Community Forums

ajlcal · 05-18-2018, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

Since the OP stated F450 it would be my guess they are asking about a Super C on the F450 or F550 chassis. The big draw of these is the ability to have the 6.7 diesel, and in fact Ford has dropped the V10 from these if I read correctly.

Charles

Sorry, I meant E450.

Onthehunt49 · 09-17-2018, 02:58 PM

I am considering going from a older 32 ft class A to a class C in 27-30 ft range for better handling in wind and more available access sites in National parks.

Did you pull trigger? If so how are you liking it. 2 features I do like in Class A is room and big view windshield. I am sure i could adapt to smaller windshield.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajlcal

I started this thread wanting to hear what others had to say about the handling difference between the F53 vs E450 chassis and I appreciate the responses. That said, I had to find out for myself.

A few weeks ago I test drove two different Thor Class A models. Both were, in my opinion, hard to handle. The poor handling was a deal breaker for me. That's when I decided to take a look at a Class C.

Today I test drove a Winnebago Aspect 27K (E450) and it didn't take very long to know there is no comparison. The handling on the C on back roads and highway was good enough for me to consider a trade. I could easily handle the Class C without any modification. I can't say the same for the Class A.

I think I found what I'm looking for. I'll be listing my Navion for sale soon.

Time4Us · 09-17-2018, 08:11 PM

Just downsized 2 weeks ago from 35' Class A on F53 chassis to a 2018 E350 28' Class C. Moved up from a 24' Class C to the Class A 14 years ago. Now i'm back to a Class C. The F53 was a comfortable ride but the handling required more focus and concentration compared to the E350. Wife refused to drive it after her first attempt, required too much effort. Navigating it was intimidating at first but you get used to it. I never experienced some of the negatives experienced by other owners. I had Bilstein shocks all around and Ride Rite air helpers on rear that made for a very comfortable ride with little negative effects from passing semis. But the intimidating size was the foremost factor urging me to downsize and I never looked back. I like the convenience of 2 front doors and fully operational windows. Convenient entry/exit. Easy to maneuver and park and gas up. I was forever having to search for gas stations big enough to accommodate my rig if we weren't near a Flying J, etc.
The only thing I miss is the "hotel on wheels" room but I'll get over it. Funny thing about it is the fact that even though we are now in a smaller rig it will accommodate more family members than the Class A.

Onthehunt49 · 09-17-2018, 08:48 PM

Awesome

so which 28 ft did you buy ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Time4Us

Just downsized 2 weeks ago from 35' Class A on F53 chassis to a 2018 E350 28' Class C. Moved up from a 24' Class C to the Class A 14 years ago. Now i'm back to a Class C. The F53 was a comfortable ride but the handling required more focus and concentration compared to the E350. Wife refused to drive it after her first attempt, required too much effort. Navigating it was intimidating at first but you get used to it. I never experienced some of the negatives experienced by other owners. I had Bilstein shocks all around and Ride Rite air helpers on rear that made for a very comfortable ride with little negative effects from passing semis. But the intimidating size was the foremost factor urging me to downsize and I never looked back. I like the convenience of 2 front doors and fully operational windows. Convenient entry/exit. Easy to maneuver and park and gas up. I was forever having to search for gas stations big enough to accommodate my rig if we weren't near a Flying J, etc.
The only thing I miss is the "hotel on wheels" room but I'll get over it. Funny thing about it is the fact that even though we are now in a smaller rig it will accommodate more family members than the Class A.

avfordguy · 09-17-2018, 09:06 PM

Never owned a F53 test drive a few, a 32ft WNBO and a 36ft FR, being s retired field guy with ford I slept look at what is waiting for service, btw I was not happy with either F53. I did have a older 31ft class c that I upgraded to a 40 ft Monaco, loved the build quality was a 04, poor driving coach, downsized to a 41ft older 07 Fleetwood tioga, love the layout big bathroom, was a low miles stored inside in west Texan(no rust anywhere) and only had 6k miles. Had front set to 5 degrees faster. This drives great, the e450 with correct sir pressure in the tires makes a world of difference, had rig weighed fond that at 65lbs I was under inflated on the front set to 75 front per michelin,and made a big change on how it tracked, BIG difference with just 10lbs, I get moved less by semi's can drive it one handed with ease, added 5 star tune, woke up engine and improved the shifting on hills with the 5 speed.
Happy camper here

Time4Us · 09-19-2018, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onthehunt49

Awesome

so which 28 ft did you buy ?

Quantum RS26, just a few inches shy of 28'.

midasman · 09-21-2018, 02:51 PM

Got to jump in here! Just traded a 2016 45' Entegra Aspire which I LOVED...but...
1. More complex (and expensive) maintenance-quoted $1000 for oil and all filters changed!
2. MUCH MORE to go wrong.
3. Last two warranty visits-$6000 total if not warrantied and reimbursed.
4. Maybe 20-25 glitches upon delivery.
5. Too big for my wife to drive (40,000#).
But a BEAUTIFUL COACH which I'd buy again if in the market for another pusher with tag axle.
So...traded for another Entegra, 2019 Esteem 30X with full body paint, full wall gear driven slide, and TWO AC s (Same as Jayco 30X). Priced under $90K.
We LOVE it (mostly)...I do miss my ISL 450 HP and residential fridge, and tile floor.
But what do we like? Being 32', the wheelbase on the E450 is long enough to be stable on the highways with trucks and wind. The ride is very good. Driving is easy, and my DW is now behind the wheel! Couldn't get delivery until July 20 and were scheduled 4 days later to head for 6 weeks in Denver and Ouray, Colorado. Three (3) glitches! Fixed 2 myself! Pulled the Rubicon behind us through Eisenhower Tunnel (west of Denver) and one of the longest and steepest pulls I've ever done! But it did GREAT! Noisy at 4000rpm but maintained 40-45mph most of the way. Cooling for the engine and transmission was very good (I use a Scangauge because all Ford gauges are dummies). It is very quiet on level ground. Dash air much better than the bus because you are much closer to the outlets.
With my 4000 mile break-in over, I changed my own oil to Mobil1 and Ford filter. Cost around $35! My wife and I love it and have NO regrets! And NO trouble with uncontrolled shifting once you get the hang of it...
Pete

cdinatl · 09-23-2018, 04:55 PM

Just downsized from class A DP 40’ 4 slides to 2017 coachman lep 31BH. Other than having the room we are enjoying RVing more. For the same reason Midasman listed. Have a 5 star tuner and a safe t steer stabilizer. I an honesty tell you I have no regrets other than space but we have adjusted and are happy as can be. Very little truck push on highway and if you keep airbags at 70# plus I think they along with steering stabilizer pretty much help with that.