RVBusiness, March/April 2020

the motorhome market The standard alternator will be a 210 amp unit but a 240 amp model is available as is a CNG gaseous propane prep package for motorhome builders to consider Towing capacity is a maximum of 7000 pounds depending on the motorhome and the chassis features an 80 gallon fuel tank Ford has also incorporated many of the driver safety functions from the companys passenger cars and pickup lines and will now offer standard traction control in addition to hillstart assist and automatic headlights An electronic stability control system is available as an option And drivers will be delighted to see the all new smart steering wheel and instrument cluster transferred over from the Super Duty trucks Wheelbases will range from 158 inches to 252 inches with gross vehicle weight ratings GVWR of 22000 24000 and 26000 pounds Also the 73 liter engine represents a significant upgrade over the Triton V 10 and is rated at 350 hp and 468 lb ft of torque Ford has updated the E series van chassis E 350 E 450 to include the aforementioned 73 liter gas engine Marketed as a 2021 model Ford claims a best in class GVWR at 14500 pounds giving motorhome manufacturers the ability to pack more features in their offerings In addition to the new engine Fords E series will include an updated instrument panel with an all new gauge cluster steering wheel and a built in radio with Bluetooth functionality and integrated USB port The E series van chassis will have standard 4G LTS Wi Fi for up to 10 devices as well as traction control hill start assist and auto headlights Ford will also utilize a number of other driver safety features such as automatic emergency braking adaptive cruise control electronic stability control and lane departure warning The Ford E Series cutaway will have some changes for 2021 including a new V 8 steering wheel and electronics FREIGHTLINER CUSTOM CHASSIS CORP Freightliner offers two chassis models for diesel pushers Each chassis has different engine and transmission options which allow coachbuilders to meet their performance and budgetary goals The big news is the companys 2020 introduction of its DriveTech dashboard with all digital OptiView display DriveTech includes a feature rich control system to give the driver control of the coach and many of its functions while driving This is done by putting the most commonly used controls in easy to reach positions so the driver can access them without being distracted including on an all new smart wheel control stalks on the column push button start and an optional key fob OptiView is a fully digital dash with an antiglare display that integrates all camera views as well as the touch screen radio and Bluetooth steering controls to make driving even easier It features Bluetooth connectivity iOS and Android compatible an available 360 degree camera system touchscreen controls multimedia playback diagnostics and more Freightliner offers a proprietary RoadWatch package which includes adaptive cruise control collision mitigation forward warning and active braking Another feature is Electronic Stability Control ESC which is a system that helps stabilize the vehicle using selective wheel braking when the sensors indicate drifting or sliding during curves or evasive maneuvering Roll Stability Control RSC is also included to help prevent vehicle rollover Automatic Traction Control ATC is part of the package and it prevents wheel spin in wet or other low traction conditions SL For larger coaches Freightliner offers the SL chassis designed for heavy duty service and offering the largest carrying and towing capacities This version is available in a raised rail or modular rail configuration but with the SL chassis the steel is upgraded to 5 16 inches thick as part of the design Wheelbases on this model range from 252 inches to 296 inches The difference in the SL is obvious as soon as you see the ngine lineup The smaller engine a Cum The Euro styled Ford Transit is a relative newcomer to the RV scene and is available for Class Bs and compact Class Cs 110 RVBusiness M A R C H A P R I L 2 0 2 0 The Ford Transit has made a big impact within the compact motorhome community for a number of reasons There are several engine options including a 35 liter EcoBoost V 6 that makes an impressive 310 hp and 400 lb ft of torque and a naturally aspirated 37 liter V 6 engine that produces 275 hp and 260 lb ft of torque The true gem in this chassis however is the powerful 32 liter PowerStroke I 5 turbocharged diesel Though it is only rated at 180 hp the real benefit is the 350 lb ft of torque in the 1500 and 2500 rpm range where most people drive Ford offers the Transit in a variety of configurations including 9000 9500 9950 and 10360 pound GVWR choices as well as several rear axle ratios including limited slip options Wheelbase options for the cutaway chassis are 138 156 and 178 inches while the van body wheelbase measures 148 inches The tow rating of the Transit van is 4700 pounds depending on the motorhome and the cutaway chassis has a tow capacity of 7500 pounds The Transit cutaway for Class Cs and the panel vans used for Class Bs come standard with front driver and passenger air bags as well as a number of other optional safety and convenience features that can be ordered by the motorhome manufacturer including lane keeping alert Ford SYNC 3 and more TRANSIT