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Old 07-12-2015, 04:57 PM   #1
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Suspension Once Again

I have read the posts on the easy fix. Working on that. bi have a 2013 FR 30DS

Should we also be considering front steering control stabilizers?

And rear as well?

Are the stabilizers bought separately?

Anyone know what we are looking at cost wide if u have it installed?

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Old 07-12-2015, 05:09 PM   #2
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They are separate and run around $150. They are a pretty simple install...
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:35 PM   #3
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Not sure where to get a front steering stabilizer for $150, I know to buy it and have installed at camping world in Winchester VA was around $600. That included all mountings.
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:53 PM   #4
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$350....my bad.

Safe-T-Plus Steering Control - Steering Stabilizers - Camping World
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Old 07-12-2015, 08:19 PM   #5
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You might want to consider a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer. I put one on my 2015 30DS and the steering/handling improvement was quite dramatic. I bought mine on Amazon and saved some bucks.
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Old 08-30-2015, 03:10 PM   #6
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Front & Rear stabilzier added

Had new unit wheel alignment done. Didn't see any improvement in handling.

Had dealer install (on their recommendation) front stabilizer - did see an 'improvement' in handling but still was not 'happy' with how the 30' FR3 handled.

Had dealer install (on their recommendation) rear stabilizer - BIG improvement in handling and now I'm happy. Those 'big' trucks etc don't throw the unit to the side and driving on windy days is not as 'hard' on us.

The dealer installed the Roadmaster type stabilizers. We have put over 8000 miles on the unit with the stabilizers and are comfortable with how it drives. Wife has no issues driving it now by herself.
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Old 08-30-2015, 04:24 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FR3-Dave View Post
...

Had dealer install (on their recommendation) rear stabilizer - BIG improvement in handling and now I'm happy. Those 'big' trucks etc don't throw the unit to the side and driving on windy days is not as 'hard' on us.

The dealer installed the Roadmaster type stabilizers.
Rear Stabilizer??? Roadmaster makes a HD Anti Sway bar and a panhard bar (track bar) for the rear of the F-53 but I'm not familiar with a rear stabilizer or what "Roadmaster type" means. Please post pics of this new device along with a manufacturer and part number. Inquiring minds want to know. Would also like to know if you moved the stock swaybar links to the firm position and did not experience driving quality improvement. It should have been very noticable on a 30'er. Thanks in advance for the clarification and pics.
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Old 08-30-2015, 04:54 PM   #8
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I would drive it first to see how it handles after doing the CHF. You may decide you don't need any additional suspension components.
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Old 08-31-2015, 08:19 PM   #9
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More clarification - I think for 'duckogram':

Believe your terms / knowledge far exceeds mine with the 'add-on-stabilizers'.

Here are some photos that may help with what was done by the dealer after trying to drive the FR3 for the first couple of thousand miles without doing anything but tire alignment.
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Old 09-01-2015, 07:43 AM   #10
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I know I'd call it an auxiliary rear sway bar. I installed same thing, but from Hellwig. A lot cheaper than other vendors. Does make a difference when the Kansas winds kick up around here.

In case others are interested in the Part Numbers:
Hellwig 7217 for the front ($340)
Hellwig 7215 for the rear ($593)

I'd start with an alignment and making sure your caster is set on the high end of the tolerance.
Then check your weights and adjust your air pressures accordingly.
Then your CHF that your planning to do.
If your still uncomfortable, possibly go down the path of the rear trac bar and upgraded sway bars.
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Old 09-01-2015, 08:30 AM   #11
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FR-3 Dave,
Thanks for the pics and info. B239 is the part number for the bracket that holds the end of the Roadmaster Aux Anti-Sway bar. Here is a link you what you have: http://roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/1139-143.pdf It contains lubrication info that should be helpful.
Just above your shiny new sway bar is the link for the factor bar. Its a z-bracket set up so all you need to do is unbolt it and turn it around so the link attaches to the hole closest to the axle. That will help reduce, or stabilize if you prefer, the roll of the box.

If you still have "tail wag" or yaw, and/or if you tow anything, you will need a panhard bar or track bar (same thing, different name). You already have one on the front from the factory. What that does is prevents the side to side movement of the rear axle itself. It connects the axle to the frame. Those giant leaf springs have way too much lateral movement to produce stability. The addition of the track bar will also work with your safetplus steering dampner (I have the same one) to reduce oversteering.

Don't worry about terminology or not being up to speed on everything F-53. There are lots of folks with experience to share that could help you make your coach an enjoyable experience.
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Old 09-10-2015, 03:08 PM   #12
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I have a 2015 Georgetown 280 on F53 Chassis. Was very scary to drive with almost any wind and trucks passing. I put on a Roadmaster supplemental rear sway bar and Supersteer Rear Trac Bar kit. Much much better now. The Trac Bar made by far the greatest improvement. It should be standard equipment as is the front Trac Bar on the F53 now in my opinion.
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Old 09-19-2015, 10:33 AM   #13
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Can anyone tell me the size chasis on my 2014 FR3 28ds. Looking to be sure in case I want to replace with a heavier duty sway bar. Rear and possible front ?
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Old 09-19-2015, 07:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by philv View Post
Can anyone tell me the size chasis on my 2014 FR3 28ds. Looking to be sure in case I want to replace with a heavier duty sway bar. Rear and possible front ?
I believe you have the F-53 18,000lb chassis with the Dana 80 rear axle.
Find your specs here: http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...2014_LoRes.pdf
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Old 09-20-2015, 07:48 AM   #15
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Thanks Duckogram
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Old 11-18-2015, 10:52 PM   #16
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I'm new to this forum and purchased a 2016 FR3 30DS early September. I have been retired 7 1/2 years and wanted a motorhome that my wife and I could use as well as our 3 grown chjildren and their families. We have a total of 8 grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 9 years old and this model seemed to fit the needs of each family as well as ourselves. Being concerned about ride and handling I decided before purchase I would added the after market enhancements to provide the maximum performance since up to 7 different individuals would be driving this motorhome overtime. As a result I added these enhancements over the last 6 weeks: Safety-T-Plus steering stabilizer; RoadMaster aux rear stabilizer bar; Henderson SuperSteer SS-400 rear trac bar and this past Monday Maximum SumoSprings on the front and rear. I understand that Tiffin is now offering the SumoSpring as an option on their gas motorhomes and now is considering it standard. After picking up our new motorhome in September it was somewhat of a white knuckle ride home for 60 miles through Detroit rush hour traffic. Following these enhancement the improvement in ride and handling is amazing. The ride is extremely stable and takes little effort to drive with one hand on the wheel versus my original experience. Thank you to all on the forum for your great insight and recommendations. Click image for larger version

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