Earlier I posted an article regarding Ford discontinuing the F53 chassis and the impact it would have on the Class A gas motorhome market. It generated a lot of discussion—both positive and negative.
Freightliner releases a statement
On March 10, 2026, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) released a statement that they were developing a chassis with Roush Power Systems utilizing a Chevrolet 6.6L gas engine. RVtravel.com reader Mikal beat me to the punch in the comments, as I was asked by FCCC not to post this until after the announcement was made official.
The press release was featured in both RVBusiness and RV PRO with the following statements:
FCCC, Roush Power Systems Collaborate for Next-Gen Gas Engine
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) announced a new collaboration with Roush on the development of the next-generation 6.6L gas engine.
Through the new agreement, FCCC will work with Roush Power Systems, a recently formed division of Roush, to integrate the new GM 6.6L gas engine into its chassis products across a range of applications and markets. The exclusive agreement will ensure these new engine products are designed to meet future requirements for emissions and engine compliance, FCCC said in a release.
“This partnership brings together two of the most respected and renowned names in commercial innovation and expertise,” said Akbar Ghous, vice president of sales and marketing for FCCC. “And it signifies our tireless commitment to the walk-in van market, while also providing us the enhanced ability to explore the deployment of this engine in additional vocations moving forward.”
By combining world-class powertrains and FCCC’s legendary chassis with Roush’s decades of engineering expertise, the team will deliver turn-key certified power systems for a range of applications, including walk-in van, shuttle bus and trolley, FCCC said.
“We’re thrilled to continue growing the capabilities and impact of Roush Power Systems,” said Tom Patterson, general manager for Roush Power Systems. “Our development agreement with DTNA proves that we are uniquely positioned to support industry-leading OEMs and scale new trucking solutions in global markets. As we celebrate our 50th year as a company, our goal is to build on Roush’s legacy of delivering commercialized solutions and empower innovation over the next 50 years and beyond.”
My research
According to my research, the Chevrolet 6.6L engine is known as the L8T and features 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. It has been used in the Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500 truck series paired with the Allison 10-speed transmission.
The Silverado specs list an 18,700 lb. towing capacity. However, we have found there are several variables when it comes to towing such as payload, hitch weight, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and others.
There are no specs yet on the new offering as to Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or wheelbase. The release did not list the RV market. However, it was sent to two top RV publications. All indications point to an RV chassis offering—that is, “IF” there is a Class A gas market in the future! According to my contact at FCCC, it is part of the program.
You might also enjoy these posts from Dave
- Ford to discontinue F53 gas chassis. Are large Class A motorhomes doomed?
- ‘Is Winnebago going out of business?’ Who can you trust?
- Class A motorhomes vs. 5th wheels—Complete pros and cons guide
- Ask Dave: Why is there no rear-engine gas pusher Class A?
- Class A motorhome pros and cons: Is it the right RV for you?
- RV inspector recommends the 3 best brands of used Class A motorhomes
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Seems as a smart move. Who wants to deal with DEF and all of it’s issues. We shall see, as for me, I’m with my last RV and truck. The prices today are totally nuts. $85,000+ for a pickup truck!….Wacky, for sure. If my Silverado’s engine or trans dies I’ll just buy a GM crate engine. Much less $$$$$$$$$.
I guess GM needs a new engines with the problems and lawsuits with the present engine. It’s also not the cost of new engines as David indicated, but the computers and electronics issues. We have had problems with computers/electronics in my Ford trucks and the KIA my wife had and and her present Mazda CK-50 which wouldn’t start till the third try on two occasions when we stopped along side the road. Didn’t have much computer problem with the previous GMC Serria except for the radio.
I hope that if they do develop a gas Class A chassis with the GM engine and Allison transmission, they seriously consider the ride and handling. That has been the biggest issue with the F53. It rides and handles horribly. If they could solve that problem, I would expect that would drastically increase the popularity of the gas Class A platform (as long as it was still in the same price point). The other thing is, make it serviceable at all Freightliner service centers. As for the Ford F53, good luck finding a dealer that will work on it.
Just look for the local Ford commercial vehicle dealership. We have one just down the road from us and they have gladly taken care of the couple of issues I have had. The service manager told me to pass the word that they are more than willing to take on any chassis and drive train issues but will not do other RV repairs.
Ford lost a sizeable market for the F-53 chassis when Amazon selected Rivian to design and build their electric delivery truck fleet. The Rivian contract goal is reported to be 100,000 vehicles by 2030. On the flip side, Amazon is having some issues finding acceptable sites for their ‘last mile’ delivery centers in smaller markets due to insufficient electric power availability, vehicle charging regulations; and route lengths.
With every GM vehicle I have owned it had serious problems. Well, the Chevy Celebrity didn’t have serious problems but had minor problems. We bought new a diesel Oldsmobile. They and the Cadillac diesels were an utter engine reliability failure. When they came out, I bought a 1987 Bounder on a Chevy P32 chassis. How could the engine designers be so stupid? Both exhaust manifolds on the 454 V8 would warp and crack. The exhaust manifolds wrapped around the spark plugs. High heat quickly cooked the life out of the high-tension spark plug wires and sometimes cracked the spark plug porcelain. If GM is just as inept with the new engine you won’t likely get much life out of an RV.