Get the Best Priced Ford F53 Parts

If you enjoy motorhomes, then the classic Ford F53 may be right up your alley. This is a simple style camper that helped fill Ford's lineup, coming between the heavy-duty pickup and the minivan in size.

There are some things to know about the Ford F53 if you want to own one or already own one and need to keep it running smoothly. You'll find that this vehicle has some distinct challenges and aspects to it that keep it a favorite among motorhome enthusiasts.

A Little Background

The Ford F53 rolled out in 1990, and the company continues to make some version of it still today due to its top-selling nature. The marketing pitch of the original motorhome was that it was an efficient ride, which is something you don't often hear about these large vehicles.

Throughout the model years, it underwent various changes and innovations. However, the standout feature has always been the advanced chassis.

The Chassis Design

The Ford F53 has a strong chassis made to support all the amenities you want to pack inside the motorhome. It also supports various innovations that help make the living compartment more livable, such as slide outs.

Every year it seems Ford rolls out some new changes to the Ford F53 chassis. The 2020 model, which is a stripped chassis only, has a 7.3L PFI V8 gas engine and a CNG/propane gaseous engine prep package option that allows you to convert natural gas or propane.

It also has a single-channel, ladder-type frame. The frame is e-coated 36,000 psi steel for superior strength and durability.

Common Issues With the Ford F53

Looking at the Ford F52 motorhome, there are a few common issues that stand out. Specifically, there's concern about cooling system issues, suspension problems and engine performance troubles.

The cooling system issues can shorten the overall life of the vehicle. They often involve overheating and leaking coolant. You may notice steam coming from the engine or have a low coolant light on your dash. Most often, the solutions include replacing the radiator hose or coolant reservoir.

Suspension problems involve excessive noise, which is an indicator of part failure. It can also lead to tilting and unstable driving. You may also notice excessive bouncing. Common part failures that would lead to these issues include sway bar link, leaf spring bushing, coil springs, sway bar bracket and sway bar bush.

The engine performance issue will usually manifest itself through a loss of power. You will likely hear a whining noise when you are driving coming from the engine area. The power loss typically happens upon acceleration and may be the result of a bad fuel pump.

The Death Wobble

Let's revisit the possible suspension issues because they can often be the scariest problems you encounter. The most well-known problem has gained the name the death wobble due to how it makes the motorhome wobble in a frightening way that feels as if the vehicle will tip over.

The death wobble is something of concern with the older models only. The chassis in the older models lacked an additional Panhard rod, which helps provide stability.

If you experience the death wobble, you will immediately recognize it. You will feel as if the vehicle is slightly out of control. It will move too much for comfort, and it may even tilt dangerously.

While adding the additional Panhard rod can help if you can make that repair, there are a couple of other solutions you can try first. The first is to check your tires for flat spots and ensure you inflate them properly. The second is to make sure to balance the weight over the chassis to avoid too much in the front or back.

Wrapping Up

The Ford F53 is unique in that it originally was a full motorhome, but eventually became just the chassis, which always was the superior part of the vehicle. While there are some concerns with the motorhome, it is overall a fairly decent vehicle with problems that are typical with age.