F550 Chassis

[joebelknap]

I have a 2016 Georgetown GT3 31B3 (bought it new in February 2017). First motorhome. Several short trips so far. Other than the "normal" build issues with a new motorhome, we are pleased.
My unit is built on the F550 V10 chassis (gas engine). I've read a lot of posts from folks with the F53 motorhome chassis, but haven't read anything concerning the F550 chassis. Can someone briefly describe the differences in a way that won't induce "buyer's remorse"?

[JimF]

The 550 is the F53 chassis. Have the same confusion on my 2011 model, some places cal it 550 others call it F53.

[waiter21]

Same thing... F53 chassis is a very good, reliable chassis.

Consider doing the CHF (Cheap Handling Fix) to improve sway. Also- Keep an eye on the rear axle sway bar attachments. These have a nasty habit of the bolts falling out and bending the sway bar mount clamp.

[joebelknap]

Thanks guys. I was hoping that was it.
I had my first long interstate trip last week. I-95 from South Carolina to Florida with the wife, daughter and grandkids. It was a real white knuckle ride for me. Interstate was busy and the trucks blew by me at 70+ mph. Had a hard time keeping centered with them blowing me around. I'm obviously new to driving such a big vehicle (2016 Georgetown GT3 31B3 pulling a 2007 Jeep Wrangler), but the experience was not pleasant! I have read a lot about the CHF on this forum and spoke to my dealer about it. They don't do it. Two other RV repair shops in my area dismissed it and wanted to sell me sway bars, etc. The dealer gave me the name of a truck alignment shop and recommend that I have them do an alignment (around $100) and see if they would do the CHF for me. I don't have impact tools and not sure enough yet to crawl underneath and start unbolting chassis parts! I only have a few thousand miles on the RV but think it would be worth it to have them do the alignment and check the rear sway bars if they would do the CHF. Agree?

[JimF]

I put a sway control on ours, purchased through camping world, made all the difference in ours. Sounds like we had similar first driving experiences. Our coach now handles great no sway can't tell when the 18wheelers go by, etc. was well worth the cost. Did that 6 years ago and have traveled most of the United States with no problems, really enjoy driving our 378. I did not do the CHF based on recommendations of three different Ford heavy truck dealers and a couple of alignment shops, I also called Ford Mfg. Of course you can do what you want and many on here will disagree, but that's okay, that's their individual opinion.

[JimF]

Originally Posted by JimF

I put a sway control on ours, purchased through camping world, made all the difference in ours. Sounds like we had similar first driving experiences. Our coach now handles great no sway can't tell when the 18wheelers go by, etc. was well worth the cost. Did that 6 years ago and have traveled most of the United States with no problems, really enjoy driving our 378. I did not do the CHF based on recommendations of three different Ford heavy truck dealers and a couple of alignment shops, I also called Ford Mfg. Of course you can do what you want and many on here will disagree, but that's okay, that's their individual opinion.

Correction to this, I installed a steering stabilizer system.

[campbell11]

We have a 2017 Georgetown XL 369 with 4 windy trips so far. It is a very white knuckle drive and lots of work to keep it centered in our lane. Not a pleasant drive. JimF, exactly what "steering stabilizer system" did you get from Camping World. I googled that and Camping World shows "Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer for Class A Motorhomes". Is this the system you got? Thanks

[kentdavido]

Originally Posted by campbell11

We have a 2017 Georgetown XL 369 with 4 windy trips so far. It is a very white knuckle drive and lots of work to keep it centered in our lane. Not a pleasant drive. JimF, exactly what "steering stabilizer system" did you get from Camping World. I googled that and Camping World shows "Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer for Class A Motorhomes". Is this the system you got? Thanks

Hey we added a roadmaster steering stabilizer to our 364 and I think it's made a world of difference. Next are Sumos Springs. Some days you just have to park the rig and let the winds calm down.

[JimF]

Originally Posted by campbell11

We have a 2017 Georgetown XL 369 with 4 windy trips so far. It is a very white knuckle drive and lots of work to keep it centered in our lane. Not a pleasant drive. JimF, exactly what "steering stabilizer system" did you get from Camping World. I googled that and Camping World shows "Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer for Class A Motorhomes". Is this the system you got? Thanks

We added the Safe-T-Plus system, after doing my research it seemed, to me, to be the better system. Pricey but money very well spent. Holds the road for 1 finger steering but I don't recommend that. Sure makes the driving much easier and way less tiring. Compare it to driving my car, only bigger.

[EricNJ]

Do these systems help at all with the "wind moments"?

[JimF]

Originally Posted by EricNJ

Do these systems help at all with the "wind moments"?

Absolutely, driving in a hard crosswind is never a good idea because your driving a big box of air but the steering stabilizer we have handles it pretty darned well. Slight cross wind no problem now where before it was a nightmare especially when the 18 wheelers went by. I really don't worry about them anymore at all, plus we drive about the same speed, except for the idiots.

[Kenny kustom]

Installed blue ox tru centre...
Amazing difference.
Like driving a car..