, gas and Diesel, rear and 4WD.

I remember before American vans grew to be heavy duty trucks, all Class C's were based on truck platforms...I admire these company's for looking into the future.

mikebreeze · 01-15-2013, 03:51 PM

Even though I own an E350 based RV I can see why Ford is phasing them out: CAFE.

rmmpe · 01-16-2013, 09:11 AM

Actually, I see the wisdom in using the F series chassis for Class C motorhomes. In fact, I've often wondered why this wasn't available before.
At the very least, the legroom and engine access will certainly improve (to say nothing about the E series' floor and doghouse heat the Passenger must now tolerate).

frankdamp · 01-16-2013, 02:40 PM

The Transit has been around in Europe since the 1960s. When I was at Norton-Villiers in 1967-68 (motocycle maker) we had a 26' dually Transit for hauling the company's moto-cross team around.

I think it had a 3-liter V-6 (crburator, back then) that had been breathed on by a race-car tuner. It was a real flyer.

The current Transit is very similar to the Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge "Sprinter" in size, shape and load capacity.

R2Home · 01-16-2013, 03:48 PM

Wonder if the Dodge 450/550 will be able to enter this market? If so that could make things interesting!
Yes I am a dodge fan!

baraff · 01-16-2013, 05:36 PM

Not to diss the "Mercedes/Freightliner/Dodge Sprinter chassis', but have you spent any time in one of the motorhomes on that chassis, such as the View or Navion? The chassis has such a narrow wheelbase they rock back and forth terribly from side to side. Everyone I've seen has been that way. As bad as a travel trailer (no offense to TT owners meant). All they need to do is extend the duals out about a foot and it would probably solve the problem. Check it out next time you have the opportunity to see one.
Just my opinion, what ain't worth much!

DebbieMH · 01-16-2013, 06:16 PM

I have a FR Solera on that Mercedes chassis and i don't experience a rocking problem. And by the way, it is a pleasure to drive. IMO

Remember · 01-17-2013, 04:47 AM

I too own a fleetwood jamboree on a Mercedes chassis and had added a air balloon suspension in the back it's perfect

88keys · 01-20-2013, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieMH

I have a FR Solera on that Mercedes chassis and i don't experience a rocking problem. And by the way, it is a pleasure to drive. IMO

We have the '09 Fleetwood Icon 24A based on the Mercedes Sprinter as well...drove from Florida back to Toronto in the middle of Winter in driving winds and snow...no rocking whatsoever. What a pleasure it is to drive.

Scarab0088 · 01-21-2013, 12:32 AM

To any and all Sprinter van based RV owner's, I am sure that your RV is great, comfy, and economical...

...But wouldn't you agree that there in no way that any Sprinter based RV would be able to carry and tow the weight of the E350 and E450 chassis?

Reality is that we will lose these workhorses of the RV world in the next few years and except for Chevy's van (only available in 1500-3500) there will be no replacement for the bigger and very popular Class B and C's...unless they move to a truck cab.

When I was a kid, vans were small lightweight utility vehices and all Class C's were riding on Big Pick-up truck style cab chassis, so what's old is new again.