I think you should NOT let that be the main determining factor in which unit you pick. Tie breaker maybe but floor plan and equipment are WAY more important.
Bobbo and Lin
2017 F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab w/Max Tow Package 3.5l EcoBoost V6
2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB
The Ford platform is much more common as well which is good for parts and service availability.
2013 Ram 3500 Megacab DRW Laramie 4x4, 6.7L Cummins, G56, 3.73, Maximum Steel, black lthr, B&W RVK3670 hitch, Retrax, Linex, and a bunch of options incl. cargo camera
2008 Corsair Excella Platinum 34.5 CKTS fifth wheel with winter package & disc brakes
The Ford is more common particularly in motorhomes, and the current E-450 has slightly higher weight ratings than the Chevy 4500 (though not by a huge margin).
The Chevy has more room in the cab, particularly foot room, and many say it rides a little better and perhaps is less demanding of good alignment and adjustment for good handling.
Here Santa. All listed on tractor paper. 17 sheets. My ideal chassis...
Well SHOOT! I can dream can't I ?
The 6.0L V8 is a great motor. Both it and the Ford have had HP spec changes in the last year or so for some reason. Before those changes, I recall that the Chevy had quite a bit more HP, and the torque was similar to the Ford. My point being, don't get hung up on the mistaken idea that the 6.0 Chevy is not as strong as the 6.8 V10 Ford. It's probably the other way around! (That'll get some eyes rolling, but I bet it's true.)
The Chevy 6 speed trans is great. The engine and trans combo work well. I cruise in 6th at about 2000 RPM. When it needs to downshift to 5th, there is no commotion, and virtually no increase in noise. 4th is not unpleasant, but at that point you are hearing more of it.
Ford people like to talk about "let it scream, that's what it is designed to do." I just have not experienced that with the Chevy. I think the Chevy is a real stout engine, and the package is smooth and quiet.
Ford now has a 6 speed. I think it has greatly improved upon the manners of the prior 5 speed trans. A lot of people complained about that one. So, maybe the 6 speed is now as good as the Chevy's manners and noise level.
(Again prior to the new 6 speed) Fords got worse MPG than the Chevy. It seemed to be about 1 MPG less. Maybe that gap as closed somewhat or completely now.
There is some difference between the two in front end suspension architecture, which I don't recall. The Chevy handles quite well.
There is no noticeable engine doghouse heat in our two Chevys.
Both the driver and passenger legroom is better in the Chevy. I think the Chevy nose is 6 inches longer, so they must have the engine a bit more forward.
For all those reasons, I bought the Chevy for our Class C's. Just so you know, I like both Ford and Chevy trucks in general. My last three pickups were Ford, Ford, and Chevy (diesel). I try to buy what's right for the situation.
Currently RV-less but not done yet.
The price of those individual spark plug coil amplifier noodgies. I love -riding- in a V10 Ford van - the engine idles so smooth I can't even feel it. But I make myself scarce at the gas pump and I grin and shrug when one of those nightmare spark plug conspiracies goes seppuku.
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
I love -riding- in a V10 Ford van - the engine idles so smooth I can't even feel it.
I love -riding- in a V10 Ford van - the engine idles so smooth I can't even feel it.
Hot rumor is the V10 is going out to pasture soon. New engine will be based on the existing 6.2L, but larger displacement and more power.
Not sure what transmission GM is using in that size vehicle, but the Ford 6R140 is used in everything up to the F750 so it is pretty strong.
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
My God.
The price of those individual spark plug coil amplifier noodgies. I love -riding- in a V10 Ford van - the engine idles so smooth I can't even feel it. But I make myself scarce at the gas pump and I grin and shrug when one of those nightmare spark plug conspiracies goes seppuku.
My God.
The price of those individual spark plug coil amplifier noodgies. I love -riding- in a V10 Ford van - the engine idles so smooth I can't even feel it. But I make myself scarce at the gas pump and I grin and shrug when one of those nightmare spark plug conspiracies goes seppuku.
Coil-on-plug units are not particularly troublesome, generally speaking. Many modern gas engines use them. They eliminate the plug wires, and their periodic replacement and other annoyances. I'm not quite sure what you mean about their price, either; aftermarket ones can be had for $5 apiece or so, and Ford OEM ones for under $40 with a very quick search online.
Dealing with the spark plugs on a Ford E series chassis is no walk in the park, I'll grant, since they're all but inaccessible. I suspect the Chevy engine installation might be a bit easier to deal with for that, though I haven't checked for myself.
One problem I see is Chevrolet no longer makes the 4500. Last one was 2008 or 2009. I had a 5500 MDT we used to tow or 5er. Was a great TV but started had little problems finding parts for it. So I traded it in on our now 4400 International.
"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
Komfort 23TS wrote:
What truck for a class c motor home? Chevrolet 4500 or ford 450? I lean towards the Chevrolet. Need advice. Thank you
What truck for a class c motor home? Chevrolet 4500 or ford 450? I lean towards the Chevrolet. Need advice. Thank you
I only have half ton Silverado so dont know about those big rigs,,but fwiw in these 9 years never had any serious issues with this truck..
If you Drive smartly truck will always last long time
chiefneon wrote:
Howdy!
One problem I see is Chevrolet no longer makes the 4500. Last one was 2008 or 2009. I had a 5500 MDT we used to tow or 5er. Was a great TV but started had little problems finding parts for it. So I traded it in on our now 4400 International.
"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
Howdy!
One problem I see is Chevrolet no longer makes the 4500. Last one was 2008 or 2009. I had a 5500 MDT we used to tow or 5er. Was a great TV but started had little problems finding parts for it. So I traded it in on our now 4400 International.
"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
The Chevrolet/GMC website says otherwise.
![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
I don't know precisely when they restarted production, but it's been at least a couple years.
The older 4500 that Chief is on about was based on the Kodiak chassis, a full blown mid-duty truck. The new ones are a beefed up Chevy Evpress van chassis.
Dave W. AKA "Toyman"
KE5GOH - On 146.52
RV's ? What RV's ???
Apache Pop-up
Classic GMC Motorhome
07 Leisure Travel Sprinter
Do Boats Count ?
chiefneon wrote:
Howdy!
One problem I see is Chevrolet no longer makes the 4500. Last one was 2008 or 2009. ...
"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
Howdy!
One problem I see is Chevrolet no longer makes the 4500. Last one was 2008 or 2009. ...
"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon
Not true in the van cutaways. Ours is a 2014.
As a potential owner or buyer, I don't believe GM's spotty production record should keep anybody from owning one. It's still a GM vehicle with probably 90-pct-plus of the chassis, body, and cockpit parts shared with other GM truck and van products.
If God's Your Co-Pilot Move Over, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100 218" WB
Chevrolet has partnered with Navistar to continue the production of the Chevy Cutaway and upping production rate of the vehicle.
We may see more Chevy Based RVs.
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 WORKHORSE VORTEC
Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C
