Ford F53 Ride Improvements
I am trying to understand the relationship between the springs, shocks, and air bags on my F53 chassis. We just returned from a 2300 mile 17 day outing, and at times the RV about beat us to death. Now I understand it will never ride like a DP or even my Yukon, but dang, did it get rough. Tire pressures are 80psi front, 85psi rear, 33 foot National RV SeaBreeze LX, 208 inch wheelbase. Shocks are Biltseins (new) OEM and Firestone air bags.
So I understand the leaf springs support the RV and move up and down to keep the chassis stable. The shocks dampen the up and down movement to "smooth" it out. Shocks have a compression and rebound, or return rating which dictates how much control they have. The air bags, while helping minimize body roll also can dampen the initial "bounce" of the springs. So at this point I'm at a loss on what to do to smooth out the ride some without spending mega dollars. Biltsein and Monroe have been zero help, as they just want to sell me an OEM shock and are not willing to discuss options.
As additional FYI, the RV has the factory front and rear anti-sway bars, a front aftermarket anti roll bar (going from the driver shock mount to the passenger frame to help control body roll) and I'm having a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar installed next week. CHF has been done. Handing is not an issue, just the ride. I do plan on having the frame/chassis shop look at the springs to confirm they are not "worn", but any initial information or thoughts before I take it there would be most helpful.
Al
So I understand the leaf springs support the RV and move up and down to keep the chassis stable. The shocks dampen the up and down movement to "smooth" it out. Shocks have a compression and rebound, or return rating which dictates how much control they have. The air bags, while helping minimize body roll also can dampen the initial "bounce" of the springs. So at this point I'm at a loss on what to do to smooth out the ride some without spending mega dollars. Biltsein and Monroe have been zero help, as they just want to sell me an OEM shock and are not willing to discuss options.
As additional FYI, the RV has the factory front and rear anti-sway bars, a front aftermarket anti roll bar (going from the driver shock mount to the passenger frame to help control body roll) and I'm having a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar installed next week. CHF has been done. Handing is not an issue, just the ride. I do plan on having the frame/chassis shop look at the springs to confirm they are not "worn", but any initial information or thoughts before I take it there would be most helpful.
Al
