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Topic: Differences Between Ford & Chevy Chassis (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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Differences Between Ford & Chevy Chassis
Yahoo Message Number: 2027
I will be looking to purchase a used 22'-23.5' LD about a year from now. Since I am on a budget, it looks like I will be relegated to units from the 80's.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which chassis from this period has a better powertrain reliability reputation?

How about handling, ride, and road manners?

Any other things I should be watching for?
Differences Between Ford & Chevy Cha
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2033
I am not certain the Ford was avilable in the '80's, at least not early on. The choices were Dodge or Chevy for the first couple of years, and all the ones I have seen up to at least '86 were not on the Ford chassis.

At least in '88 there was a 26.5' model on the Ford, so it is possible in that year it was offered for the smaller models as well. The earliest showroom models I saw were in '93, and both versions were available in that year.

I don't think there is a reliability issue between them - they both have their faults - but I also think most people liked saving the
1.5' of overall length with no interior penalty the
 Chevy version provides, and the chassis load capacity parallels the extra dry weight of the Ford.

The extra length of the Ford gives you no extra cabroom, but the big block is standard - probably better when power falls off in the mountains than the small-block Chevy. However, anything before the late 80's, at the earliest, will be carbureted, and if I were to do it again, I would stay with Chevy, but get a late enough model to have fuel injection.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Differences Between Ford & Chevy Cha
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2034
Our LD is a 22 ft.'89 Chevy. It has fuel injection and more than enough power for the mountains.
Differences Between Ford & Chevy Cha
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2038
Either chassis works OK. You will not see many older Fords . I would just try to find the unit in best shape overall that you can afford. Make sure you keep maybe $2000 in reserve . Most MH need tires (they rot before they wear out) and other items and it can be more expensive to work on than a car. It's hard to find all the defects a MH has when you inspect it. There is so much to look at. I have helped friends to inspect used MHs and they are surprised when it can takes 3 hours. And you still find more problems after you buy. Realize that the drivetrains on any of these units wears out much faster than a van or pickup due to the high weight loading, especially when driven hard or poorly maintained.. When looking, consider having it checked out professionally. Many auto repair chains check and"certify" cars and trucks. It might be worth it to have some piece of mind and a warrenty on the mechanicals.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Differences Between Ford & Chevy Cha
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2062
I'd like to keep the length as short as possible as I won't have a towd and will need to negotiate parking lots and such. The Chevy chassis sounds like it might just edge out the Ford due to this aspect alone.
Plus, it's beginning to sound like that is the only short option from the late '80s.

Any idea when the Chevy got fuel injection? Was '89 the first year for that?
 
Differences Between Ford & Chevy Cha
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2063
I'd like to keep the length as short as possible as I won't have a towd and will need to negotiate parking lots and such. The Chevy chassis sounds like it might just edge out the Ford due to this aspect alone.
Plus, it's beginning to sound like that is the only short option from the late '80s.

Any idea when the Chevy got fuel injection? Was '89 the first year for that?