E450 Model Years July 24, 2017, 10:13:14 am In my continuing research on motor homes, I have read here and on other forums that the 2008 E450 was a major improvement over older model years. I am trying to get some feedback on what that means not only in ownership satisfaction but pricing if one were to buy an older model. I also read here that 2016 was another big step forward but motor homes that new are not in my price wheelhouse.
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #1 – July 24, 2017, 12:21:05 pm Quote from: funpilot - July 24, 2017, 10:13:14 amIn my continuing research on motor homes, I have read here and on other forums that the 2008 E450 was a major improvement over older model years. I am trying to get some feedback on what that means not only in ownership satisfaction but pricing if one were to buy an older model. I also read here that 2016 was another big step forward but motor homes that new are not in my price wheelhouse.There were improvements in 2008 but not enough to go out of your way to find a 2008 or newer.I have driven newer ones and I really do not feel much of a difference.They all have the same truck engine.The improvements were upsized brakes,, steering improvements and 450-lbs greater GVW, worth looking for, if buying a 31' model.Larry
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #2 – July 24, 2017, 01:02:21 pm "Larger front and rear rotors and calipers provide a greater swept area for more stopping power. These robust components and new pad materials lower operating temperature while supporting enhanced capabilityand durability. Standard on every 2008 E-Series."Strictly personal opinion, but when towing, I'm glad for a better braking system.If your'e tall, 4" was added to the cab making more room for the driver.Do these things add value? That's up to you. 1 Likes
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #3 – July 24, 2017, 02:07:50 pm Plus an improved transmission "Proven on Super Duty Chassis Cabs and Pickups, the available 5-speed automatic TorqShift® transmission is designed for the high torque outputs of powerful E-Series engines. It’s also improved for 2008 with an enhanced torque converter, as well as stronger low-end and overdrive gear sets. An innovative Tow/Haul Mode4 reduces gear hunting when towing and uses engine braking when descending steep grades."
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #4 – July 24, 2017, 04:23:22 pm Quote from: Ed D. - July 24, 2017, 02:07:50 pmPlus an improved transmission "Proven on Super Duty Chassis Cabs and Pickups, the available 5-speed automatic TorqShift® transmission is designed for the high torque outputs of powerful E-Series engines. It’s also improved for 2008 with an enhanced torque converter, as well as stronger low-end and overdrive gear sets. An innovative Tow/Haul Mode4 reduces gear hunting when towing and uses engine braking when descending steep grades."The 5-speed transmission first appeared in the 2005 E450s.While the extra gear is nice, it is a low speed advantage only, the 5-speed splits the 4-speed auto's (4L100) 1st and 2nd gears into three gears. What really was needed was an extra gear between 2nd and 3rd gear.Terry Tanner's Technoz site has gearing charts for both the 4 and 5 speed transmissions.The new 6-speed, available in the 2017 E450s, has a better gear spread and is much beefier, upping the GCVW to 22,000lbs.This is the transmission I wish we had. Retrofitting is not possible.Larry
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #5 – July 24, 2017, 06:14:18 pm Larry With the GCVW to 22,000lbs, is it possible 2017 LD towing may increase to 5000lbs+? Fingers crossed?Ron
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #6 – July 24, 2017, 07:12:24 pm Quote from: Sarz272000 - July 24, 2017, 06:14:18 pm With the GCVW to 22,000lbs, is it possible 2017 LD towing may increase to 5000lbs+? Fingers crossedA E450 can already tow 5000-lbs, using an upgraded hitch.I doubt if LD will change the 4000-lb rating on the bumper hitch, it would require redesigning the bumper and its attachment to the frame . The upgrade will be on your dime.Larry
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #7 – July 24, 2017, 07:31:08 pm "While the extra gear is nice, it is a low speed advantage only..."When dragging a too heavy Jeep over 10,000'+ Vail Pass I'll take all the help I can get. 😉 2 Likes
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #8 – July 24, 2017, 10:40:55 pm Any idea how much weight upgraded hitch would add? Waffling btw 27MB and 31IB. We love the queen permanent bed. Not much ccc on IB. Any extra lbs a concern.Ron
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #9 – July 25, 2017, 02:38:34 am Quote from: Ed D. - July 24, 2017, 07:31:08 pmWhen dragging a too heavy Jeep over 10,000'+ Vail Pass I'll take all the help I can get. 😉I finally got smart when encountering long, steep grades, now disconnecting and having the wife drive the Jeep.It's so much easier on the drivetrain than pulling the jeep, not crawling along in first or second gear, at 4000 RPM.I do lust for the new six speed transmission...but not enough to buy a new one.Now if Ford would install their Power Stroke diesel in the E450, I might get in line.Larry 4 Likes
Re: E450 Model Years Reply #10 – July 25, 2017, 08:56:06 am Quote from: Sarz272000 - July 24, 2017, 10:40:55 pmAny idea how much weight upgraded hitch would add? Waffling btw 27MB and 31IB. We love the queen permanent bed. Not much ccc on IB. Any extra lbs a concern.RonAdding frame rail extensions per the Ford Upfitter's manual spec, and then adding an off-the-shelf E350/450 Class 3/4 hitch will eat up 100lbs or slightly less. Extensions involving long lengths of 2" thick-wall tubing and the like may run slightly more, since the primary load-carrying capabilities are related to the combined vertical dimension of the extension. The horizontal elements basically keep the vertical from buckling under load (primary function) or 'wiggling' back and forth (secondary benefit, but still important.)Which approach you can take depends on between-rail tankage details which likely vary by model.Chip
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