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Warpath · 12-28-2007, 05:34 AM

LOUISVILLE, Kent., Nov. 27 – Celebrating the growing popularity of RVing and the increasing luxury RV market, Ford introduces the most capable motorhome chassis to the new 2008 F53 Super Duty Class A lineup that has been fully re-engineered for better driving dynamics, more diverse offerings and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The new chassis borrows heavily from the industry's most capable heavy-duty truck – the new 2008 F-Series Super Duty – and was proven out on many of the F-Series "Built Ford Tough" truck durability tests to improve on the Ford RV's 25 percent quality advantage customers reported in Ford surveys.

Ford offers the best-selling RV chassis in both the Class A and Class C (E-Series chassis) markets. The launch of the new package options in Class A expands Ford's F53 Super Duty Class A lineup to six offerings, ranging from the "tailgater's special" 16,000-pound gross-vehicle weight rating (GVWR) chassis through the new capability leader, 26,000-pound GVWR chassis, that gives builders the opportunity to offer the most advanced, most luxurious RV bodies yet.

Ford's new 24,000-pound GVWR package firmly settles into the heavy class of motorhome chassis, one of the fastest growing RV class segments. Going one step further, the new 26,000-pound GVWR package sets a new best-in-class marker for motorhome chassis capabilities, providing a stunning 30,000-pound gross combined weight rating.

"Ford's new heavy-duty F53 Super Duty chassis allows customers to continue bringing more of their home to their home on wheels," said Shelly Smith, marketing manager, Ford F53 Super Duty motorhome. "Motorhome builders are adding more luxurious amenities such as granite countertops and slide outs so we met the challenge with the most capable RV chassis ever."

Components such as the new heavy-duty steering system, class-leading Dana rear axle and suspension, increased capacity front axle and suspension, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and 50,000-PSI (pounds per square inch) ladder frame are all integral components to provide class-leading capabilities, ride comfort and predictable handling.

The 6.8-liter Triton™ V-10 engine's best-in-class 362 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque provided help support the largest motorhomes with plenty of power on the highway. The powerful engine is mated to Ford's exclusive and proven TorqShift® automatic overdrive transmission.

The new, high-end F53 models also features a new, more robust steering system with a new steering gear that, combined the new suspension, improve ride and handling. Steering and handling are complimented by the 50-degree wheel cut (increased from 42 degrees) for a tighter turning radius. Specially tuned stabilizer bars, Bilstein shocks and higher-capability front and rear springs make the ride more comfortable.

"We engineered the top-of-the-line F-53 models to provide the same steering precision, ride comfort and quietness as the rest of the lineup – just at much higher loads," said Laurie Call, chief engineer, F53 Super Duty. "We think the driving dynamics and comfort, combined with our quality record, will lead to more customers demanding Ford chassis from their dealers."

Ford will launch an unprecedented marketing campaign with a strategic shift of emphasis to retail customers from the previous campaigns centered on motorhome dealers and builders. Even though Ford doesn't sell to retail customers, the goal is to build awareness of Ford's leading motorhome product innovations and reinforce its quality heritage so retail customers specifically request F53 models from dealers.

Ford is the RV leader with the widest number of offerings, including new products in all three classes, A through C, for the 2008 model year alone. Ford F53 Super Duty chassis are America's number-one-selling Class A motorhome chassis, while Ford's E-series is the top-selling chassis for the high-volume Class C market thanks to the widest range of product offerings. Ford also remains the Class B leader with the E-Series serving as the most popular conversion van.

Warpath · 12-28-2007, 05:34 AM

LOUISVILLE, Kent., Nov. 27 – Celebrating the growing popularity of RVing and the increasing luxury RV market, Ford introduces the most capable motorhome chassis to the new 2008 F53 Super Duty Class A lineup that has been fully re-engineered for better driving dynamics, more diverse offerings and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. The new chassis borrows heavily from the industry's most capable heavy-duty truck – the new 2008 F-Series Super Duty – and was proven out on many of the F-Series "Built Ford Tough" truck durability tests to improve on the Ford RV's 25 percent quality advantage customers reported in Ford surveys.

Ford offers the best-selling RV chassis in both the Class A and Class C (E-Series chassis) markets. The launch of the new package options in Class A expands Ford's F53 Super Duty Class A lineup to six offerings, ranging from the "tailgater's special" 16,000-pound gross-vehicle weight rating (GVWR) chassis through the new capability leader, 26,000-pound GVWR chassis, that gives builders the opportunity to offer the most advanced, most luxurious RV bodies yet.

Ford's new 24,000-pound GVWR package firmly settles into the heavy class of motorhome chassis, one of the fastest growing RV class segments. Going one step further, the new 26,000-pound GVWR package sets a new best-in-class marker for motorhome chassis capabilities, providing a stunning 30,000-pound gross combined weight rating.

"Ford's new heavy-duty F53 Super Duty chassis allows customers to continue bringing more of their home to their home on wheels," said Shelly Smith, marketing manager, Ford F53 Super Duty motorhome. "Motorhome builders are adding more luxurious amenities such as granite countertops and slide outs so we met the challenge with the most capable RV chassis ever."

Components such as the new heavy-duty steering system, class-leading Dana rear axle and suspension, increased capacity front axle and suspension, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and 50,000-PSI (pounds per square inch) ladder frame are all integral components to provide class-leading capabilities, ride comfort and predictable handling.

The 6.8-liter Triton™ V-10 engine's best-in-class 362 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque provided help support the largest motorhomes with plenty of power on the highway. The powerful engine is mated to Ford's exclusive and proven TorqShift® automatic overdrive transmission.

The new, high-end F53 models also features a new, more robust steering system with a new steering gear that, combined the new suspension, improve ride and handling. Steering and handling are complimented by the 50-degree wheel cut (increased from 42 degrees) for a tighter turning radius. Specially tuned stabilizer bars, Bilstein shocks and higher-capability front and rear springs make the ride more comfortable.

"We engineered the top-of-the-line F-53 models to provide the same steering precision, ride comfort and quietness as the rest of the lineup – just at much higher loads," said Laurie Call, chief engineer, F53 Super Duty. "We think the driving dynamics and comfort, combined with our quality record, will lead to more customers demanding Ford chassis from their dealers."

Ford will launch an unprecedented marketing campaign with a strategic shift of emphasis to retail customers from the previous campaigns centered on motorhome dealers and builders. Even though Ford doesn't sell to retail customers, the goal is to build awareness of Ford's leading motorhome product innovations and reinforce its quality heritage so retail customers specifically request F53 models from dealers.

Ford is the RV leader with the widest number of offerings, including new products in all three classes, A through C, for the 2008 model year alone. Ford F53 Super Duty chassis are America's number-one-selling Class A motorhome chassis, while Ford's E-series is the top-selling chassis for the high-volume Class C market thanks to the widest range of product offerings. Ford also remains the Class B leader with the E-Series serving as the most popular conversion van.

gold · 12-28-2007, 05:47 AM

Thanks Bill

FC Ontario · 12-28-2007, 07:16 AM

Warpath:
I have been a member of this forum almost from the beginning and we met way back at a small irv 2 rally in Niagara Falls maybe in 2002??.
I have always repected the rights and opinions of the posters and the moderators, but expect that the moderators will act objectively and provide an unbiased opinion to people who post here seeking information.
As a long time poster to this forum, We all know that OUR UNITS are the best ever made and we can all give our personal opinions to that fact.
Thank you for posting this Press release and thank you for providing this very necessary forum

FC Ontario · 12-29-2007, 03:20 AM

Up date:
I just talked to my local Ford Dealer here and they stated that most of the Ford dealers here in Ontario are very happy to work on MH chassis. I get all my oil changed etc done at this dealer. Will take it in in the early spring.

Frankie · 12-29-2007, 03:51 AM

Thanks Bill. Good read.

DriVer · 12-29-2007, 09:42 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FC Ontario:
I just talked to my local Ford Dealer here and they stated that most of the Ford dealers here in Ontario are very happy to work on MH chassis. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>My mom was born in Alfred, OT.