Whats the difference in a Ford E-350 vs E-450

stevek · Post by **stevek** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:18 pm

I read the previous discussion regarding the "ruff rear end ride".
I am looking at a used 2011 BF.... has the 350 chassis.

What is the difference between the 2 chassis?

So.... some of the longer BF's have the 450 chassis?
And the shorter ones have the 350?

Thanks... this will be my first MH ever.... so all Greek to me

mockturtle · Post by **mockturtle** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 8:41 pm

My 24RB has the Super Duty 450 chassis. It has a higher GVWR [gross vehicle weight rating] than one on a 350.

lassen · Post by **lassen** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:10 pm

Steve.....

We have a 2005 24RB on the E450 chassis purchased June 2004. At 4000 miles had an alignment done with the coach loaded the way we travel. We now have 58000 plus miles and on second set of tires. Original brakes, original shocks, no problems and no complaints about ride or performance .

This coach has two trips thru Mexico and a trip to Alaska without problems. Our previous coach was a Born Free 26RB. You are definetly on the right track looking at Born Frees.

Jack

whemme · Post by **whemme** » Sat Jul 14, 2012 10:59 am

The older E450 had a gross weight limit of 14,050 lbs whereas the E350 was rated at 11,500 lbs. Later model years of both had somewhat higher gross weight limits. The E450 has a Dana 80 rear axle that had a track width that was 5" wider than the Dana 70 rear axle on the E350. Also, the E450 rear axle was rated for max load of 9,450 lbs whereas I believe the E350 rear axle was rated at 8,500 lbs.

The E450 has a fuel tank capacity of 55 gallons whereas the E350 has a 38 gallon tank. Those are the major differences that I can recall.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Sat Jul 14, 2012 2:32 pm

The concern would be to have the chassis matched to the coach weight. A coach that's too heavy for the chassis will be a too soft ride, more difficult to drive and control, stressful, etc. A coach that's too light will be prone to have a "harsh" ride. When its matched it all works well. It would depend on the model BF, weight, over all length and wheel base.