F53 suspension upgrades
We have a 27'Winnebago Vista and like others are not satisfied with the handling. In a recent Motor Home magazine article they detailed the upgrades to a larger coach by Henderson that was interesting...
Forum Discussion
So let me add some more here. First, trying to get an F-53 chassis to handle great is like trying to put lipstick on a pig. Isn't gonna happen. Now, that said, There are mods you can do that will enhance the handling. For me, I've done the following.
1. 4 wheel alignment and weigh the MH. Adjust air pressure per the Toyo tables (not what the guys at the tire shop say)
2. Roadmaster True-center for the steering
3. CHF
4. Poly bushings on stock anti-sway bars
5. Rear Hellwig anti sway bar
6. Rear trac bar
7. New Koni KSD shocks
It already had Firestone air bags, which allow me to properly level the MH once we are loaded up and ready to go. So short of a front trac bar, or jumping into the Liquid Suspension (high dollar) mods, I'm pretty much done. So does it handle better? Absolutely. Semi's rarely push me around (other than the empty rolling parking lots), and cross wind issues are no problems under 15-20mph. Koni shocks improved the ride so it is not as jarring. I still have issues with those pesky little 12-14 foot box trucks, as I can feel them when they blow by (I still haven't figured that one out), but now I could drive with one hand (not that I do), and I can go farther each day before I'm ready for my adult beverage. So for us, it was worth it, as we both love the MH and have plans on keeping it for a long time. YMMV and all that. For me, I would get the air bags over the Sumo springs, as the air bags help you adjust the ride height. Sumos are fixed.
Sorry for the long post....
Al
1. 4 wheel alignment and weigh the MH. Adjust air pressure per the Toyo tables (not what the guys at the tire shop say)
2. Roadmaster True-center for the steering
3. CHF
4. Poly bushings on stock anti-sway bars
5. Rear Hellwig anti sway bar
6. Rear trac bar
7. New Koni KSD shocks
It already had Firestone air bags, which allow me to properly level the MH once we are loaded up and ready to go. So short of a front trac bar, or jumping into the Liquid Suspension (high dollar) mods, I'm pretty much done. So does it handle better? Absolutely. Semi's rarely push me around (other than the empty rolling parking lots), and cross wind issues are no problems under 15-20mph. Koni shocks improved the ride so it is not as jarring. I still have issues with those pesky little 12-14 foot box trucks, as I can feel them when they blow by (I still haven't figured that one out), but now I could drive with one hand (not that I do), and I can go farther each day before I'm ready for my adult beverage. So for us, it was worth it, as we both love the MH and have plans on keeping it for a long time. YMMV and all that. For me, I would get the air bags over the Sumo springs, as the air bags help you adjust the ride height. Sumos are fixed.
Sorry for the long post....
Al
