RV Suspension Upgrades

[@humunguswarrior]

Thank you for the video! I have an '06 E-450 with a 29' coach. It drove poorly, even though we had it aligned and the front end looked at twice. We have an upcoming 2700 trip and I just wasn't looking foward to it because it had such a jarring ride, and handled like a pig. I found your video, and mostly followed your advice, with the exception of not doing it all at once. I paid for a shop to put in a caster kit, and then put in swaybars, air bags, and shocks myself in the course of 3 weekends. My wife and I just took it for a 15 mile drive on the freeway a couple days ago, and the difference is unbelievable. It's not quite a caddillac ride, but compared to what it was, the only word is amazing. Not sure about handling when a semi-passes us, because we never found one, but I'm certain it will be improved. Thank you so much! I might actually be looking forward to our road trip now!

[@Srqbay]

New anti sway bar bushings and add the Caster you suggested and this thing drives like a dream less than $300

[@Golo1949]

I have to agree with your comments about the handling. We hired a Canadream RV in 2018 which had the same E450 chassis and engine. It was a new one and had hardly done any mileage. I am not a novice driver by any means and have driven various vehicle in my time, but trying to keep this on the road took all my concentration. It took constant steering adjustments and it felt like jelly (from the UK) on the road. We had a good time in Canada Maritimes but the need to keep it on the road took the edge off the holiday. I'm glad you find the handling terrible and it wasn't me.

[@markwisner3972]

Good video. I upgraded my steering stabilizer with a Roadmaster one. It made a big difference. It was a great bang for the buck.

[@1973mre]

Getting ready to do major upgrades to Suspension and steering. I have a 2006 E4 50 chassis even though the motorhome is a 2007. Getting ready to order the Hellwig 7008 and 7180 Sway bars. Also ordering a Roadmaster Rssc-rbk24 Steering dampener. I got both the airbag 5000 for the rear and 1000 for the front airbags with the remote controlled dual system. Probably will get a air tank just so I can tap off it to fill my tires plus run an airhorn I have an old trucker horn from the 40s. I have already added a 4 way camera system. With recording. I will have to check into the alignment thanks for the info.

[@ianb4music]

This was fantastic - I just drove mine for 6 hours yesterday and it was brutal - I'm going to do the caster and sway bars first, thanks!!!

[@6jefes948]

Great video! Thanks for sharing what you've learned. I totally agree with your recommendations because they make sense. I want to add a little more info that I've learned in my research that might help. I wound up here because my 1998 31' Tioga busted a leaf spring pin and I've been looking for upgrades since I'll be in there making that repair. Based on my research, I've learned that the OEM leaf springs on these cab/chassis Fords are grossly undersized for the weight the RV manufacturers are piling on them. We then add to it with all our junk. They are rated between 4-7000 lbs and we load these things up to 10k. When we add the air bags, it helps but is more of a band aid fix for what the real problem is. I'm told that a better fix is to replace the leaf springs with properly rated springs according to the weight of the RV. It requires a simple trip to a scale while fully loaded and then a phone call to a leaf spring dealer or custom manufacturer. It makes total sense to me that if air bags are helping your ride quality, new rear leaf springs will improve it even more. I'll be making the upgrades you suggested along with the leaf springs and will report back.

[@nathancaldwell3949]

Hey any updates on this?

[@Blakehx]

I’ve heard the same but haven’t done either yet… have you replaced yours yet and what do you think?

[@JJs-ClassC-Adventures]

Great recommendations. I bought a 2000 ford Tioga rv and it was just like you said. I spent hours on the computer trying to find info to correct the handling. I have done all your suggested mods except the airbags. It now handles very well...but needs the airbags. I wish I had seen your video a couple of years ago.

[@Srqbay]

All in all I put the cheapest new tires I could find on the internet Adventuras. The cheapest shocks, Monroe sway bar bushings in the front a new steering shock Castor sleeves to bring it out to about six and a half. Brilliant. Drives like a Town Car

[@wesmartin5665]

I own a 2014 E450 Sunseeker 3010DS. Converted to 4x4, lifted 6” Dana 60 front axel 4:13 gears with front and rear Hellwig 1.5” sway bars and Fox 2.0 heavy duty shocks. Drives and rides like Cadillac. Switching out the Fox shocks for King shocks this summer though. Suspension is key for a safe comfortable drive.

[@TheDparham]

Thanks. Good Video. I have a Class B+ but all of these issues and mods would seem to apply. I plan to get all 7 things done before we head cross country again next year!

[@PNWJMc]

I've got a 2011 E-450 super duty based RV. When I did the Bilstein shocks the ride actually got WORSE. I called and talked to them (Bilstein Cust Serv) and discovered for the RV shocks they had heavy duty and comfort shocks. I had ordered heavy duty. Once I had the comfort shocks installed the ride improved significantly. I've also got a road master steering stabilizer and anti sway bars. HUGE difference. On the stock hardware the RV was a real handful to keep between the lines. I would almost go so far as to say unsafe above 50 mph on the stock gear.

[@TP-zt3gp]

How long is your RV? Did you install comfort shocks all around? I read that some people, installed comfort shocks in front and heavy duty shocks in the rear depending on how long their RV was. I have a 31.5ft class C. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[@PNWJMc]

@@TP-zt3gp 26' I did comfort all the way around. That with the rear airbags at 85 lbs makes for a pretty decent ride.

[@jerryoconnor6770]

I have to wonder if you have been driving my vehicle. You named every handling problem I have been having. I had hoped you would list part numbers as I'm heading for the parts store to pick up supplies and solve these problems. I'm going to view it again and see if you mentioned any actual parts you used. The videos help as I can see what needs to be done easily. Thanks so very much as this video is priceless.

[@garygartside5280]

Big Thnx Jason for the tips , Happy Travels

[@dang.2574]

Great advice and actual video of the installed items. Thousand thanks man!

[@robertrobertson7782]

Great job Jason I know it’s old video but kastor and alignment in the RVs seldom talked about right😂💪⚒️

[@timothyryancole1801]

Thanks dude! Huge Help - Just got our first rv - 2017 Thor Four Winds.. E450.. and needed a big fix for the horrible sway, and handling... really appreciate this vid.

[@evotech_built]

What you end up doing ?

[@timothyryancole1801]

Just ordered the 2 sway bars.. gonna install those bad boys - then the alignment with casters to come... For now.. probably throw on some airbags

[@JBrianCasey]

I have a 2016 Thor e450 v10 24’. What deg camber did you go with.

[@trustme7731]

I don't seem to have all these problems with my E450 29'. However, I did add the blue Sumo Springs on the rear mostly because I carry a scooter on the back. They did seem to restrict crosswind and cornering sway and some nose diving, none of which I had seen as much of an issue. It will make it easier for my wife to drive, if I ever let her. I think so many complain about it because they have never driven vehicles this size before and after all, they ain't no sports car. Of course many have issues because of age and miles.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

Having to replace my radiator on my bus, I did the transmission filters and the steering stabilizer. It was like $40 on Amazon. It's a tough call between RockAuto and Amazon for best price. They wanted double the price for most things at the dealership, but I needed one filter that day, and the crappy one from O'Reilly's that I returned was the same price.

[@KittyGirlTravelProductions]

Thanks for the tips. I just bought van with a V10 Triton.

[@auroranite]

Great Information and well presented! Thank you for sharing the learning curve with us.

[@MattRogue]

Great video. Thank you for the info. Looking forward to the upgrades

[@Iamandthatiam]

I have a shuttle bus conversion on e450 with new bilstein shocks and the haul rocks like a boat on the water if you rock it standing in the middle. any idea what it could be? also I noticed you have also upgraded links on that front Hellwig that look thicker as well where do you get those?

[@pokeyboy1]

TIRES: I tow with my older 99 winnie 24 and now 2003 Jayco 31. Need to change your tires by date code, 5 years max. I just had a front blow out on a good spare at 70mph on the rim. date code was 2008 but tread was nice and no cracks. Also get the best load rating you can. Nixen Rodian CT8HL with 123R load 31 foot Class C loaded with no tow is about at Max load of all 6 tires with 115R load rate. The higher 123R tires will help. I have 4 Nixens on rears with 3.5 K miles and i wish I had put 2 more on front before last trip.

[@tommycollier9172]

Thanks so much for sharing this helps a lot.

[@edwardchamberlain7858]

Best info I've heard on this subject. You stated that you took the vehicle to a shop in Sacramento. Can you tell me the name of the shop please. The only issue with this video is the brain fart at 10 minutes in, when you suddenly turn the camera creating a very tall skinny picture on my tv. Really, only 16 inches wide on a 75 inch tv. Like recording through a door with a chain lock.

[@Nallendar]

Very nice information. I have same problems you listed on my 2021 Ford E350 RV. Can I also follow the same 7 suggestions?

[@Mjjmousavi]

Thanks buddy

[@johnwren3976]

Steering stabilizer and shocks can go bad in one direction only (compression or extension). They are important components of the suspension design. Install a good one. Looks like you have a Majestic or similar? Entry level Class Cs will all handle like crap. Ex-rentals may be worse. I had a 2011 Fleetwood Tioga 23b with similar handling issues. What you suggest would be appropriate for it. Though I'd install Sumo Springs instead of air bags. I now have a 2008 Holiday Rambler 235S that handles like a van as it was built with the proper components. I am adding Sumo Springs as factory bump stops are way insufficient. Caster is quite important as you stated. Think of a shopping cart. Negative caster causes that horrible wobble. Positive corrects it.

[@rolandjacques649]

Why would you rather have Sumo springs over Airbags?

[@danross344]

My sister has a 2014 classy Ford motorhome and she was just complaining about an eight hour trip that about killed her . I think you’re very smart man and I appreciate your information.

[@Srqbay]

Sorry I'm in Florida. 750 for the tires installed. 800 for the sway bar bushings the front steering shock in the Caster sleeves and alignment. Put the shocks on myself. Cut a hole in the floor and put a new fuel pump and for less than $200. Easy as pie

[@johnr5545]

Great job I appreciate the info I’m having some trouble with mine information will definitely help me

[@garykabala1568]

awesome video, would be nice to have a list we could print out showing part numbers etc

[@Gary-pogi]

Good stuff Jason, thanks.

[@boiledveggies7075]

I'm in Sacramento! I'd love to know what shop you're talking about so that I can take my rig there as well. Thanks!

[@TheMinor2468]

Same here

[@josuejimenez7520]

Same here

[@perrismcclanahan5844]

Me too...

[@PNWLiving1725]

Me 4

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@randyjaynes6656]

What shop did you take yours too I live in the Modesto area which it isn’t a big deal to go to Sacramento since that is where I bought mine at camping world I bought a new 2020 Thor C class E 450. This is my second C class and surprisingly I thought this one would handle better with newer technology boy was I wrong I never heard about adding casters so if possible could you mention the place you took it to thank you

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@jaygold4467]

Good video. Well explained.

[@derekgilger6243]

I noticed your lower radiator hoses sitting on the sway bar it came unclipped from its fastener

[@jasonmiller4819]

Good catch. The clamp is old so I added a zip tie to keep it up. Thanks

[@jerryoconnor6770]

Something I don't see is air pressure in the tires. My owners manual calls for 55 psi in the front tires and 50 psi in the rear duals. The tires call for 80 psi max. In set my pressure at the manufacturers recommended pressure and the vehicle was almost undrivable. It would not steer without wandering all over the road and the tail wagged the dog much of the time. Semis almost pushed you off the road. I raised the pressure to 75 psi front tires and 70 psi on the duals. It was like a different unit. I am already in the process of ordering the parts you recommend in hopes it will complete the journey to a comfortable, stable ride. I am having some trouble finding the correct Bilstein shocks but that is just a matter of time.

[@jasonmiller4819]

Odd mine recommends 80psi in the rear and 60 in the front?

[@alwayson7229]

Great video

[@oddjobs3025]

Thanks Dude

[@roberttrosky696]

You are awsome thank you very much

[@beehthephotographer]

Is the caster spacing only for 450?

[@rolandjacques649]

Great video, the most useful info I could find on class C suspension. One Question in retrospect, would you have rather gotten comfort ride Bilstein shocks?. I think John Mcintosh's post is on to something. I put the Bilstein Heavy Duty shocks on my 2001 32 foot class C yesterday (lining up the rear bottom holes are a PIA FWIW) and the ride seams harsh on the small bumps. When I test drive it over road reflector I feel every one of them almost like it has no shocks at all. I would think if your going to add the Hellwig antisway bars there wouldn't be a need for the Heavy Duty shocks, the comfort ride shocks may be a better choose. I haven't yet tested the Air bags I put in. I wonder if they will have any effect on smoothing out the harshness of these small bumps. I got the air bags mainly for clearance issues.

[@rolandjacques649]

Wow, I was surprised how much smoother my RV rode after inflating the air bags. The HD Bilstein shocks are tons better now with the air bags. I did not think old springs made that much different.

[@SGQ12]

Hi bud, did you have video how to adjust rear brakes on your Rv? Thanks in advance

[@samuelRS2]

Good morning. I have an important question, I have a 1999 Ford E450 (6.8 V10 Triton) motorhome in Spain and when I went to check in the workshop, we did not find the VIN number on the chassis. I only see the VIN under the front glass, but I need to know where the VIN etched on the chassis is located. Could you tell me where the VIN is located on the chassis? Thanks.

[@johnhershey4010]

Any tips on your Genorater

[@CaliWestCoastChris]

Good information! What shop in Sac did you take it? I’m an hour away in Tracy and through sac often with mine. Would love to take mine in where they know the E450s. Thanks

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@RagingReminisce]

Hi Jason. Do you know any shop in the Sacramento area that will do all these upgrades?

[@jordangraham9879]

Hello there! I am also in Sacramento. Can you tell me what shop you used for alignment? What you described is exactly how mine feels. Thanks.

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@roberttretsch8794]

P,lease name shop in Sac, would save a lot of trouble! Thanx

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@lntemplediscussion2073]

Where are you in Scramento bro? I am in Sacramento as well!

[@wrenchin7751]

Can you give the part numbers for steering damp, shocks and sway bars please

[@mrzif0013]

how much lift are you getting from the rear air bags. i like the idea of rear air bag suspension help and lift for leveling rv at campsite?

[@Joe33305]

My ‘98 just started to bottom out in the rear. I was thinking of replacing rear shocks, I did the fronts last year, however one of my rear air bags leaks badly. To save $$, what should I replace first, air bags or rear shocks?

[@biglosman]

My Chevy 4500 30' rides like a dream, for an RV. Ford rides worse and this is known. Great advise though. Any upgrade helps.

[@alexanderoutdoors2610]

Hi Jason, Thank you for your vids! In regards to the Bilstein RV Shocks, is that something I can do at home, or is it a shop visit? Thx, Erik C. Alexander

[@MichaelKashe]

Please, provide name of Sacramento shop that did your casters. Thank you

[@JBrianCasey]

Have a 2016 Thor e450 v10 and added roadmaster front and rear sway bars long with the front stabilizer shock. Also installed sumo springs all around. Also installed the suppersteer rear trac bar. It ride so much better. However I still have issues with what feels like way to much play in the steering. You stated 2deg camber but then stated 4-7deg is ideal. Can you explain?

[@melissanavarro6423]

Where in Sac did you go ?

[@xraynomad]

Please tell me the shop you used. My rig is same year and chassis and has all your old problems! It’s in Ceres California so not far from Sacramento!

[@Iamandthatiam]

What are the links on the hellwig?

[@scottroberts4918]

were did you get your caster spacers can`t find the company

[@kevinkinney5445]

I own an 1989 E350 26.5 ft Lazy Daze Class C. I've added a steering stabilizer, Coilover Overload Shocks, 1.250" Hellwig sway bars (Had No Sway Bar rear). I was thinking about air bags or sumo springs But, I recently discovered RAS kits. Does ANYONE have experience with these on their Class C?

[@tompattis]

I live in Sacramento, and which shop do you recommend to do the work with the arrangement?

[@mrzif0013]

the 2021 vegas has the 7.3V-8 could the weight of the larger engine be the cause? how about tire psi my tire manufacture does not give psi rating per axle weight/ on the tire at their web site, at least I coud not find one... . so i was running max psi 75 psi. wondering if that could be part of the problem... big issue only 2" inches of play before bump stop hits axle.

[@Westcoast_Kyle]

Wow good to know thank you I was going to just do the Steering stabilizer, now going to do antiway first.👍👍

[@mrzif0013]

my newer e350 motorhome is bottoming out on rhe front axle frrom the potholes. bagss in rear and shocks n springs like a 2" lift in the front, agree?

[@jasonmiller4819]

Yes you can do front bags too if needed, I've heard some platforms are front heavy, mine isn't so not an issue. Let me know what you decide if it helps.

[@prapabouryim8943]

I'm sorry, but I not fully understand. If I get new Air Bags for the 2 read tires, do I still need new shocks in the back? My guess is: NO

[@trustme7731]

They do completely different jobs. If the shocks are worn out, replace them.

[@dclelectric7003]

Why not connect each rear airbag individual and that way you can set each to whatever psi you want...

[@WesTheDeal]

👍👍👍

[@DJ-db9km]

Thanks for the videos, I was wondering if a 2015 four winns E450 would have any better equipment or would all this be required as well for 2015. BTW live in auburn calif. would like to get the name of alignment shop you used..Very informative

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@edbarnes4799]

Hello Jason, Do you have any experience with changing the fuel filter on your motorhome? We have a Ford E450 Class C Jayco Greyhawk motorhome on an E53 chassis. The fuel filter isn't located on the driver side inner rail, behind the left front tire. We aren't sure where it is located, someone said in the fuel tank, do you know?

[@dougc190]

I'm pretty sure it only has a fuel filter in tank, so not changeable.

[@GeorgeCox-wv7rg]

Dose a 1998 have a generator

[@PNWLiving1725]

Did your height get raised by any modifications? I was going to convert mine to 4x4

[@jasonmiller4819]

The rear is about 1” higher with 40psi in the air bags. 2” higher with 80psi.

[@larrybergman6075]

Try adding a track bar to the rear end, that should make a huge difference in handling.

[@danross344]

Your radiator hose looks a little bit swelled like you need to replace it, and the clamp fell off

[@volleya]

Will airbags raise enough to add clearance

[@thulsa5218]

Yes they will add around 1.5 inches of lift.

[@MrJustdoit838]

AIR LIFT Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate

[@1nicholastarazi]

Jason, can you share the name of the alignment shop in Sacramento?

[@jasonmiller4819]

Sorry for the delayed response. Linville Brothers Tires and Alignment 1936 El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA 95815

[@prohomevideos]

Sadly, I did the recommended upgrades (and more) and my ride is worse. Bilstein (comfort) shocks in front and rear, Sumo springs up front, came with rear air bags, Helwig front and rear anti-sway bars, Bilstein steering stabilizer, alignment, new tires and Trac bar. Any suggestions? 2004 E450 27 foot RV.

[@ricktaylor6373]

Was just reading your post, very sorry you’ve not gotten the satisfaction out of your upgrades and cost on your coach. Suggest playing with the psi on the air bags and are you using the 1,000 pound sumo’s up front, they do make a difference as for the ratings. The other thing is tires, some do ride better than others. But that’s an added expense. I’d mess with the air ride and change the sumo’s if they’re the higher rated ones. Just tryin to help.

[@prohomevideos]

@@ricktaylor6373 Hi Rick, thanks for your reply. I've played with the psi in the air bags, (they are only in the rear) and haven't noticed a difference. The only reason I really use them is to get a couple of extra inches raised in the rear since my receiver hitch is very low and scraps when entering/leaving parking lots some times. I have the blue Sumo springs, I believe they are 500 lbs but how would that change the forward motion during steering (with not rough roads)? As far as tires, well, I just spend $1,500 for new tires so I'm not going to be switching them anytime soon. thank for your suggestions, I'm wondering if the alignment was made worse, however, I did listen to your advice and looked at the alignment spec sheet they gave me and they are within your recommended specs.

[@ricktaylor6373]

@@prohomevideos oh boy! I’m gonna think this thru, I’ve got a friend that works at a ford dealership and he works mostly on the f250’s e350 e450 and the likes. Commercial stuff. He might have a resolution on this. As for my thought what about the front coil springs? Your coach really isn’t old and most likely don’t have a ton of miles. These things never ride like Cadillacs but with all you’ve done there should be some significant improvements straight away. Heck just putting the sumos on my 2021 32 foot gulfstream class C made a big improvement.

[@prohomevideos]

@@ricktaylor6373 The MH has 50,000 miles. I do not suspect the coil springs because it rode "ok" before the upgrades. I am suspecting the alignment since it rode better before the alignment and all other parts, including tires. I should have test drove it after each upgrade in order to isolate the issue but it just would have taken a lot of time doing it that way, but hindsight is 20/20. I added the tracbar last, hoping it would improve but no change. I would appreciate any help your friend could provide.

[@ricktaylor6373]

Well I said I would check on your issue with a guy that works on ford heavy duty everything. So he looke at all you said you did and all I said and he finds it perplexing as well. He said that maybe because of the wheel base and he thought by putting the stock rear sway back on if you still had it that it might soften it up some. This is perplexing. Now I’ve a 2021 gulfstream conquest class C and it’s 33’ 8” . Rides pretty good but like everyone the sway and all the other nonsense is with it. So I put the black sumo’s on the front yesterday and took it out and about and on the interstate. It was a world of difference.I’ll throw a better front steering stabilizer on next and see how it is. I’m just putting one piece on at a time and testing it to see of more is needed or not. If for chance I’d find some worthy info I’ll pass it on to ya. I know it’s miserable when ya got a nice coach and it rides bad.

[@horsefly5728]

2012 Sunseeker 27 ft, Roadmaster steering stabilizer, front and rear sway bars, Bilstein shocks, already had airbags, the biggest improvement for wind and semi truck interference was a rear track bar. Next step will be caster settings for overall handling!

[@xraynomad]

Horsefly, you added a sway bar AND a track bar?

[@horsefly5728]

Yes , the stabilizer was a replacement/upgrade for the original which improved the condition but not enough. I then installed a rear track bar that greatly improved the stability especially when towing a jeep. I sold this class c to bro in law and bought a similar size , different brand, that suited our needs better. The current one is stock and handles great without upgrades, it just depends on the unit , I suppose.

[@coco9004]

roflllllllllll when you said your rv jumping up and down that make me laugh and make me think the old school video game Quest for Tire caveman jumping with his tire!

[@Dave-zl2ky]

Thanks. We'll just skip a C and get a B.

[@zamfully]

Maybe buy a better Rv? I have a 1998 born free Rv with air bags drives like a Cadillac.

[@j.g.9655]

Pretty much a video of you talking? 💤

[@mitchd6311]

will you tell me where you got the sway bars ? i'm going to upgrade my 2000 e450.