RV Suspension upgrades - Winnebago View
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2018
- Your RV suspension: Upgraded the sway bar, shocks and added SumoSprings to our 2016 Winnebago View. Really improved the handling and pretty easy to do. Went from turtle into a cat ( OK, maybe a fat cat).
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Just finished these upgrades to my 2019 Navion. What a difference!!! Cellophane trick is pure genius!!! You are the man! Thanks!
A nearby fall leaf also works.
@@mikeyipeekyeh Can you elaborate please???
Ron, great videos!
Thanks for sharing. We're new to this and it's really comforting knowing you can get experiencial advice from folks like you. 😎👍
Wow! Excellent video/production!
Ditto what's already been said: this is a great video. Thanks a whole lot, Ron. You took something that sounded intimidating and showed how (relatively) easy the job is. Thanks!
Thank you for posting! Changed out to Sumo front shocks this morning. Easy prays after watching your video!
Thanks for the tip using the plastic wrap to secure the nut in the socket when installing the front sumos. Worked like a charm!
Great video Ron. Appreciate the tips and rime you put into this.
Watching your vids.Wife and I. Very much in your debt! Thank you!
Great advice for the DIY'er and perfect upgrades for better stabilization...
There is a company called WeldTec Designs in El Cajon, Ca. that sells the true suspension upgrades and lift-kits for RV'S like beefier "Leaf-springs" & "Shocks"... great stuff for those who like to go Boondocking off-road and require more ground clearance or just those tired of scrapping driveways.
Here are my recommendations and game changer suspension upgrades that I recommend:
-Agile Offoad Fox 2.5 rear shocks that are awesome!
-Roadmaster sway bar that goes in front of rear axle and keeps your factory in place and if your factory sway bar behind axle is not the new 1.5” but the smaller I would replace that too with larger diameter. Keep in mind that scientifically and physically if you think it through having a large sway bar in front of the rear axle more toward the center of RV makes a lot of sense. Costs more but who cares when you are thinking about the life of your family. A local RV guy who is no-nonsense talked me into this solution and I am glad I listened.
As a note I added the Bigfoot leveling system and use this when I get on the roof as well for any reason to stabilize vehicle.
You may say “I don’t want to pay for this after paying so much for my vehicle” but let me say that I don’t really think the stock set up with how top heavy this brand/model is is really that safe and not a sound design IMO. The Spinter has a narrow wheelbase and is 11’ tall and is way too top heavy for the stock set up in my opinion. Make these changes and it’s a whole new vehicle in the way it rides and corners or reacts to wind or even exiting driveways or going over speed bumps at off angles. It was a strong right to left gust going down the freeway that got me looking for a solution to be more safe.
You could even go one more and add a tracking bar to the front if you feel you want to keep going on improving.
You can get the sway bar and shocks after market installed for $1500-$2000 or so.
Great video, thanks. I’m just getting ready to order my sumo springs.
Steve McNerney let me know how they work for you. It seems all these upgrades work together but the extra benefit gets smaller the more changes you make.
Great video. Thanks for sharing
We really like your videos. Make more please!
Thanks. Got a couple more in the works
Nice video..my first thought upon seeing the Helwig sway bar is the right upper mount plate for the sway bar appears to be cracked or the weld is separating from the frame. Now this could be the shadowing or camera angle and it might be just fine. Might be worth a look. I own a class C Born Free E450 and did a lot of these mods when I first purchased it.. I had the front upper sway bar mount fail at the frame. I took it to my R & B Steel fabricators in Rockville Maryland and they did a fabulous job in a really tight space. I replaced the Ford shocks with Bilstiens, and found the one of the Ford shocks have already failed at less than 800 miles....jay
The bad weld was instantly obvious. I mentioned it before I read the comments.
Wow.....for the money you pay for this RV...its amazing they dont do this at the factory.....thx Ron!!!
Nice video for installing SumoSprings in our 2011 Winnebago View. Discovered I needed a 13mm deep socket to remove the front Mercedes bump stop and install the front SumoSpring... which I didn’t have. Found a 1/2” deep socket which worked fine... but would recommend anybody doing this get a 13mm deep socket to make their installation go smoother.
Also, I noticed you didn’t use the Mercedes recommended front jacking point... which is forward of the front wheels (3:18 in your video). Obviously is worked fine but the Mercedes front jacking point which is shown in a diagram right on our Mercedes hydraulic jack under the passenger floorboard worked fine. Just needed to jack it up high enough to get the front wheel off the ground so the front suspension drops enough to insert the front SumoSpring. Definitely recommend setting the parking brake SOLIDLY and jack on a completely so the RV doesn’t fall over on the laterally unstable Mercedes bottle jack.
Just a couple of tips others may find helpful using your AWESOME SumoSprings installation video. Thanks Ron !!!
Good points. I don't try to include all details (just the flavor) in my videos so as not to bore the ones that will probably have some one else do the work anyway. Congrats on you initiative.
What a great video! Thank you!,!
I just wanted to leave a shout-out to grandpa Ron i have implemented a bunch of his upgrades but specifically to date an update on my own suspension upgrades.... I installed the hellwig sway bar and the black SSF-106-47 1000# sumo springs on the front and wow what’s difference. Cornering.... huge difference. Trailer trucks passing no more sway! I don’t feel like ride is harsh at all the added control is incredible. waiting on my fox shocks to show up we’re on back order, honestly idk if I even need them but since I paid for them I will install and give another update.... ty G-Ron
Thanks. Let me know how the Foxshocks work out.
Hi Dawn & Chris! It’s been 6 months, have you had a chance to install the fox shocks? How are they?
Thanks for making this video.
I got a f53 with Thor motorhome on it and it was extremely hard to handle.
I put the rear hellwig anti sway bar on it and it did make a noticeable difference BUT even though they say it's a two hour job it took two DAYS. The hardware didn't match my spring/axel saddles. I had to drill 4 new holes on those thick plates. The existing ubolt nuts were pure hell to get off. Hellwig SHOULD have holes in the plates for both styles.
It also chaps my ass that they charge $850 for the f53 sway BUT it's actually less material than the f450 sway that sells for $235.
They are ripping us off bigtime. They include redundant hardware including new unbolts and nuts for the frame attachment. Such a waste.
But as the old saying goes.... if you want to dance you have to pay the fiddler.
As for the sumo springs, they do not make any for a Thor motorhome. Buy I've read several reports that say sumo springs don't make much difference.
But I have heard that doubling the shocks can make a noticeable difference. But that may be a sales pitch from the folks who sell the long bolts and spacers.
I'm pretty sure that I'll be giving the quad shocks a try.
Hey Ron ,
What model of Foxshocks you recoment or your friend using ? Thank you ..
Are the shocks worth the extra money, and can the sway bar and sumo's do the job by themselves?
Ron, I love your videos and appreciate your willingness produce and share your work. Why did you choose the black Sumos vs the yellow or blue? I want to put them on my 2016 sprinter 3500 which weighs 9,700 lbs
Black was the recommended ones back then. If I had a do over, would go with Foxshocks instead.
Great video - very informative. Do the sumos increase the carrying capacity from the basic 1030 lbs? Which order do you suggest doing the upgrades?
The Hellwig sway bar made the biggest improvement. Shocks and Sumos can effect the ride so it is a trade off. The Koni shocks are supposed to still give a better ride, but not sure how much is just marketing. However that said, the original shocks are very wimpy and a good thing to upgrade. Many different shocks to choose from, each saying they are best. The sumos do not actually the RV increase load capacity, but will help bottoming out from deep potholes.
So added the fox shocks and to be honest didn’t notice any real improvement over stock ones, to date biggest bang for the buck on my 2015 itasca navion was the front sumo’s and the helwig sway bar. As far as harsher ride up front idk but the sumo’s knocked that sway down so much I’ll deal with it if there is any….
Do the sumo rubber bumpers actually help with the side to side sway also? Or do you rely on the Hellwig only for that unintended feature when cornering. Tks
The sumos helped with sway big time for me (only put on front)
Hi Ron! Thank you for posting this video. I just got a 2019 VIEW 24J and would like to do the exact same upgrades. Could you please post the exact part numbers for each of the 3 items? Thanks in advance.
Fake Persona Just ordered from Amazon. Hellwig 7254 The other ones I got online. They are for the Sprinter 3500.
Which load capability springs did you get for the front?? I understand the weight load can be either 500lbs per spring or 1000 lbs per spring?
Did you consider any other density for your SumoSprings? I see on their website that they come with different ratings/colors - blue, black & yellow. I have see pics of all the colors going in, but no one seems to know they have a choice.
Gary Christman didn’t know of other options. I’m ok with the black ones
Hi Ron, great video! How much time should I expect the installation of front and rear to take? I have a 2017 View. Thanks.
Cee Nichells around an hour apiece.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks!
Thanks Rob! I’m going to do the same on my 2006. Where did you purchase the sway bar for that price? I’m searching and am only finding closer to $400 for Sprinter chassis....
John Mutter I got mine on amazon. Hellwig 7254 Rear Sway Bar www.amazon.com/dp/B003LFDSHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LgQnCbW0WXPG0
Hey Ron, your video is so straightforward on how to do the install. One question, where did you place the jack to lift the frame to get the rear sumo in? Are you lifting under that beam the Heliwg is attached to?
Normal jack points on frame.
Added sumos to the rear of my 2017 24V. You made the video a few years ago and it's great..... but you left out the hard part which is jacking the frame up enough to insert the sumos. Maybe I have a defective jack because it was really hard to generate enough leverage with that skinny lever MB supplies to pump up the jack. Did you have the same problem? I was about ready to run down to harbor freight and buy a floor jack. lol. Hope to see you on the road. I'm buying!
R Murry yes, I have an old floor jack I use when I can. I have used the bottle jack that comes with it. A little more tedious.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 I was watching another youtube video when I saw someone using the bottle jack and realized I don't have the handle for the jack. The previous owners must have not replaced after using it and I ( like an idiot) used the small handle used for removing the wheel nuts. Lots of work.....
How did you lift your rv to do the work? Great videos! Thanks
I don’t lift it. Plenty of room to crawl under when needed.
Hey Grandpa Ron, I was ordering Hellwig anti-sway bars for my 2018 Via and for my in-laws' 2016 View. Another vlogger (RV With Tito DIY) mentioned he did front and rear sway bars (E450 chassis), but I'm not finding front anti-sway bars for the Sprinter 3500. Is there only a rear anti-sway bar for the Sprinter? Thanks in advance.
David Ahn I believe the Sprinters do have front sway bars but I don’t know of anyone who’s changed them. They are a lot more difficult to install.
On the Road with Ron Thanks!
How many MPG are you getting ?
Thank you so much for showing your improvements. We have the 2017 24D but with levelers. Are the sway bars possible with those? Will the shocks alone help with the swaying while driving? While I love the rv, I can’t believe the “swoopyness” of the thing.
winebox the best thing you can do is add a bigger sway bar. It will reduce the leaning over. Shocks help with bumps and dips in the road. And yes your RV chassis is the same as mine. My friend has Foxshocks in the back and highly recommends them.
On the Road with Ron That’s so good to hear. I was worried that with the extra equipment of the levelers that wouldn’t be possible. Is this a home mechanic job or a shop job? As this is our first rv, what should we look for in a shop?
winebox it is pretty easy to do. Just 4 volts for sway bars. Anyone with a couple tools should be Able be to do it.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Ron, I've installed the Hellwig sway bar (2016 View). What would you suggest next for the biggest bang for the buck? Rear Sumo springs or rear shocks (Fox or other brand)? Thanks Mark
@@markmartin6299 Fox shocks is recommended
I would help if you would list some of the part numbers....some of these parts seem harder to find, the right one. LOL
How did you decide which SumoSprings to get? There are a ton of options, just for the sprinter. All different grades and a huge price range. It looks like you got the smallest available.
Furrari Aussies the black ones were the only type (color) they had. I’m considering removing them and going with Foxshocks instead. A friend of mine did this and is very happy with results. Mine still has too much rocking over angled dips like driveways.
I was familiar with SumoShocks already but never Fox. I put air bags on my current class c but it's a ford based chassis. They are a bit of a pain having to always put air in them. They do work pretty great.
At 40 seconds into this you show what looks like the worst weld ever. Is that bracket actually connected on both sides of the frame? LOVE the cellophane trick!
I see what you mean. Yes, weld is ugly, but seems to hold OK.
What model of Foxshocks you recommend or your friend using ? . When i spoke to shockwarehouse I was told/advise (KONI82 2588 for Rear and 872657 for Front) I have 2009 Sprinter 3500 (Winnebago view 2009) , They said there is no FOXShocks for later Model RVs .. just trying to take your suggestions and experience so far on the suspension improvements you made..
The best are Agile foxshocks 2.5. They are specially designed for Sprinter RVs. agileoffroad.com/product/agile-fox-2-5-rear-shocks-mercedes-sprinter-3500-rv-class-c/
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Ron I have also heard agile fox shocks are very good for Sprinter RVs. I am also looking at Falcon 2.1 shocks for the rear of my 2009 Fleetwood Icon. They are also designed for RV Sprinter applications. Have you encountered them?
Ron do you have a 30amp outlet at your house I was thinking about putting that in atmy house
roger ghering no I don’t. I do have a 15 amp outlet but don’t use it much. My solar keeps batteries charged, so only use house current for tools or running tests.
Were the fronts easier to access/install from behind the wheel, or in front, or over top? How did you turn your front wheels to allow for easiest access? I may not have seen it clearly, apologies.
Just turned the wheels. Out with engine on. Access from front and top.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 I have since figured that out - trial and error. I could get the OEM bump stops out easier from top/front, but needed access from back/top to install new SS. Thanks.
Which works better for the first step, Say bar or Sumo Springs, rear first.
I did the sway bar first. Later added the Sumos but they didn’t make as much improvement.
Ron, what other brand shock would u recommend on a sprinter
Most people like Foxshocks. Koni reds are popular also.
Does your anti sway bar make noise? Did you install the anti swat bar? Thank you
I’m not aware of any noise from it. Yes, I installed it my self. It was a little heavy but not complicated.
Hard to tell on the shocks. The new shocks control the up and down bouncing pretty well. You could try without them first.
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Question: do these mods make the ride over rough spots softer? Right now our 2017 View beats the heck out of us (and itself) on the poorly maintained freeways here. Thanks.
If you want softer ride, then set front tires to 55 psi and do not get Sumo springs. Sway bar is fine. Most suspension mods are to reduce sway and rocking side to side when a semi passes or you take a sharp off ramp. Shocks also effect ride. Is your rig OEM or modified?
OEM.
Wouldn’t low psi put tires at risk?
BTW love your videos! Useful, clear and complete. J
@@josephnewman1545 no. The front is lighter than the rear and the 55 psi is the Michelin recommendation for the actual weight on the front tires.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Got it. Thx!
How did you decide whether to use the 900lb vs the 1400lb Sumo Springs in the rear of your MBS?
nikonjeff They only had one kind when I ordered mine a few years ago.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thank you for the reply. I spoke to the folks that manufacture SumoSprings and they recommended the Heavier Duty Sumo's (yellow). Got them installed last week and took a test drive - definitely a nice improvement...
nikonjeff glad you like them. Does stiffen up things.
Ron do you have any updates on suspension modes? What have you done different since initial install? Remove anything add anything?
I removed the front Sumos. Too harsh a ride. Today I would go with fox shocks in the back without any sumos. Sway bar is good and I run 55 psi in front tires.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 did you put back the front oem rubber bumper when you removed the front sumu’s?
@@markpillori yes, glad I kept them.
Add the sumo coil spring to front and rear
Performed all three over several years, had I seen video I would have done them at one time must so for Navion sprinter vans. Safety note never ever jack up vehicle weighing over 10k lbs with out tire stops and load rated jack stands. 1st error will likely be deadly.
Hey Ron, Have you upgraded your front struts? If so, what brand? Thanks!
Still running original.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 I'm looking at replacing our originals with Koni struts
Ron, Great video. I am ready to make these modifications to my 2019 Winnebago Navion but am curious if you replace the front and rear shocks. It Seems pretty expensive if it may not make a big difference from the stock shocks. Thanks James V
James Vollmer after trying a few things, I was to try the Fox shocks. $500 so not cheap, but didn’t like the Koni’s or Sumos.
What’s your opinion now you have Fox Shocks?
Ron if you had it to do over again, was Sumos a waste? The larger sway bar sounds like a worthy investment and now that you changed the shocks..was it worth the investment? Thanks for the advice and video
How do you know what size shocks to buy?
Most online retailers have a section that asks for your make model and year. Just fill it in and it show you which parts fit your RV
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Thanks Ron. I love your videos. We just bought a 2016 24J that looks identical to yours. Your videos are amazing, educational and simply entertaining.
Were can I get those parts for my RV
I got mine online from Hellwig. I don't use the Sumo Springs any more.
What do you use in place of the Sumo springs
I did some research, and also talked to sumosprings technical support. From what I can tell you have both the wrong spring resistance (you should have a 54 and not a 47, that's the yellow versus the black), and you have the wrong spring model. You have the SSR 338 and sumosprings says you should have the SSR 336. The 336 is a much more robust spring (and more expensive!) with a positive attachment at each end.
This could be why you seem somewhat disappointed with their performance on your RV?
Gregory K from what I read on the sumo website, the black ones were recommended when not towing and for medium duty. No big complaints with the rear ones, but I have removed the front ones and like the ride better. My main complaint now is the excessive rocking back and forth after crossing driveway dips at an angle. This is probably due to inadequate shock damping. Might try FoxShocks to fix that.
@@ontheroadwithron2432 Ron have you considered replacing the rear springs with a helper spring package. The Sprinters come with only 2 springs. When you add a lot of weight that really puts a lot of load on the rear springs. Adding springs should provide more stability, front-and-back and side-to-side.
@@stuartrogel9117 yes, but more springs also give a stiffer truck like ride. The existing springs are rated for the RV weight, if I make any further changes, it would be Foxshocks.
Careful where your jack point are sir.
what is MPG with your RV
Normally average 15.5 mpg driving around 60. last trip was a little lower due to high winds that were always either from the front or the side.