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New chassis for Phoenix

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ragoodsp

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New chassis for Phoenix
« on: August 10, 2015, 03:18:11 pm »
I posted some time ago on the subject of offering a new chassis for PC's,  did not get much reaction from forum readers so perhaps everyone is very content with the E series?   Personally, I would love to see Phoenix offer either the Ram 5500 or Ford F-550, better ride, quite cab, more cab room,  better handling, and much higher GCVW.  Diesel option would be great and allow a little longer coach like the 33'7" Born Free. What do you all think?    Thanks
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Barry-Sue

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2015, 03:48:43 pm »
I have seen several RV's on the F550 chassis over the last two years.

Here are some things I have observed:

1.  F-550 cab area is about 24" longer than the E450.  This would make a 31 foot  E-450 a 33 foot F-550.

2.  RV's seem to sit much higher on the F-550 Chassis.

3.  Getting from the cab area on a F-550 into the coach is next to impossible without exiting the cab and entering the RV though the side door.

Barry

« Last Edit: August 10, 2015, 03:51:57 pm by Barry-Sue »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2015, 04:36:30 pm »
We owned a Toyota truck chassis motor home for 24 years.  Like Barry mentioned, there was a lot of lost length for the actual living space.  And it wasn't fun getting between cab and cabin.  I would naturally shy away from anything that resembles a pickup truck with a long hood.

I feel the Ford Transit cut-away diesel and gas would be an interesting replacement for the E350 & Sprinter for the shorter PCs.
« Last Edit: August 10, 2015, 04:46:55 pm by ron.dittmer »
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ragoodsp

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2015, 05:11:11 pm »
 Good feedback Gents.  The Ford Transit will not be a viable option for my application.  Lets face it the turning radius on the E-450 is horrible so  the F-550 would most likely  be even worse!  Guess I will just have to get myself into and M2 Freightliner!( my wife will never let that happen)
« Last Edit: August 10, 2015, 08:10:35 pm by ragoodsp »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2015, 11:08:34 am »
Quote from: ragoodsp on August 10, 2015, 05:11:11 pm
Good feedback Gents.  The Ford Transit will not be a viable option for my application.  Lets face it the turning radius on the E-450 is horrible so  the F-550 would most likely  be even worse!  Guess I will just have to get myself into and M2 Freightliner!( my wife will never let that happen)
I keep reading that one day soon the E450 will no longer be made.  If it actually happens, that will dramatically impact the class B+/C motor home industry, for there is nothing as capable other than the F-series chassis you mention.  You just might get your wish.  :)
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ragoodsp

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2015, 03:44:33 pm »
Ron D. and others.....I have been chatting of late with individuals in the commercial vehicle business as well as the RV industry and both are saying the demand for the E chassis had not lessoned at all and  perhaps have increased a fair amount , they all say there are just no good alternatives at this particular time to this durable and tried E chassis.   It will be interesting to see if perhaps Workhorse/GM steps back into the market aggressively and fills the vacuum or will Ford reconsider their 2020 shut down schedule?  While many like the F-550 chassis there are drawbacks with such a long chassis.  it will be interesting to see where it all goes, Kermit does not seem to concerned and is sure sticking with the E's until the end. thanks
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David J. Rotelle

Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2015, 05:12:07 pm »
I talked to on of the salesman from Born Free last month, he thinks Ford may stick with the 450 chassis for the same reasons mentioned.
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ragoodsp

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2015, 08:51:05 am »
Interesting news feed yesterday really threw some "beef"on the table for Ford and their negotiations with the labor union.....Ford is moving production of the F-650 and 750 out of Mexico to Ohio where 1400 jobs will now be saved as the plant was scheduled to be shuttered or cut back significantly because of the slow down in small car sales.  Coincidently,  the E-cutaway chassis' are made at that plant.  Not to jump to conclusions but I would think the consolidation of mid size truck chassis production to one plant could indicate the E series will be kept around for longer than 2020?
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Ron Goodspeed
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David J. Rotelle

Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2015, 10:46:34 am »
Several months ago we installed the Super Spring leaf springs to our E350 Chassis. We also installed Bilstein comfort shocks to the front and rear.
I decided to install the Super Springs to raise the rear end of our Coach and to reduce the sway in the back end. The Super Springs have two settings on their shackles consequently we used the setting with the least resistance.
The ride was improved and the Coach sat much nicer however there was no real change to smooth the ride. I called Super Spring and they suggested another set of shackles with a third setting (even less tension) which they shipped at no cost. The Coach is now roughly 1" higher in the rear as apposed to about 2" and the Coach really rides nice.
I admit it could be wishful thinking but I really think it helped with the hammering on the highway seams.
I am a big fan of the  Ford chassis we have had several over the years, my only complaint was the jarring/rough ride in the rear.

It still doesn't ride like a car but there's a noticeable improvement.

Dave


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Ron Dittmer

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2015, 11:37:50 am »
Interesting Dave!

I had wondered about Sulastic Shackles for $419.  They seem to be a very simplistic & logical approach to smoothing out the ride of an E-series motor home, though not sure how they will affect the height.
« Last Edit: August 13, 2015, 11:45:39 am by ron.dittmer »
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David J. Rotelle

Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #10 on: August 13, 2015, 06:55:20 pm »
Ron,

When you mention the height,  are you concerned because of the head room in your garage? I measured the clearance between the top of the rear tire and the fender above it before and after..........I wrote down the measurements so I wouldn't forget. The increase was about one inch.

If I can figure out how to attach some photo's I'll attach a picture of the coach I took today showing the side view with the super springs as well as the Captains chairs we installed......

Ron if your travels take you to Pa in the future make sure you let us know we would enjoy meeting you and your wife. We have a beautiful spot to hook up for the night on our farm. (We used to have a B&B/Farm Stay on our farm years ago and enjoy visitors).

Dave
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #11 on: August 13, 2015, 11:55:20 pm »
Dave,  I cannot afford any  more height.  I think 1 inch  might make contact between ac and garage opening..  Thanks for the invitation.  This year we are heading to northern  Cal.  Maybe another time.  When retired, I plan to go to some PC gatherings to meet some of you great people.  I feel like a PC hermit.
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Joseph

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Re: New chassis for Phoenix
« Reply #12 on: September 23, 2015, 05:15:39 pm »
I see that Born free now uses the F series on their units that are 27' and longer. They really look good
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