Ford Chassis July 04, 2020, 10:07:12 am I read that Ford is having financial problems. The E-Series has been the standard chassis in the industry for years. The only other chassis that could replace it is Chevy. Is there anyone out there that would like to see the Chevy chassis on a lazy Daze? Is the Chevy chassis still sold and service through Workhorse? Lynn
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #1 – July 04, 2020, 12:17:31 pm Quote from: rabbitdiesel1 - July 04, 2020, 10:07:12 amI read that Ford is having financial problems. The E-Series has been the standard chassis in the industry for years. The only other chassis that could replace it is Chevy. Is there anyone out there that would like to see the Chevy chassis on a lazy Daze? Is the Chevy chassis still sold and service through Workhorse?AFAIK, Chevy does not have an equal chassis, the one sold is lighter with around 11,000-lb GVW, I see them on smaller rental Class Cs. Dodge isn't in the game at all.Ford probably isn't going to discontinue them, they are a popular vehicle with the development costs amortized a decade ago or longer. If they did, LD may just give up, it would take a radical redesign to use the lighter Chevy, the 22' models would return. There is no reason why other manufacturers could not produce their own cutaway other than financial and needing development time. All the major car companies build trucks and have the running gear available to cobb together a chassis.Larry
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #3 – July 04, 2020, 12:50:34 pm As for financial problems.I'd wager GM is in bigger trouble than Ford.That said, I think Ford will eventually discontinue the E series chassis all together.It's had a very long run and now only serves the RV market.Seems to me that most manufacturers will be minimizing their product choices.Only the top selling products will remain, mostly SUV's these days.Commercial vehicle production is going to get hit hard as well.
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #4 – July 04, 2020, 12:59:55 pm Quote from: Joan - July 04, 2020, 12:37:04 pmRV Cutaway Upfit Options | GM FleetThe Chevy has a 12,300-lb GVW, 2200-lbs less than the E450's GVW of 14.500-lbs.Larry
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #5 – July 04, 2020, 01:13:44 pm Larry the express 3500 is 12300, the express 4500 is 14200.2020 Express Cutaway Van | Versatile Upfit Capability Lynn
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #6 – July 04, 2020, 01:16:45 pm I agree with everything below except to add that it could be quite a while before the newly redesigned E-series is retired. The F-series cutaway chassis is also available. Things like Uhaul trucks and ambulances, which previously used the E-series, have switched to the F-series. I would appreciate the ease of engine access and increases cab space! The couple of extra feet in length would be worth the trade. Rich'03 MB in NCQuote from: Jota - July 04, 2020, 12:50:34 pmAs for financial problems.I'd wager GM is in bigger trouble than Ford.That said, I think Ford will eventually discontinue the E series chassis all together.It's had a very long run and now only serves the RV market.Seems to me that most manufacturers will be minimizing their product choices.Only the top selling products will remain, mostly SUV's these days.Commercial vehicle production is going to get hit hard as well. 2 Likes
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #7 – July 04, 2020, 01:58:50 pm It seems logical, then, to assume the E450 will remain in production as long as the rv industry will buy enough. My guess is that that could go on another 5 years or so.... hard to say. When this does happen, LD will fold. Not many other options plus the management is not getting any younger.The larger C's will be replaced by the small A's like the Winnebago Intent. There is a looming legal issue with the big C's having inadequate load capacity. The rv corporate lawyers have to be nervous about this and will likely insist (maybe some day soon) that a change has to be made because the liability is not acceptable. You can only pay off on so many "incidents" before the big one comes along.When Ford sees this happening and anticipates E450 sales dropping a certain percentage , they'll shut down production and build another truck in the plant. This could happen with very little notice. You heard it here, folks. This is my best guest - which is very similar to several others here.So, if you want an LD, order it now. Frank 1 Likes
Re: Ford Chassis Reply #8 – July 04, 2020, 02:49:38 pm Quote from: rabbitdiesel1 - July 04, 2020, 01:13:44 pmLarry the express 3500 is 12300, the express 4500 is 14200.2020 Express Cutaway Van | Versatile Upfit CapabilityEven with the increased GVW, it would force LD to redesign their coache's to fit. When Ford upgraded to the six-speed transmission, it took LD several months to work out the details for a minor change. A new chassis would be a huge project, one that Steve has done before with the Kodiak and E550, only to have the chassis discontinued, representing a huge financial loss.One more major change and Steve will probably retired or continue doing repair work only. We have been speculating for several years that the end could be near and yet, LD is still in business, that's the nature of speculation.Larry
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