Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club Info & Discussion Forum

I attended the 60th Anniversary party for Dodgen Industries. Doug Spencer spoke and he outlined the changes that were to be made in the 2008 Born Free: 1. 3-burner stove standard in all models, 2, lower sofa base ends for cab chairs to recline, 3. new lp detector, 4. custom birch utensil and knive block drawer insert, 5. new carpet 42 oz Berba cut pile, 6. tag and label drain valves (simplify) winterization, 7. new overhead cabinet hinges, gas shocks.

When he finished his presentation they opened the overhead door to the showroom where we were seated. They drove in the 2008 models; 1st a 22' rear door, 2nd 24' rear bath, 3rd 26' rear bed, and 4th the 32'. I was stunned by the fact that at 35' away I could not see any seams, but as you can see by the pictures they are there. The seams are now glued together eliminating the need for screws.

There are several other changes: new nose cone design; new led lights for clearance, turn signals and tail light which are all molded into the body for easier washing and protection against breakage, a new trailer hitch by Rigid. The new nose cone is more aerodynamic than before. The sides have a new lower skirt along with new rear fenders which are equal to the present front fenders.

All in all a most welcome change to the old design.

Hi Cande,
I'm glad you were able to make the celebration, we were not able to attend. During the presentation, was anything metnioned about a change in the truck, engine or mechanical parts from the Ford Trucks currently used?

Thank you for the update on the changes presented and your impressions.

LeAnn

Nothing was said about Ford Chassis Changes. We heard that there will be a powerful new look. New E350 cutaway model choice. Increase GVWR on Cutaway - all new brake systems - improved steering system and enchanced suspension - engine appears to remain the same. E-350 DRW will go to 12,500# GVWR, E-450 DRW will go to 14,500# GVWR. The dimensions of the cab and chassis will remain virtually the same.
6.0L diesel engine option on E-350 & E-450 later availablity.

This information was obtained at a Ford Dealer on the literature rack showing 2008 E-Series "The Next Generation".

CANDE

A couple of extra pictures.

I sure like that paint (just the decals) better than the full-paint job they offer. Glad they still have the distinctive look (albeit updated) of a Born Free, too.

Bill

Hi,
Great pictures!! Thank you Candace and Mel!! Do you have any thoughts about the improvements to the various sizes? Did the changes affect or improve the interior spaces - storage, space or design, in a sleepover cab - does the new cabover design give the feeling of more room for the person sleeping in the nose?

Other thoughts?

Thanks

I am wondering if the new flush seam design on the 2008 Born Free body shell will prevent the black streaks from forming which is a common problem on the older bodies and requires the use of black steak remover to clean it off on a periodic basis?

whemme wrote:I am wondering if the new flush seam design on the 2008 Born Free body shell will prevent the black streaks from forming which is a common problem on the older bodies and requires the use of black steak remover to clean it off on a periodic basis?

Bill, don't want to hijack this thread, but do you think that the source of the black streaking is the seams? I guessed that it came from the stuff (dirt, dust, road grime, pollution, bird droppings, etc.) that accumulated on the roof between washings and then seeped over the sides when more moisture accumulated on the roof than it could normally hold without overflowing somewhere. I just figured it found the seams when it came off the roof. You may be right, tho.

Bill

Bill,

I think the black streak formation has something to do with the RTV type sealant used to seal the strip of material (whatever it is) that was used to cover the seams on the older body style. It appeared to me that the sealant attracted dirt and grime because of it's somewhat sticky surface and the gradual accumulation eventually turned black in color.

My analysis of this may be all wrong also.

We feel that we are slowing the board down by posting more pictures, but
We have 28 pictures of the 2008 BF which were taken with a 10 mega pixel camera. We will be happy to make a CD for anyone who provides a self-addressed and stamped CD mailer. Our mailing address is E. Freye, 2215 Mill Road, Sheboygan, WI 53083.

Sam and Bill, the new type seam cannot be retrofitted to older coaches. The reason being the new molds have an overlap of one section to another with space age bonding making them watertight. The vinly type molding is just cosmetic for a clean look. These moldings are attached with their own adhesive backing which means no more screw holes.

As for the black streaks some of them come from the aluminum that is currently used in the strips over any joint where two pieces of fibreglass come together. This is mostly eliminated with the new construction as other than awning rails and hardware, roof ladder and rack and antenna base there is not much aluminum to cause some of the streak problems.

Great pictures -- do you have any pictures of the 32 ft. ? -- would be interested in seeing them -- Bob Newby

Does anyone know when the new Ford 2008 E Series will be available on the new 2008 Born Free models?

32" President

Oooohhh...I like that. I do wonder..that cabover space actually looks smaller. Shorter. I already can't sit up.

But I love the rear dual wheel area, the shocks on the lower doors, and the skirt. It's a nice look. Also really appreciate the idea of labels on drains.

I do want to see it in the new E450 body style.

Mmmm...now that starts to tempt me. However, if the stock market has too many more weeks like this one...I won't be buying anything.

Trish