E350 vs E450

We are seriously thinking about upgrading our 2007 PC2350 to a new PC2351 that is a foot longer in the wheelbase.  Our current RV is on a E350 chassis.   I believe you can get either a E350 or E450 for the PC2351.  I would prefer to go to the E450 to get more margin on the load capacity.  My concern is that the ride may be considerably more harsh than what we are use to.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Do you think there will be much difference in ride quality between the E350 and E450?

I've had a E350 and E450, I didn't notice any different in the ride. I did notice almost 10% less gas mileage with the 450.

Hi JJCruiser,

I had dreamed of making the same change from our 2007 2350 to a new 2351, though it would never happen.  Like yourself, I too had wondered if the E450 would be the better choice.  The following have been thoughts whirling around in my head.

If going with the E350....
You could experience a more harsh ride up front because the front suspension load rating increased significantly starting in 2008.   Our actual load on our heavy duty front suspension is on the light side already and just changing to a current-day E350 concerns me of an even rougher ride.

The current-day E350 rear axle rating also increased, but since most of the load of model 2350 and 2351 is on the rear axle, the increase would be well utilized.

If going with the E450....
Like yourself, I worry the increased load capability on both front and rear axles could jar the rig, it's contents, and us exponentially.

If I was anal about all this with our old 2350, I would replace our 2007 E350 2350 front springs to one rating lower in load capability so the front suspension better matches our actual front load.  Doing so would theoretically increase front ride comfort and also lower the front end slightly.  If afterward, our rig did not level out, I would then add one or two leaf springs in back (per side) to bring up the rear to level the rig.

I had always wondered if the reason for the 2350's rear end sag is caused primarily from an under-loaded front suspension.  And I also wonder if the same would apply to model 2351.

So there you go with more ideas to further complicate your decision.

The gas mileage should be the same on the new e350 and e450 chassis as they both have the same rear axle ratio (4.56) and the same tranny (6 speed, with 2 overdrive gears). My 2018 2400 in 4500 miles has averaged 10.4 mpg driving mostly 55 mph. Better than I expected.

  Lynn

My E350 had a 3.10 ratio.

We purchased a new 2015 2351 from PC and paid extra for a E-450 chassis. We had zero problems with it as far as ride and handling was concerned. The only modification I did was to install Koni FSB shocks on it. I would recommend the E-450 chassis.

Thanks everyone for your input.  I did not even think about gas mileage.  I will ask Barry about the rear axle ratio when we are at the factory on Friday.

Ron, your comments about differences in weight distribution on the 2350 and 2351 make sense to me.  You may recall that I made all the suspension improvements to my 2007 2350 as you did with yours.  I really like the ride and handling of the RV after those upgrades, I am just hoping not to take any steps back in ride/handling by upgrading to a 2351.  I guess I can always make the same improvements (trac bar, sway bars, etc) to the 2351 if needed, but I don't know how I would fix a harsh ride if that turns out to be true for an E450 version.  I am encouraged by Keelhauler's reply that he did not notice a difference between the E350 and E450.

Ron-n-toni,  Thank you for the recommendation to the E-450, I think I am leaning that way.  Did you have the factory install the Koni FSB shocks or did you do it afterwards?  I am curious if you have a before and after comparison with the shock upgrade?

Thanks again,

JJ

Just adding one more thought comparing model 2350 and 2351.  The 1 foot extra length of a 2351 is 100% added by increasing the wheel base via stretching the frame, therefore model 2351 should handle a bit better.  Also the weight distribution should be a little better too, placing more weight on the front suspension.  The question is... Are the two minor differences going to make the rig handle noticeably better?  JJCruiser, one day you will be the person with the answer.

A comforting thought...
If you go with the E450 and it rides as rough as an empty box truck, you could always change the front springs to a lesser rated pair, and remove a leaf spring or two in back to soften the ride.  So there is a reasonable solution if your decision wasn't the right one.  Because of that, I favor the E450 too.

Or you could load some lead ingots under the side bed. . Back to reality.  I installed  the Koni shocks myself but I understand that PC will install them during  production. I prefer Koni shocks over Bilstein because Koni's dampen both ways, in and out (or retract and extend; or up and down) and yes, I thought they made for a smoother ride. (This will reopen the Bilstein/Koni debate) To really add to the confusion , I traded my 2351 in for a 2552 with the 6 inch extension with the longer beds. This has to be the best riding RV I owned. It isn't air ride but better than the 2351 and the Born Free 27 side bed I had before. Hope this helps.

Thanks again for everyone's input.  We have our order in for a 2351 on a E-450 chassis.  Having talked to individuals at Phoenix, Liquid Spring, and seeing many very positive testimonials and articles, we decided to include the Liquid Spring system. Our trip back from the factory is what ultimately convinced us to give it a try, we were on some very rough roads.  It will be very interesting to experience how the new RV will compare. 

Thanks again,

JJ

Thanks again for everyone's input.  We have our order in for a 2351 on a E-450 chassis.  Having talked to individuals at Phoenix, Liquid Spring, and seeing many very positive testimonials and articles, we decided to include the Liquid Spring system. Our trip back from the factory is what ultimately convinced us to give it a try, we were on some very rough roads.  It will be very interesting to experience how the new RV will compare. 

Thanks again,

JJ

Congratulations JJ!
We will be anxious to see your new PC!

Quote from: JJCruiser on June 21, 2018, 05:13:25 pm

Congratulations JJ!
We will be anxious to see your new PC!

Thank you!   Now the hard part . . .  waiting.  Ours has an expected completion date of October.   Can't wait!   

JJCruiser, I sent you a private message.

JJCruiser, I sent you a private message.

Thanks Ron!  I just sent you an e-mail.

JJ