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Old 07-22-2019, 09:01 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 66
E350 vs e450 4 window bus?

Just wanted to see what would be better for a skoolie I found a nice e350 7.3 powerstroke thomas.

I want to convert it and maybe have it hold 40 gallons of water. And be capable of towing a small car?

Can I do this? or will I need to find a e450 7.3 powerstroke

Thanks for the help

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Old 07-22-2019, 10:38 PM   #2
Bus Nut
 
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Location: Greater Boston
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From what I've read, it really depends on the specific chassis. Ford made small tweaks, changes, and adjustments to the different models over the years - which makes it hard to say outright that the 450 would be a better choice.

The big practical differences I believe are the rear end ratio, the spring package, and the breaks (which effect the GCVW.) It should be doable.
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Old 07-23-2019, 10:04 AM   #3
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Farmington Hills, Mi (Detroit area)
Posts: 1,968
Year: 2000
Coachwork: Eldorado Aerotech 24'
Chassis: Ford E-450 Cutaway Bus
Engine: 7.3L Powerstroke
Rated Cap: 19
The E350 will have a lower gross weight rating than the 450. Usually the 350 has a 4.10 rear end ratio and the 450 has a 4.56. Some 350's come with single rear wheels. The RV folks claim that the 4.56 rear end ratio is better for towing.


My E450 has a 14,000lb gross weight rating and as converted our actual loaded weight is right at 12,000lbs.
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Old 07-23-2019, 01:17 PM   #4
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
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I noticed that most 4 windows are e350 unless it has a wheelchair lift.

I should be ok with the e350 especially getting a bit better milage.. should be fine towing a 3000 pound car on a dolley.
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Old 07-23-2019, 02:12 PM   #5
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: south east BC, close to the Canadian/US border
Posts: 2,265
Year: 1975
Coachwork: Chevy
Chassis: 8 window
Engine: 454 LS7
Rated Cap: 24,500
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bpjr07 View Post
I noticed that most 4 windows are e350 unless it has a wheelchair lift.

I should be ok with the e350 especially getting a bit better milage.. should be fine towing a 3000 pound car on a dolley.
somehow, I always seem to exceed suggested GVWR's, no matter what I'm driving - lol - ( that's why they make air bags and air shocks and after market springs ) - for something like a skoolie I'd be concerned that the 350 series was going to be able to do the job - it would be running at or near max 24/7
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Old 07-23-2019, 02:37 PM   #6
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Yes but with same engine, tranny and chassis on 19ft I am a firm believer of air bags too,might set them up if I need to. Having taller gears to give me better mpgis more of a plus.

Only plan on towing 1-2 times a year...would not mind taking it easy those times and have a tranny guage,

How would a cop catch me if I'm over? Do we need to stop at scales?
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Old 07-23-2019, 02:54 PM   #7
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: south east BC, close to the Canadian/US border
Posts: 2,265
Year: 1975
Coachwork: Chevy
Chassis: 8 window
Engine: 454 LS7
Rated Cap: 24,500
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bpjr07 View Post
Yes but with same engine, tranny and chassis on 19ft I am a firm believer of air bags too,might set them up if I need to. Having taller gears to give me better mpgis more of a plus.

Only plan on towing 1-2 times a year...would not mind taking it easy those times and have a tranny guage,

How would a cop catch me if I'm over? Do we need to stop at scales?
no, but during a DOT road check they could and likely would check your weight
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Old 07-23-2019, 03:02 PM   #8
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 66
will need to check that guess I'll keep in mind to build it light. Only making it a weekend camper not to live in. Was planing kn using steel studs for bed frame and bathroom walls that can be up to 4 times lighter
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