my5092nv
Columbus Ohio
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I'm looking into a used class C motorhome. I want a Ford 450 chassis and around a 95 to 2000 year model. I've seen on the front fenders of a few motorhomes with the "E Superduty" emblems. Does this mean it's the 450 chassis, or is this just what Ford has marked this chassis? I'm trying to stay away from the E350 chassis.
Thanks, Mike
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ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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In very recent years, Ford chassis are clearly labelled E350-SuperDuty or E450-SuperDuty. I don't know what year that chrome rectangular emblem with black lettering was added, but somewhere around 2003-2005.
As of late, the E350 or E450 is used pending the RV curb weight. RV manufacturers determine the load and then pick which chassis will be slated. I may be right in stating, staying away from the E350 chassis simply means you will be staying away from the smaller and lighter weighted RVs.
I do know the E450 was introduced later, which may bump out the 1995s to 2000s you are considering. Maybe someone can elaborate here.
Bought new in June 2007, Phoenix Cruiser-2350
Fits inside our garage.
Dingy towing a red Toyota MR2 Spyder
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carringb
Corvallis, OR
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The emblem "E-Superduty" is the same as E450. It was used for a couple years before the E450 designation came out. An easy way to verify is to check the door tag. E-superduty should list a GVWR of 14,050 which is the same as pre-'08 E450s.
I think the E-superduty came out in 1996, then was changed to the E450 name in '98.
Bryan
2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon (14-pass all captains chairs)
V10 w/ Banks PowerPack, Diablo Predator, 4.56 LS, 230,000+ miles
Had: Weekend Warrior 41' FSW (still looking for its replacement)
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crawford
Dandridge Tenn.
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I have a 98 but finished in 99 E SuperDuty what I found was I was replacing the ball joints I needed the Vin # it said it was a E 350 but yes there is a but it's built on a 450 frame so it's gvw is 14050 like the 450's according to Ford this was the begining of the E 450 the ball joints were for 350 but eveyting else was 450 if you look at the E350 gvw is 12050 so I guess this would be would what to look at well this what was explained to me from the Ford Dealer ship
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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My 2001 coach model year, is on a 2000 Ford E-450 SD V-10 chassis, and Ford has a label on the finder that says E-450 SD and Triton V-10, its GVWR is 14,050 lbs. And there are other ways to tell its a 450, the rear Axel is wider than a 350, and will often have lower rear gears, as well a larger disk brakes all the way around, no drum brakes, rear sway bar and the V-10 in 1998 and newer is standard on the E-450 SD,(no more 460s) the V-8 is standard on the E-350 in 2000 I believe.
There are more differences in the E 450 and the E 350 than meat the eye, and this is just a partial list, springs, rear Axel width and gear ratio, brake rotor size, type of brake booster, sway bars, GVWR, TOW rating, HD transmission cooler. Etc.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
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ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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Cool Mike, You are right about all that. But it seems the differences between the E350 & E450 became a little less in more recent years, though most points you mentioned still apply today. Things the same these days are the V10 and brakes.
I want to mention, it is risky to say that an E450 is better than an E350 in every Class-C application. If the RV is scaled down and lighter in weight, yet built on an E450, it will ride more like an empty dump truck than an SUV, bouncing over every road imperfection. It would be an over-rated chassis. We do read some threads here with such complaints as being quite serious.
* This post was
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edited 09/06/08 12:20pm by ron.dittmer *
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oldusedbear
Brookings, OR, USA
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I dunno if the dump truck does it justice. Mine is more like a Radio Flyer on a cobblestone path.
I'm looking at the total rear-end conversion to air bag suspension. Not cheap but will be worth it if it cures the Super Harsh ride.
The reason for spelling is so that all of the words don't look the same.
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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ron.dittmer wrote:Cool Mike, You are right about all that. But it seems the differences between the E350 & E450 became a little less in more recent years, though most points you mentioned still apply today. Things the same these days are the V10 and brakes.
I want to mention, it is risky to say that an E450 is better than an E350 in every Class-C application. If the RV is scaled down and lighter in weight, yet built on an E450, it will ride like an empty dump truck, bouncing over every road imperfection. It would be an over-rated chassis. We do read some threads here with such complaints as being quite serious.
I agree completely, the rigs loded weight should determine the chassis capacity, and you can get the V-10 in the E 350, so towing should not be a problem, as long as all of the other thins are rated OK, tong weight, rear over hang, gear ratio Etc. Mine was originally set up to tow an enclosed sand rail trailer, and has a class 3 hitch rated at 5000 lbs with 500 on the hitch, or 7500 lbs with 750 lbs on the ball with a load equalizing hitch. (no slides) makes this possible, I have had all four corners weighed, so its legal, and the rear frame will take it, plus its equipped with electric brakes. But I dont tow anything.
But it sure drives and handles nice, with the tire air at the tire Mfg rating for its weight, not its rock hard max.
These are some of the things you need to look at when you buy an E 350 or 450 class c.
Mike.
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Roadfrog
Chilliwack, BC Canada
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Based on all the class C shopping we did lately, the E450 designation generally begins with anything larger than a 27 footer. Our 99 Itasca 29 footer built Feb 99, has the E450 badge on the fender (as opposed to the "E Superduty" one).
* This post was
edited 09/06/08 12:46pm by Roadfrog *
Cheers
Chris
1999 Winnebago Itasca Spirit 29N
1988 Campion Allante 195
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oldusedbear
Brookings, OR, USA
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I think The Frog has jumped in the right direction. My E450 (CoachHouse) is only 23 feet long. The rear springs would probably be more accommodating with another few thousand pounds of weight on them.
Can't complain about the handling, braking, performance etc. Just rides like a skateboard.
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