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Old 07-27-2017, 06:54 PM   #1
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Fundamental question about CHF.

I admit that I haven't read every single post about the CHF, so I may have missed this question being asked and answered. Also, I am not doubting the comments from so many of you that this fix significantly improves handling.

Having said all that, here's my question:

If this fix is so beneficial and even improves safety, why doesn't Forest River do this at the factory?
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Old 07-27-2017, 06:58 PM   #2
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I can do you one better, I haven't read even 1 post about "the CHF"! Perhaps you could enlighten those of us that are uniformed and not in the "loop" on this 3 letter mystery subject.
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Old 07-27-2017, 07:08 PM   #3
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Cheap Handling Fix. May be forum specific as in this product... Just my WAG.

Safe Travels.
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Old 07-27-2017, 07:29 PM   #4
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I always thought CHF was Congestive Heart Failure
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Old 07-27-2017, 08:35 PM   #5
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CHF is adjusting the front sway bar tighter.
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Old 07-28-2017, 01:46 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gloryhog View Post
If this fix is so beneficial and even improves safety, why doesn't Forest River do this at the factory?
Because it's a "hack" and not a properly engineered solution. While it reduces body roll, it can also negatively affect some other aspects. I doubt any of the proponents of the CHF have tested their vehicle like Ford does during development:

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Old 07-28-2017, 04:15 AM   #7
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Thanks I was wondering what a CHF was as well.
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Old 07-28-2017, 06:41 AM   #8
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Instead of buying factory steering control or factor trackbars,they make their
own. I personally would not drive a MH without a saf t plus or a track bar on the
rear axle. It settles the drive down and makes it a pleasure to drive.
That's my opinion.
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Old 07-28-2017, 06:59 AM   #9
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CHF - Cheap Handling Fix...

Ford F53 chassis comes with two adjustment points on the front and rear torsion bars. When it leaves the Ford factory, the attach links (adjustment) are mounted on the front (loose) positions. The CHF is re-positioning the links to the rear (firm) position. No magic, no hacks, simply a chassis adjustment.

Why doesn't Forest River do this? Ask FR.

I've done the CHF on both of the F53 chassis that I've owned and will do it to any future F53 chassis that I buy. Its a simple adjustment that has significant impact on improving the driveability and handling of the F53.

Cheap Handling Fix – and then some – 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

I'd recommend anyone doing this to extend the front links (see the article on how to do this)

IMHO - Before spending any money on aftermarket suspension components, do the CHF first, then re-evaluate how it handles.

Also verify the front end Toe adjustment. This is easy to check and do.

http://www.1999southwind.com/f53-cha...in-adjustment/


IMPORTANT - On 2006 and newer, Ford changed the rear torsion bar / axle attach point brackets (the bracket where the torsion bar attaches to the rear axle). The bolts have a habit of loosening and falling out. Remove the four bolts, and re-install them with blue locktite then torque to 65 ft lbs.
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Old 07-28-2017, 07:25 AM   #10
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My question on the CHF for anyone that has done this, have you noticed that your wheels come off the ground quicker during leveling?
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Old 07-28-2017, 08:00 AM   #11
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Yes if I use auto leveler, my front wheels often will b be lifted because the wheels are now tighter to the chassis. So I level manually and rarely if ever do my wheels lift.
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Old 07-28-2017, 08:33 AM   #12
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Here's a link to the place I first read about CHF. The thread started 7/28/2010 and is still going strong. Everything you could possibly want to know is probably in these comments. Beware, you may get stuck reading this for longer than you really want to.

Cheap Handling Fix - iRV2 Forums
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Old 07-28-2017, 02:38 PM   #13
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Aquaman;

I'd say that if you did not extend the front links, its possible you could be lifting the front axle by the links,

Take a look at the drawings I did regarding the "As Built", "Standard CHF" and "Extended strut CHF" in the article. These where scale drawings in Autocad.

Note that these are for a 2001 chassis, newer F53 are similar, I think some F53 came with a link that is 1 inch longer.

I extended my links to get the better angles to the torsion bar, mine doesn't lift the front axle by the links,
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