Ford VS Chevy (again...)

[CZSteve]

Apologies if this has been beaten to death... My excuse is I'm new to this world; or at least looking to get into it RV'ing.

We're currently looking at a couple used Class C's
- 2008 29ft Monaco Montclair 29PBT w/ a Chevy Chassis 6.0
Torque = 420 ft/lb @ 3,250 RPM
5-Spd tranny + OD (I believe?)
44k miles
- 2008 31ft 2008 Jayco Melbourne 29D w/ a Ford Chassis 6.8
Torque = 360 ft/lb @ 4,000 RPM
4-Spd tranny + OD (I believe?)
63k miles

My understanding searching here and Dr. Google is that the general consensus is both the Ford or Chevy are generally reliable and assuming rig conditions between the two are a wash I'm curious if one has an edge over the other; primarily for towing.

Application:
I'll be towing an 18' open car-hauler (tandem axle; one-axle w/ E-brakes); loaded with a Miata for taking to various tracks in Texas & Oklahoma for the most part - total towable weight including trailer & car is ~ 4,000 lbs

I'm assuming either will suit my needs.
Any opinions one way or the other?

Best,
Steve

[Arch Hoagland]

What year is the Miata? Is it a standard transmission?

[Flyer15015]

Steve,
Tell us what your budget is +/- 10%.
Most class "C's" are on a van chassis (maybe stretched) so you will want to do a real deep dive int how the hitch is attached to the frame. May require some DIY bracing.
"C's" to me are awfully tight in the cab with not much room to stretch out.

To pull that load, you MAY want to look at a smaller "A" which will give you much more usable space and a MUCH bigger cockpit. I did, and I've had both.

AND, remember your A B C's, "Always Buy Chevy".

JMHO
Mike in Colorado

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by CZSteve

Apologies if this has been beaten to death... My excuse is I'm new to this world; or at least looking to get into it RV'ing.

We're currently looking at a couple used Class C's
- 2008 29ft Monaco Montclair 29PBT w/ a Chevy Chassis 6.0
Torque = 420 ft/lb @ 3,250 RPM
5-Spd tranny + OD (I believe?)
44k miles
- 2008 31ft 2008 Jayco Melbourne 29D w/ a Ford Chassis 6.8
Torque = 360 ft/lb @ 4,000 RPM
4-Spd tranny + OD (I believe?)
63k miles

My understanding searching here and Dr. Google is that the general consensus is both the Ford or Chevy are generally reliable and assuming rig conditions between the two are a wash I'm curious if one has an edge over the other; primarily for towing.

Application:
I'll be towing an 18' open car-hauler (tandem axle; one-axle w/ E-brakes); loaded with a Miata for taking to various tracks in Texas & Oklahoma for the most part - total towable weight including trailer & car is ~ 4,000 lbs

I'm assuming either will suit my needs.
Any opinions one way or the other?

Best,
Steve

I’ve owned two motorhome units with the Ford Triton V10 engine….one with a 5 speed tranny and one with 6 speed.
Either one would do you well with proper maintenance.

I suspect those with the Chevy platform will say exactly the same with due maintenance. Your choice.

Is the house layout a big deciding factor or not?

[wildtoad]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

What year is the Miata? Is it a standard transmission?

It’s being hauled on a trailer so it matters not. Or is this just a curiosity question.

[sibe]

For the ford, I got these specs

2008 Triton / V10

Chassis Model E450

Cylinders 10

Horsepower 305 hp @ 4,250 RPM

Torque 420 ft-lbs. @ 3,250 RPM

Displacement6.8 litres

Transmission Type 5 Speed Automatic Overdrive


Length
31.2 ft. (374 in.)

Height 10.5 ft. (126 in.)

Wheelbase 17.67 ft. (212 in.)

Weight
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs.

GVWR 14,050 lbs.

If so, I lean to the ford as the f450 is proven ,, Tow rating you are Close,, check extensions and beef up if needed.. I know Fords better, personally/
Manifolds or bolts PIA.. Spark Plugs maybe issue..

The chev 6.0 has quirks but run well and hard.. knock sensors,, manifolds like the ford.. oil leaks.. intake area not bad, rear main in PIA..

I have a 30ft Minnie older E350 Tow heavy up to 6300 ia a 7500 trailer.. NO ISSUES added some iron to extensions.. and a 10K hitch just because I had hitch OEM was a 5K with 3500 down rating..

Either one should be ok

The 2 ft shorter is a debate on chassis...

[CZSteve]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

What year is the Miata? Is it a standard transmission?

Yes, I'm assuming a curiosity question as will be towing on a trailer and not a tow-dolly. Miata is a '99 NB 5-speed with a Track-Dog Rotrex Super-Charger, suspension work, brakes, ECU, injectors, exhaust, etc - 270hp @ the wheels.

Class A
Have also been looking at some small Class A's 'as' they have come up; most are a bit bigger than wanted but a consideration.
Actually looked a a 28' Class A yesterday with the Chevy 8.1 but immediately passed as while the add 'said' no soft spots the floor was like a friggin' sponge...

House Layout
Obviously a factor but somewhat flexible. At one point I was considering a truck-camper but cost is INSANE and too many other projects to mess with building my own. My Wife would be MUCH more comfortable in a Class C (or A) thus this thought. (I was also the yahoo who questioned getting a Fiver and towing doubles... I knew while legal it's NOT a good idea at all...)

** EDIT **
I just noticed I posted the torque number backwards; the Ford is obviously a higher torque rating @ 420 vs 360 for the Chevy




Thanks again,
SA

[Arch Hoagland]

I pulled a 91 Miata all over the country 4 down. It weighed about 2,300 pounds so I was wondering if you had thought about towing 4 down.

I've been in two Miata clubs over the years and I'm curious if you are in a Miata club. Never saw one souped up like you've done to yours. I'll bet that thing flies!

[Ron Dittmer]

Being a 2008 model year, they are sometimes built on a 2007 chassis. This is because the release of model years of RVs and chassis is far out of sync.

With the Ford, there were improvements made in the 2008 suspension, be them minor. One was debatable, the E450 parking brake. You can easily distinguish the model year at a glance. If it has the current-day dump truck front grill, then it's a 2008. If it has the earlier automotive look, then it's a 2007.

Concerning the Ford transmission, I have a 2007 E350 chassis. It has the 5-speed +OD TorqShift transmission, so regardless whether it is a 2007 or 2008, it will have a 5-speed, not a 4-speed as you stated in your opening post.

[RickNC]

Originally Posted by CZSteve

Yes, I'm assuming a curiosity question as will be towing on a trailer and not a tow-dolly. Miata is a '99 NB 5-speed with a Track-Dog Rotrex Super-Charger, suspension work, brakes, ECU, injectors, exhaust, etc - 270hp @ the wheels.

SA

Are you racing in SCCA Solo (autocross) ?

[CZSteve]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I pulled a 91 Miata all over the country 4 down. It weighed about 2,300 pounds so I was wondering if you had thought about towing 4 down.

I've been in two Miata clubs over the years and I'm curious if you are in a Miata club. Never saw one souped up like you've done to yours. I'll bet that thing flies!

Probably keeping to using the trailer but interesting thought RE flat towing.
With the mods it does scoot pretty good and an absolute blast to drive (while a turbo would yield more power the super-charger produces less heat and a bit more 'practical'...) Just met some folks from the Lone Star Miata Club during a cars & coffee (lunch) run & plan on joining.

And yes, SCCA member; still new / rookie at this stage - been on the Cresson TX road course and also looking to do some AutoCross.

Back on track regarding RV - the 2008 Jayco has a mechanical leveler system that's apparently controlled via levers as seen next to the drivers seat in the below pic - Any links y'all can direct on the In's/Out's of the operation & maintenance of this system?

[CZSteve]

Following up regarding any input on the leveling system.
NOTE: This is regarding the 2008 Jayco Melbourne 29D (Ford).

I'm 99% the leveling system is an HWH 225 series as looks like it has the indicator lights on the floor mounted control panel; not sure if it has the air-dump function.
https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml17785_01_n...0bezel%20plate.

Questions:
1. General opinion regarding this system? Cost value of what it's worth?
2. Air-Dump: From initial research appears to be where this system is tied onto the suspension air bags (if equipped) and used to lower the rig if/as needed - Is this correct?

Thanks again,
Steve

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by CZSteve

Following up regarding any input on the leveling system.
NOTE: This is regarding the 2008 Jayco Melbourne 29D (Ford).

I'm 99% the leveling system is an HWH 225 series as looks like it has the indicator lights on the floor mounted control panel; not sure if it has the air-dump function.
https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml17785_01_n...0bezel%20plate.

Questions:
1. General opinion regarding this system? Cost value of what it's worth?
2. Air-Dump: From initial research appears to be where this system is tied onto the suspension air bags (if equipped) and used to lower the rig if/as needed - Is this correct?

Thanks again,
Steve

Being that your leveling system is close to 17 years old…..you may find it next to impossible to get a reply from someone with that system. I’ve seen all kinds of leveling systems discussed here on the forums over the years……and NEVER saw one that industrial looking. Sorry.