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Old 07-28-2015, 06:35 PM   #1
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2015 Ford E-450 driveability

Just got home from another shakedown trip. Question I have for all the Ford chassis Foresters and Sunseekers is, are they all loose in the front end when driving down the highway? We had a 1997 Minnie Winne, E-350 and this new Forester is as loose as our old unit. Just seems like way to much play in the steering to be comfortable. I have seen from other post the Chevy chassis is much better but I am hoping there is something we can do to make the Ford be more responsive. Thx for any input on this matter.
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Old 07-28-2015, 09:07 PM   #2
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Tough it out for about 2500 miles. Then go have it aligned with it loaded for travel including water. Pump up air bags to 70 psi also. Made a world of difference to my 3050s! It was covered under warranty as well, good thing because an alignment would have cost $200!
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Old 07-28-2015, 09:21 PM   #3
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Tough it out for about 2500 miles. Then go have it aligned with it loaded for travel including water. Pump up air bags to 70 psi also. Made a world of difference to my 3050s! It was covered under warranty as well, good thing because an alignment would have cost $200!
Did you go to a Ford dealership or the dealership you bought your motorhome from? Does an alignment help with the slop in the steering also?
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Old 07-28-2015, 09:39 PM   #4
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Did not know front end alignments were cover under warranty?
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Old 07-29-2015, 04:50 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by benagi View Post
Did you go to a Ford dealership or the dealership you bought your motorhome from? Does an alignment help with the slop in the steering also?
I went to an alignment shop that specializes in large trucks. I had my dealer authorize the work prior to going. Since I had the complaint right from the start they paid for it.
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Old 07-29-2015, 06:10 AM   #6
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I have less than an inch of play in my steering wheel on my e450. You should have less than 2 inches of play. I doubt there is any parts wear but take a look at the steering box and check to make sure it's tight to the frame. A loose box could cause issues. An incorrect caster setting can also cause excessive play in the steering wheel. My bet is a caster change will fix you up. I would get that alignment and see what changes.
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Old 07-29-2015, 07:57 AM   #7
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I got the alignment specs from Forest River (search this website too) and went to a truck specialty with the alignment data. Huge difference in drivability with 70 to 75 PSI in the air bags...as mentioned earlier, give your rig at least 2500 miles to settle in before having an alignment done.


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Old 07-29-2015, 08:23 AM   #8
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Ben
Here is the link that was posted by Brian Clemens that Ourflat is referring to. Although it states that is requires adjustable cam bushings to be purchased, many have not required them. YMMV

Click HERE
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Old 07-29-2015, 12:06 PM   #9
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I, too, thought that there was too much play in the front end when I only had about 800 miles on my Class C. I took it in to an independent truck alignment shop, and they told me that the front end was not out of alignment (they did suggest new sway bars, but that's another story). In any event, I have taken several more longer trips, and after about 2500 miles the front end has settled down considerably and I am happy with the ride. As others have suggested, pumping up the rear air bags (65 psi for me) also helped.
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Old 07-29-2015, 12:41 PM   #10
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Ben
Here is the link that was posted by Brian Clemens that Ourflat is referring to. Although it states that is requires adjustable cam bushings to be purchased, many have not required them. YMMV

Click HERE
Thx for all the replies fellow RV'ers. Deaver, went to the link and printed it. Will take our unit in sometime soon and try those settings and get back with a report afterwards.
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Old 07-29-2015, 01:20 PM   #11
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Steering Stabilizer

I installed a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer on the front. We live in Utah with some strong cross winds. This really helps as the stock unit could be pushed and out easily by hand. Easy to install. Took me about 45 minutes. It was definitely worth the money.

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Old 07-29-2015, 01:43 PM   #12
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Had the same problems when we bought our 2012 Lexi 283ts. You have to remember, Ford aligns the front end when it's just a cut-away, and the alignment is probably ok then. But FR adds 5 tons of weight and bingo, alignment stinks.
Added the adjustable bushings with the alignment specs posted. Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer, Sumo front springs, SSF-106-47, which replace the bump stops. 70 psi front, 70 psi rear, 70 psi airbags. Rides beautifully, one handed steering, no wander, no play. Not a sports car, but it dosen't wander all over the road now, and passing big rigs are no problem.
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Old 07-29-2015, 03:09 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by CaboSnow View Post
I installed a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer on the front. We live in Utah with some strong cross winds. This really helps as the stock unit could be pushed and out easily by hand. Easy to install. Took me about 45 minutes. It was definitely worth the money.
CaboSnow. Do you have a part number for that stabilizer? Want to make sure I am looking at the right one on their website.
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Old 07-29-2015, 03:49 PM   #14
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benagi, you might want to give Roadmaster a call, only because their site only lists up to 2015.
If your is a 2015, the part # are...
Reflex Steering Stabilizer RSSC
Bracket Part # RBK-11
If yours is a true 2016 chassis, part #'s are probably the same, but I'd call just to make sure.
Also, cheapest place I've found to get em is Amazon.
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Old 07-29-2015, 04:40 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaboSnow View Post
I installed a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer on the front. We live in Utah with some strong cross winds. This really helps as the stock unit could be pushed and out easily by hand. Easy to install. Took me about 45 minutes. It was definitely worth the money.
X2!
I found the same with the front end stabilizer. OEM was very soft. I bought a Blisten and made a great improvement: 24-174534 Bilstein Shock Absorber, Bilstein 5100 Series Steering Damper, F4-BE5-H453-H0 - TruckSpring.com

I have not had the re-alignment done that others have mentioned but the handling has been fine and no abnormal wear on the tires.

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Old 07-29-2015, 06:05 PM   #16
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Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer

Can you give more details on the Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer?
Do I just need the bare stabilizer or do I need a bracket kit as well?
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Old 07-29-2015, 06:19 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grumpy0374 View Post
benagi, you might want to give Roadmaster a call, only because their site only lists up to 2015.
If your is a 2015, the part # are...
Reflex Steering Stabilizer RSSC
Bracket Part # RBK-11
If yours is a true 2016 chassis, part #'s are probably the same, but I'd call just to make sure.
Also, cheapest place I've found to get em is Amazon.
Grumpy
Thx Grumpy. Yes, our 2016 Forester does have a 2015 Ford chassis. It takes a few months before the chassis catches up with the coach year.
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Old 07-29-2015, 06:28 PM   #18
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When I first drove my 2012 E-450 Sunseeker, after owning a Chevy Freelander, I hated it! After doing a lot of research, I brought it in for an alinement and camber change. I can't find the paperwork but I recall he increased it to over 5 degrees. It did improve the stability on straightaways but maneuvering is still like driving a boat. I think the only thing that will improve the responsiveness is a blueprinted or redesigned steering box.
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Old 07-29-2015, 06:53 PM   #19
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rbusch, you need both. The bracket is required for the install, and it's veh specific.
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Old 07-30-2015, 08:53 AM   #20
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I would have it checked @ a Ford dealer,,, ASAP !!!
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