Motor home sway

[Babee J]

I own a 2000 Fleetwood Storm 34' gas eng. with 25,000 miles. This is the first rig of this size that I've driven and I don't really like the swaying. I've put Bilstein shocks on it which improved it. I'm looking at puting the Heilwig heavy duty sway bars on it. They're expensive so does anyone have experience on how much change I could expect from them. My original sway bars are 1 1/2 inch diameter and the Heilwig's are 1 5/8 diameter. I'd appreciate any input, thanks

[Shirley]

I am no export on this but Steve found out that if you didn't carry a full load of water it makes the drive much easier. But, our Water storage runs across the back of the RV not front to back. If that makes sense to you.

[Babee J]

Thanks Shirley, that could have an effect. Our tanks are right in the middle between the rear wheel and fairly long, but I'll have to pay attention next time I run empty. Thanks for the thought. Take care.

Jerry

[Mr BigBlock]

Have you put a new set of tire on your RV latley. I put a new set of Chinese tire on my dump truck and the ass end of my truck is all over the place two hands on the wheel. The rubber on the tires is thick but very soft feels like the back end is going to come around on ya.

[Babee J]

It has the original rear tires but I did put new ones on the front but they're the OEM's I puchased for the front. The sway I experience is not so much feeling of the back going south while the front goes north sway but a "top heavy" roll type if that makes sense. I know what you're talking about with the tire issue though, I had a car I put the thin sidewall tires on and it was all over the place. Good luck with your Truck, that has to be a hairy ride!

Jerry

[Nascarcamping]

top heavy roll to me sounds like a shock issue, try the new fsd shocks.

[Nascarfan]

If the body feels like it is top heavy, first inspect the the rear sway bar bushings for wear. This is a common problem. After replacing my bushings, I also installed front and rear air springs to enhance the ride and control. I run about 50 psi of air pressure front and rear. My 1998 35' Fleetwood Southwind now handles very good. Even in the wind. Hope this helps.

[Bandit]

which chasis are you on? Workhorse or Ford?
Workhorse(P-30), you have to pump up the front aid bags. Ford (F-53) rides like a dump truck. Chasis and wieght distribution have a lot do do with quality of ride.

[Nascarfan]

Bandit, I have the Ford F-53 chassis on my '98 Fleetwood Southwind 35P. I set my system up with dual manual inflator vavles and a pressure gauge with dual needles and input ports. I run 50psi max on the front and 50-60psi on the rear. I have moved the items in the storage areas a few times to get a good balance. I also only fill 1/4 in the fresh water tank.


which chasis are you on? Workhorse or Ford?
Workhorse(P-30), you have to pump up the front aid bags. Ford (F-53) rides like a dump truck. Chasis and wieght distribution have a lot do do with quality of ride.

[Bandit]

Hello Nascarfan, when did Ford put airbags on the F-53 chassis? The last one I had was a 2000 model year 32 foot Itasca Suncruiser, which I got rid of in 2007. It only had coil springs up front, and leaf springs in the back. I got an estimate from Kelderman engineering out in Iowa to add air ride suspension, but the cost was in excess of $6,000.00, so I opted to trade it in on a diesel pusher with full air ride.

Chevy / Workhorse cahssis have coils springs up front with air bags inside. I used to have one of those as well. I also added air extensions to just under the front bumper, so I could inflat or deflat as needed based on load I was carrying. sure made a big difference in handeling and ride comfort.

[Nascarfan]

Bandit, I added the front and rear air springs (Air-Lift) to enhance the factory front leaf and rear leaf spring suspension system. With the upgraded rear sway bar, cost was about $1,000 plus one days labor. I installed the kits myself.


Hello Nascarfan, when did Ford put airbags on the F-53 chassis? The last one I had was a 2000 model year 32 foot Itasca Suncruiser, which I got rid of in 2007. It only had coil springs up front, and leaf springs in the back. I got an estimate from Kelderman engineering out in Iowa to add air ride suspension, but the cost was in excess of $6,000.00, so I opted to trade it in on a diesel pusher with full air ride.

Chevy / Workhorse cahssis have coils springs up front with air bags inside. I used to have one of those as well. I also added air extensions to just under the front bumper, so I could inflat or deflat as needed based on load I was carrying. sure made a big difference in handeling and ride comfort.