Earthroamer - why Ford over Dodge?

[charlieaarons]

That's pretty discouraging.
I called a mercedes dealer in Brisbane that apparently only sells up to the van (Sprinter) level. I don't even think U500s are sold in Australia. He found me a windshield in Singapore (otherwise I'll flunk the DMV inspection for a vehicle permit) and it will take 2-3 weeks to get there although I'm sure i could of had it overnighted.

Charlie

 

[MeraY]

The F450/550 are NOT available (as least in North America) with a Cummins - only the gas V-10 or the new 6.7L Powerstroke V-8. Its the F650/750 that come standard with the 6.7 ISB. I can see the confusion, since both are the same displacement now.

I'm pretty sure he meant a swap would be pretty easy to do.and it is

 

[BoilermakerSteve]

IIRC, in the F650/750 you had a choice of whatever version of PowerStroke was current, a Cummins or Cat. Not sure if that is still true. I don't think you could do the same with an F550, but it has been a long time since I looked at that.

The Cummins is a great engine and I would love to have one, but I love my 7.3L PowerStroke. Almost 290,000 miles and still running strong, zero engine or transmission issues.

Steve

 

[Caduceus]

Maybe b/c Ford isn't bankrupt, and Dodge was?

Or did all that happen before the meltdown in Detroit?

I wonder if there's something to that though, since you see a LOT of police and ambulances built on Ford platforms.

 

[RR1]

Maybe b/c Ford isn't bankrupt, and Dodge was?

Or did all that happen before the meltdown in Detroit?

I wonder if there's something to that though, since you see a LOT of police and ambulances built on Ford platforms.

It was before the meltdown.

As for government using Ford for vehicles. just means Ford has more boys on the inside to get those government contracts.:ylsmoke:

 

[halpeters]

The answer is simple: Ford promotes their products to Earthroamer type builders. Ford provides many options of vehicles to build out, engineering support for the builder, service support after the sale etc.

Check this out:

https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/index.htm

This is the reason similar vehicles to Earthroamer (small motor homes, custom work trucks, small fire trucks, ambulances, etc) mostly run on Ford vehicles.

If Dodge had a similar program, they would be more popular...

 

[Caduceus]

It was before the meltdown.

As for government using Ford for vehicles. just means Ford has more boys on the inside to get those government contracts.:ylsmoke:

While I understand the sentiment, ambulances aren't made/purchased by the government. Private companies buy the Ford vans/pickup chassis (uh... chasses? how do you make that darn word plural???) and modify them.

But, certainly I can see municipal contracts and such having some of those concerns.

Anyway, back on-topic. I've got nothing useful to add.

 

[dzzz]

That's pretty discouraging.
I called a mercedes dealer in Brisbane that apparently only sells up to the van (Sprinter) level. I don't even think U500s are sold in Australia. He found me a windshield in Singapore (otherwise I'll flunk the DMV inspection for a vehicle permit) and it will take 2-3 weeks to get there although I'm sure i could of had it overnighted.

Charlie

Did you get your windshield?

 

[charlieaarons]

I expect it will be in Brisbane in the next 5 days; the truck isn't due to be there till 9/18.

Charlie

 

[simon.winchester56]

I expect it will be in Brisbane in the next 5 days; the truck isn't due to be there till 9/18.

Charlie

Are you touring Australia with your camper?

 

[charlieaarons]

Are you touring Australia with your camper?

Yes.

Charlie