Forum Discussion

rlw999's avatar
rlw999
Explorer
Aug 19, 2020

Best bang for the buck E-450 suspension upgrade

I have 2016 28 foot Coachmen class C based on the Ford E-450 chassis.

It drives fine, no serious complaints but tends to be tiring for long distance driving, I'll be putting a few thousand miles on it next month.

I've read great things about various suspension and other upgrades, but could spend $5,000+ installing them all.

If I had $1000, maybe $1500 to spend on an upgrade (parts+installation, I'm not going to install it myself), what's the best use of money? Sway bar? (front, rear or both?) Sumosprings? Upgraded shocks? Steering stabilizer? New tires? Something else?

Or just accept that an RV is never going to drive like a car and no upgrade is going to make a significant difference?
Class C
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2020
    Shocks. The biggest heavy duty ones you can buy. Bilstein or Koni.

    E-Series vans are "hard" on ball joints. I think I am on my third set in only 130,000 miles.

    Also, ALL E-series vans have a tendency to "wander" when driving straight down the highway. This is why you are tired. Addition caster will help, but there is no caster adjustment built in the front end. A GOOD front end technician will install offset bushings. Go for the MAXIMUM !

    Moog K8984 - 3½°
  • T18skyguy's avatar
    T18skyguy
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2020
    I would agree shocks. Put a set of Bilsteins on it, and with any leftover money put a heavy duty rear stabilizer on it.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2020
    T18skyguy wrote:
    I would agree shocks. Put a set of Bilsteins on it, and with any leftover money put a heavy duty rear stabilizer on it.


    This 100%.

    Also get a good alignment done, and make sure caster is maxed out (5%). This is the single greatest variable when it comes to steering tracking.
  • Dusty_R's avatar
    Dusty_R
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2020
    First have a front end alinement. That's all I've ever had done, but I've been driving an E-150 since 1972. They have been my goto work and home furnace delivery vehicle. The early ones were E100s.

    Dusty
  • Lumpty's avatar
    Lumpty
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2020
    Recommended improvements, in order:

    1. Alignment, maximizing caster.
    2. Big front anti-roll bar. I have a Hellwig.
    3. Shocks; was a Bilstein fan, but was not really satisfied with how floaty the digressive valving was on my lightly loaded E450 chassis. Replaced those on the front with a pair of Monroe Magnum RV shocks, for silly cheap $$ from Advance Auto Parts. Really locked the front down.

    If I hadn't spent the $350 on the set of Bilsteins, all that would have run only about $400. Aside from the alignment, did all the work myself.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2020
    carringb wrote:
    T18skyguy wrote:
    I would agree shocks. Put a set of Bilsteins on it, and with any leftover money put a heavy duty rear stabilizer on it.
    This 100%.

    Also get a good alignment done, and make sure caster is maxed out (5%). This is the single greatest variable when it comes to steering tracking.
    X3

    Make sure to get the "Heavy Duty" Bilstein RV shocks. I "LOVE" how they improved the ride & control.

    I have front and rear heavy duty Roadmaster stabilizer bars as well. They do wonders too, but they are expensive. Heavy duty Helwig stabilizer bars are spec'd the same but are much cheaper. You might be able to include the front bar for the same money.
  • ladaca's avatar
    ladaca
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2020
    Bilstein shocks, Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer & Roadmaster Rear Anti-sway Bar. Not sure of installation costs as I installed all. Much better ride and handling. The E450 cutaway chassis is not setup to handle an RV load.

    Dan
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2020
    Dusty R wrote:
    First have a front end alinement. That's all I've ever had done, but I've been driving an E-150 since 1972. They have been my goto work and home furnace delivery vehicle. The early ones were E100s.

    Dusty

    Wow ! Picked up our first E150 some where in the late 80s. Still driving a 1998, but cancer is catching up.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2020
    Lumpty wrote:
    Aside from the alignment, did all the work myself.

    Shocks aren't to bad. Ball joints require a press.

    A couple of years ago I had to replace all of the steering components (inner and outer tie rod ends, adjusters, center link). DIY and saved HUNDREDS ! The toe was way off, but the alignment shop was only about 3 miles away.

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