Question - What are the top 5 Class C's?

[Izzyblueye]

Probably a wise decision right now. I know my motor home is not coming out of barn, until either I sell it or prices stabilize at a much lower cost. That will be when pigs start to fly.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Originally Posted by johnnyringo

Much good info. Thanks to all for posting. When I started this thread I pretty much intended to find a used Class C, but with today's gas prices,sadly, I'm probably not going to dive in.

The time to buy is now, from somebody who is in a panic
about the fuel prices. There are some good deals out there and fuel going up makes it even better. Happens every time, SUV's, luxury cars and MH's all drop in price.
The fuel prices will go back down. In the meantime, get your rig, take short trips and learn all of the ins and outs of RVing. My vote for a Class C is Lazy Daze, second is an El Dorado.
J

[kuhoopsnut]

Anybody have any opinions about the Dynamax ISATA Series E models? Am looking at a used one for my first RV and so far, most of my research is positive, including a very good VIN report. But the lower than NADA price raises some red flags. Anyone know of any good RV inspectors in LA area? Advice and insights are appreciated!

[purduepete2]

Scott,

I believe the Class C and B+ Ford E-450 Chassis V-10 is limited to the 2 valve 306 HP engine not the 3 valve 362 HP V-10 that is used in the Class A Ford Chassis.

Pete

[csdavis62]

Originally Posted by purduepete2

Scott,

I believe the Class C and B+ Ford E-450 Chassis V-10 is limited to the 2 valve 306 HP engine not the 3 valve 362 HP V-10 that is used in the Class A Ford Chassis.

Pete

Pete,

I thought they quit making the 2V V-10 around 2004. I would think that it would cost Ford more to maintain 2 sets of heads (parts, warranty issues, etc.) vs 1.

I did some searching on the web and came up with the 2010 Ford Towing Guide:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...&TTgdeSep2.pdf

Page 11 states....

OUTSTANDING FEATURES
• Three wheelbase choices: 138, 158 and 176 inches
• Up to 14,500-lbs. GVWR and 20,000-lbs. GCWR
• Powerful 5.4L 3-valve V8, 6.8L 3-valve SOHC V10 and 6.0L Power
Stroke® Turbo Diesel V8 engines

Based on this it appears they did use the 3V motor.

That being said I am still curious as to why they Class A V10 is listed at 362 hp/457 lb.-ft. torque when my Class C is listed at 305 hp/440 lb.-ft. torque. Some places the 2011 is listed with only 420 lb.-ft. torque????

I went ahead and ordered 5Star's RV 87/89 Octane tune which made a nice improvement in power and transmission performance. My 32' coach pulls a 4300 lb. Toyota 4Runner 4 down with ease so in the end I guess all is well

[purduepete2]

Mr. Davis,

I believe all of the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis are limited to the 305Hp 2valve V-10. I suspect this is do to the overheating problems do to the lack of airflow in the Ford cutaway chassis. Check out the specs. The 305Hp has 20 valves (2/cyl).

I was duped also when I bought and was told by the RV Tech that my Class C E-450SD had 362Hp. Not True!
P. S. - How do you like the 5Star RV 87 Octane tune? Would you recommend it to improve MPG on a 30ft class-C that weighs in @ 14,000 loaded?

Pete


2010 Ford E-450 Cutaway Truck Chassis
Options

• Chrome Grille
• Dual Seal Beam w/Fixed Lens Headlamps
• Engine: 6.8L EFI Triton V10
• Front Chrome Bumper w/Black Lower Fascia
• High Series Exterior Upgrade Package
• Radio: Premium ETR AM/FM Stereo/Clock/CD
• Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirrors w/Manual Glass

↑ to top

Features

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURESCD playerAM/FM radioSEATS AND TRIMPassenger seat mounted armrestDriver seat mounted armrestWARRANTYCorrosion perforation warranty: 60 months/ unlimited distanceBasic warranty: 36 months/36,000milesRoadside assistance coverage: 60 months/60,000milesPowertrain warranty: 60 months/60,000milesCONVENIENCE FEATURESFront beverage holdersPassenger door binDriver door binAir conditioningTilt steering wheelBODY EXTERIORBumpers: chromeLIGHTING, VISIBILITY AND INSTRUMENTATIONVariably intermittent wipersVoltmeterTachometerSAFETY AND SECURITYDual front impact airbagsABS brakes4 wheel disc brakes↑ to top

Tech Specs

POWERTRAINSequential multi-point fuel injectionTorque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 3,250RPMEngine liters: 6.8Number of valves: 20Transmission: 5 speed automaticRecommended fuel: regular unleadedHorsepower: 305hp @ 4,250RPMDrive type: rear-wheelCylinder configuration: V-10Mode select transmissionSUSPENSION/HANDLINGRear tires: 225/75SR16.0EDual rear wheelsPower steeringFront tires: 225/75SR16.0EFront anti-roll barFront wheel independent suspensionWheel size: 16"SPECS AND DIMENSIONSCurb weight: 2,444kg (5,389lbs)Exterior body width: 2,017mm (79.4")Exterior length: 6,632mm (261.1")Engine horsepower: 305hp @ 4,250RPMEngine displacement: 6.8 LEngine torque: 420 lb.-ft. @ 3,250RPMExterior height: 2,032mm (80.0")Front legroom: 1,016mm (40.0")Wheelbase: 4,013mm (158.0")Front shoulder room: 1,730mm (68.1")Turning radius: 8.4m (27.4')Front hiproom: 1,666mm (65.6")Front headroom: 1,067mm (42.0")↑ to top


* While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these data, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any

[The Shadow]

Ford never discontinued the 2V engine. There is a good reason for keeping the 2V and 3V - the weights of the vehicles they are employed in.

The reference above to the Specs from the Ford brochure are incorrect - they were for the Step Van.

Here is what is in the 2011 brochure (I made sure I reviewed it before I bought my 2011 Itasca that is on the 2011 E450).

Outstanding Features
• Three wheelbase choices: 138/158/176-inch
• Up to 14,500 lbs. GVWR and 22,000 lbs. GCWR(a)
• Powerful 5.4L 2-valve V8 and 6.8L 2-valve SOHC V10
• 90,000-mile scheduled tune-up interval(b)
• TorqShift® 5-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul Mode
• 4-speed automatic transmission optional with 5.4L V8 engine only
• Out-front engine design provides spacious cab with access to “living area” and
ease of ingress/egress
• Twin-I-Beam independent front suspension (with caster/camber adjustment),
front stabilizer bar and gas-pressurized shock absorbers contribute to a
smooth, comfortable ride
• Driver and passenger airbags(c)
• 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Steel ladder-type truck frame with six cross members
• 40-gallon fuel tank (E-350; optional on E-450); 55-gallon fuel tank (E-450;
optional on E-350 with 158-inch wheelbase DRW)
• Van-like driver position with ergonomic instrument panel and controls

I wonder how one could be duped since the RV manufacturers brochures usually have the HP output of the engine used (but many forget the torque).

My Winnie brochure was very clear that it was the 305HP engine.

[purduepete2]

The point I was making was that you can't get a class C cutaway chassis with the 3 valve V-10.

Pete

[The Shadow]

Originally Posted by purduepete2

The point I was making was that you can't get a class C cutaway chassis with the 3 valve V-10.

Pete

That's correct - and it has never been available in the E350 or E450 and I thought that was common knowledge. Thus, with the amount of info available no one should be deceived into thinking they are getting an E450 with the 3V engine and all that extra HP and torque.

[csdavis62]

[QUOTE=purduepete2;802941]Mr. Davis,

I believe all of the Ford E-450 cutaway chassis are limited to the 305Hp 2valve V-10. I suspect this is do to the overheating problems do to the lack of airflow in the Ford cutaway chassis. Check out the specs. The 305Hp has 20 valves (2/cyl).

I was duped also when I bought and was told by the RV Tech that my Class C E-450SD had 362Hp. Not True!
P. S. - How do you like the 5Star RV 87 Octane tune? Would you recommend it to improve MPG on a 30ft class-C that weighs in @ 14,000 loaded?

Pete

When I purchased my unit Coachmen had a tent card in the unit that stated 305HP and 440 ft. lbs. torque. Ford specifications list the torque at 420 so who knows??? I did believe that I had the 3V heads especially since you can find places in Ford's literature where it clearly list the E450 Motorhome chassis with a 3V Motor. Apparently it is a typo because if you go to commtruck.ford.com it list the EX50 Cutaway Chassis with the 20V motor. That does make sense and clears up the Class A/C separation in HP/Torque. I guess I have less valves to worry about

I really like the 5Star 87 tune. It really improved the shift points, increased shift firmness, and improved power delivery. I can't give you fuel economy feedback since I installed the tune when the unit was nearly new. Even if the fuel economy was flat I would recommend the upgrade for drive ability and power gains.....

[The Shadow]

CS, I believe there may be two variations available (I'm sure I read that somewhere and I'll see if I can find the sourece). I was hoping mine would be 440 but when I asked the dealer to check he was told by Winnie that it was 420.