On Tuesday Dan Snyder from the Ford Marketing Group welcomed me to the Ford exhibit held in conjunction with the RVIA Exposition located in Louisville, KY. Louisville has always been a prominent city in the US for Ford where for instance is located the largest truck assembly plant in the country the KTP or Kentucky Truck Plant.
Dan Snyder from the Ford Marketing Group welcomes iRV2 members
New 252 Wheelbase
New for 2009 is an exclusive for Ford in that they are able to provide a chassis to the coach manufacturer that is 252 inches in length right from the plant. The 252 is available in 24,000 and 26,000 pound GVW ratings. The 252 chassis join the existing 228 and 242 rails which provide Ford customers with enhanced ride characteristics and improved weight distribution in longer and larger motorhomes.
New Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster in 2009 has been redesigned to provide drivers with additional vehicle operating information. In addition to the existing information such as speed and rpm drivers can now monitor fuel economy, outside temperature, and system checks including brake fluid and fuel levels, engine and transmission temperatures and oil pressure.
The 2009 Triton V10 Engine and Forward Mounted Components
New Ford V10 Engine Emblem
The 2009 F52 coaches will display a new emblem to signify that the coach is powered by the best in class 363HP / 457 lbs-ft torque Ford V10 gas engine. The V10 badge is similar to the current badge however the V is wider framed in chrome on a black background.
New Higher Capacity Alternator
In response to Ford customer surveys, Ford has provided the 2009 V10 with a new alternator capable of providing 175 Amps. This new alternator is designed to specifically handle the large electrical demands on modern motorhomes. The new high output alternator compliments the 78 amp. Hr, 770 CCA battery in the Ford chassis.
View looking head on in to the F53's Cool Pack. Visible is the tranny cooler, radiator and the AC Condenser, coolant recovery tank and air box
Individualized Chassis Tuning
New for 2009 is that Ford has provided their chassis with suspension and control components directly matched to the chassis GVWR. In 2009 the 3 families are 16K to 18K, 20.5K to 22K and 24K to 26K ratings. Each family has specifically designed Bilstein shocks absorbers, spring rates, stabilizer bars and link bushings and new progressive jounce bumpers which improve steering and handling.
New Polished Wheels
Ford chassis in the 22,000 to 26,000 range are now equipped with new polished aluminum wheels manufactured by SAI. The new wheels are not only attractive but are easily cleaned with soap and water.
Completely detailed are the front steering and suspension components which are described in the article
New Rear Axle Ratings, GAWR
New for 2009 are increases in axle rating on the 18,000 and 22,000 pound motorhome chassis. The rear axle on the 18K rail has been increased by 1,000 pounds from 11,000 to 12,000 pounds while the GAWR on the 22K rail has been increased from 14.5K to 15K. These new ratings allow more flexibility for the manufacturers in building their coach bodies and allows for more cargo carrying capability.
The Ford chassis is equipped with 4 wheel 4 channel ABS as well as a mechanical lock up parking brake drum. Ford offers 4 rear axle models from the 11,000 capacity rear all the way up to the best-in-class 17,500 pound rated Dana 17060S. The rear axles are what Ford calls Lubed for life. The rear tapered springs are 4 inch wide units of 64 inches in length. Premium Bilstein gas shock absorbers are provided along with tuned stabilizer bars. The Ford 24 to 26K rail also provides a 30,000 pound GCWR and provides up to a 10,000 tow rating depending on the chassis selected. Ford offers 7 wheelbase models from 158 up to the 252.
Looking forward at the 5-Speed TorqueShift Transmission
Premium Bilstein shocks absorbers are mounted to the front axle as well as variable rate jounce bumpers which improve the ride quality. The 63 long leaf springs on the front axle are rated for 7,500 and 9,000 pounds of GAWR. The steering gear is provided with a front track bar which improves the overall handling and ride comfort of the chassis. The F53 is provided with a 50 degree wheel cut and is reduced to 42 degrees on 22K chassis equipped with 22.5 inch wheels.
The V10 is a 3 valve per cylinder 6.8L Triton engine which provides 363 HP and 457 lbs/ft of torque. The V10 is emission compliant up to and including 2011. Exactly what Ford plans on doing beyond 2011 is under development and I was not able to obtain a definite answer regarding new engines and emission compliance beyond 2011.
The New Dana 17060S Rear
Ford has a direct customer hot line and provides 5 years and or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance.
There are 1,500 Ford dealerships in the US and Canada. The Ford F53 has a limited 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and a 5 year 60,000 mile limited powertrain warranty.
I enjoyed meeting with Dan and hearing what he had to share with all of us here on iRV2.com in regards to the new 2009 Ford F53 chassis.
A look at the 4" wide tapered rear leaf spring on the F53
This report was requested by and provided for LVJ58.
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