ambulances/powerstrokes

[Scot]

We have 3 Frazier boxes on 7. 3 PSD Ford F350 chassis. Last I heard, one was down for transmission problems. That is the only big problem we have had in 5+ years.



I asked the president(?) of Frazier why they did not run Dodge chassis and he said the main problem was that the frame rails were too high.



I know, the current rigs we run are about 1 1/2" high on the back and you have boost the cot over the back lip while you are working at a bad angle. Backs are a lot cheaper than air ride suspension, as we have proven many times.

 

[FloridaEd]

I have a nephew who is EMT/fireman in a large volunteer F. D. near Dallas. They swear by the older 7. 3 Fords, but have had nothing but problems with the 6. 0 Fords. They are trying to get the $$ to go to Freightliners... anything but Ford 6. 0 liter engines.



The reason you see so many Ford ambulances is the availability of an ambulance rated chassis from Ford with a diesel engine. You maybe think a Dodge van with a "Shimmy-Himmy" would last?



Florida Ed

 

[JJuday]

I was Wal-Mart the other day and noticed a FL-60 Fire Rescue cruising the parking lot. Definatly Cummins powered, couldn't miss the cab badge if I wanted to! :-laf Looked fine to me with the E. M. T. box on the back.

 

[JHerrlich]

Not only do the fords have lower frame rails, they come with the option of dual alternators. Dodge doesn't have that as a factory option. Customers shopping for ambulances and such look for the whole package deal, not something they have to piece together and support themselves.

 

[SGrooms]

The main reason Dodge does not make a prep package is because they do not want the liability. I have begged our remounters and the people we have bought new from to make something besides a Ford, and they keep telling me there is no other manufacturer out there if you want to stay in the one ton range.



We have had 4 powerjokes in our fleet over the years. The first one we got was a 1995. Four transmissions, three turbos, and 152k on the clock when we got rid of it. E-series.



The second was a 1997. Great van chassis. Three transmissions, four turbos, two rear ends, and still ran like a streak of poop. Really, it did. We were sorry to see it go, but it had 252k on the clock. E-series



Third is a F-series. It is on a 4x4 chassis, so it doesn't get driven much. In fact, it is a 2001 with less than 25k on it. Seems to run ok.



The one that we are trying so hard to get rid of now is a 1999. Three engines, two transmissions, five turbos, and just in general a piece of crap. It has a 165k on it.



We also have a new 6. 0. Seems to be ok, only has 26k on it. No major problems yet.



The best one that we have had lately has been our 1994 non turbo rig. It will outrun most of the other turbos we have had. Transmission was weak in it, though. Have been through a couple.



Wouldn't give you two pints of p*ss for any Ford. I drive them every day, and that is why my personal vehicles are Dodges. Sure do wish they would come out with an ambulance prep package though. I would give one nut to have that Cummins in an ambulance.

 

[mroodzant]

Not only do the fords have lower frame rails, they come with the option of dual alternators. Dodge doesn't have that as a factory option. Customers shopping for ambulances and such look for the whole package deal, not something they have to piece together and support themselves.

The Alternators are the number one reason for a trip to the shop. My rig goes out of service 3 or 4 times a year for new alternators. What a piece of junk,

 

[Signal73]

Sounds like they are using piece of junk alternators or your in need of a load manager

 

[CTD 600]

Picture!

This is one of our two Dodge Cummins off road work trucks.