Motorhomes based on large truck chassis, like those by Freightliner, have been a mainstay of the RV world for years.
Recently, it seems that RVers want smaller, more agile, and less fuel-gobbling vehicles. The RV industry’s response? Make motorhomes based on smaller chassis, like that of the popular Ford Transit.
Both Thor and Winnebago now offer motorhomes based on the Ford Transit chassis.
Thor’s Ford Transit-Based Motorhome
Thor now makes two breeds of Ford Transit-based motorhomes, the Gemini and the Compass.
Both measure in at 23 ft. 6 in in length and feature modern interiors.
Thor’s Compass RV.
Winnebago’s Ford Transit Chassis Motorhome
Winnebago’s Fuse motorhome also builds on the Ford Transit chassis, but at 24′ in length is slightly longer than the Thor models.
Winnebago Fuse interior.
Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit had this to say about the new RV options,
Sales of smaller Class C motorhomes have been on the rise for the last few years as younger, more active buyers enter the market.
The Winnebago Fuse comes offered in two configurations, a rear bedroom slide out option with a rear queen bed, and a front slide out layout with two twin beds and rear bath.
Both come powered with a Ford Power Stroke 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel engine.
Ford Transit Could Be A Game Changing Chassis
It seems there’s a reason that both Winnebago and Thor have chosen the Ford Transit chassis as the base for their new smaller motorhome models.
Ford states that their Transit chassis comes with a huge amount of optionality, including a choice of:
- three roof heights
- two wheelbases
- and three powertrains
Time will tell whether these Ford Transit-based motorhomes take off, but they seem like a great alternative to larger Class C motorhomes. And with a sales price less than $100,000 they’re arguably more economical than some smaller – and more expensive – Sprinter-based Class B camper vans.
