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RV Suspension Upgrade: Improving Ride & Handling of Our Gas Coach | Sumo Springs - Before & After
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2016
- Suspension Upgrades
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ℹ️ About this Video:
After 2 years of full-timing, driving over 20,000 miles across 40+ states, we decided to upgrade our suspension. In this video, Marc shares his thoughts and research on the various suspension upgrade options, why we chose Sumo Springs and our experience driving our coach both BEFORE and AFTER the install. What is involved? What do they cost? Do they really work? Is it worth it? We filmed this video to help anyone wanting to upgrade the ride and handling of their RV or truck (when towing) or questioning whether to buy Gas or Diesel. We hope that by sharing our experience it will help provide some insight and answers. Please feel free to share your suspension upgrade experience in the Comments Section below for the benefit of others doing research on this subject.
This video was filmed while driving across I-70 WB in Kansas, so please forgive the road noise hum.
RELATED VIDEOS & BLOG POSTS
Suspension Upgrade to Improve the Ride & Handling of our Gas RV: bit.ly/1UnXfBA
Our Experience Driving a Gas RV: bit.ly/1X8HO6v
A Slice of RV Life Episode #26: Windy Day: bit.ly/25JQLVt
➡️ RELATED LINKS
Motorhome Magazine February 2016 Issue (article on suspension upgrade with Sumo Springs): bit.ly/25KhPrb
Sumo Springs (manufactured by Super Springs): bit.ly/1ObUtTm
Be sure to get the correct parts suitable for the specific model of your vehicle (RV or truck) - type, year, chassis, GVWR etc. If you aren't sure, please contact the manufacturer for assistance at: bit.ly/1ZuGgBH
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Front: amzn.to/1svjEGE
Rear: amzn.to/24wTgIt
These are the actual Sump Spring part model numbers we Installed on our 2012 Tiffin 35QBA which is on a 2011 Ford Chassis GVWR 22,000lb.
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We bought new a 2020 Winnebago Adventurer 29B and we went on our first long trip from MD to CO. This is a gas RV with a Ford F53 chassis. The ride was so bad that we suffered nearly every day with fatigue and body pain! Unless we can fix the rocking, rolling, and bouncing we're done with this otherwise great RV! Marc and Julie, thank you so much for this video. This gives us some hope that an improvement to our ride is possible.
Glad what we shared can help others. -M
i have a 1999 class a, which i had a set of air springs installed and could not be happier, behind the rear end of the camper is a 80 gallon gas tank and under the bed is my freshwater tank which is 50 to 60 gallons, as the can see with that amount of fluids that can change from day to day being able to adjust the suspension makes driving a pure joy, nice video
Good to hear - thanks for sharing!
Great video on Sumo Springs. I made the upgrade to our 2006 W22 Workhorse chassis last year. I agree with all you have said. Our 2007 Allegro Open Road 34TGA only had 9,000 miles on it when we bought it used two years ago. We wanted to improve the ride just like you did. The upgrade was done in Nashville by Link Automotive and they were so impressed with the product that they may become a certified installation shop for Super Springs. The biggest improvement is that the driver feels more in control of the motorhome. We just finished a trip from Nashville to Florida and back. I was able to drive much further with much less driver fatigue. Side sway, porpoising, and body roll were significantly reduced. We still had some small trouble with side winds and passing semi's, but that may only mean that we probably need to add a rear stabilizer bar. We already have a Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer on the front axle. Bridge expansion joints were still a jolt at times, but the Sumo Springs lessened the nose dive if there was a significant change in pavement height. We still have the original factory shocks (low mileage vehicle). Keep up the good work. Kenneth S. - Nashville, TN
Hi Kenneth - excellent summary and feedback, thank you for sharing. It really helps others to hear/read the opinions of people like yourself so they can get additional confidence if they are also considering - and not just take our word for it! Good to hear you also like the steering stabilizer - we have been asked about those but don't have first hand experience to comment on them. We have also heard that the 5 Star Tune makes a substantial difference. Thanks again for your positive feedback and for sharing your experience. Happy trails!
Just installed them on our 2017 F250 about a week ago, what a difference they make, and very reasonable cost. I knew I'd seen these somewhere, but could not remember until a few minutes ago, so I THANK YOU for the tip! Hope to see you guys on the road! Working while RVing, what a great life we have!
Glad you are also enjoying the difference! A very worthwhile investment huh? We are definitely very fortunate to be able to travel while working. Happy Trails - see you out there!
I think this is the happiest I've seen anyone over a mod they can't show off for people to actually see! I'm glad that this is working out since we've been looking at having the upgrade to a Tiffin when we're ready to order this fall.
Glad you found it helpful, get the upgrade for sure! And yes it is funny that is't something no-one else can see, but we sure can FEEL the difference :)
Thank You, for making this video. My wife and I are traveling from Ohio to California and across New Mexico, Arizona and California the cross winds caused me to slow down due to not having control of our couch. I’m gonna look into these suma springs .
Yes they made a real difference, glad you found the video helpful!
Checking all the things to make our new RV better. Will have to put this on the list as well as a SafeTsteer!!
We definitely loved the improvement those sumo springs made.
I added the Firestone Air Bags to my Ford E 250 Van because I tow a 30 foot Travel Trailer behind it. The Air Bags definitely reduced the "Pucker Factor" whenever a Big Rig passed us. I also added shocks to the travel trailer and that really helped to further reduce the "Pucker Factor". I have had no problems with the Air Bags loosing air. I operate the Air Bags at 30 psi around town and at 85 psi whenever towing. I do not reduce the pressure while we are on a trip and we disconnect from the trailer to explore the local area, I only reduce the pressure after we return home. The van rides just fine at 85 psi (the rear end just rides a bit higher than normal ). I strongly recommend the Firestone Air Bags, they have really improved the handling on my Truck.
Thanks for sharing! It's great having people like you share their experiences here - so helpful for others who are also considering a suspension upgrade. Glad you are experiencing a much better ride and no more ''pucker factor' LOL
Marc, I installed a set on my 2015 Thor Windsport 34F at the beginning of June, and I could't agree with you more. As you well know, a night and day difference. Best investment/upgrade i have done so far. My wife noticed the difference our first trip out. We recently took our coach on a 2500 mile trip the last week in June. As you stated, no more driving phatigue. I was comfortable and relaxed driving 8-10 hours a day. I also HIGHLY recommend the Sumo's. At $1450 installed, I wish I could have found a place to do mine!
Safe travels!
PG
New Orleans, LA
Awesome! That is great to hear :) Makes long driving days more enjoyable and relaxing for sure. Safe travels!
Love the way you explain the situation ... the fix ... the how to ... Great Video ... Thanks
Hey you're welcome! Glad you found it useful
Great consumer review Marc, this is something to think about. Thanks for Sharing!
No worries!
Marc installed the front on my 2018 Thor and have been very happy witH the ride putting the rear on in the spring ,big difference on the Thor 35 M. Thanks for the review.
It's so rare to see someone get giddy over a mod or upgrade that is not seen, per se, or related to the appearance inside or out of the RV. Good for you for finding a solution to your suspension issue that was an easy install and affordable. Also you said that the Sumo system was not temperature sensitive, but, is there a cold point that would adversely affect handling or function? Thanks for all the great "daily life" vids.
Haha yes Bob, that is true! He really felt (and loved) the difference on our 1,150 mile drive from Kentucky to Colorado over the weekend. According to the manufacturer's website "will perform within the temperature range of -25°F and 200°F" hope that helps! And thanks for the positive mojo :)
Great review of SS.
Glad you enjoyed it
We installed these after watching this video!! Thanks for the Testimony 👍
Awesome1 They make a huge difference1
Glad that you solved this problem. Handling was the major (but not the only) reason we switched to a DP this year. Our Gasser was killing me! Excited to hear that equipment upgrades are available at a reasonable price. Of course ALL manufacturers should make this equipment standard and not optional. I would also add that DPs are not immune from the wind. We were blown 3' off of the road in the canyons around Lake Mead a month ago! Not fun! Great video! Thanks!
Yes, it wouldn't surprise us if suspension upgrades start to become standard as more consumers demand them. Wow 3 feet blown off the road in your DP? That would have been nerve wracking to say the least. Thanks for the positive feedback! Safe travels!
Yes I have a clear understanding of "pucker factor" LOL! Safe travels to you both as well!
Marc, - did you notice any improvement in ride harshness? Our F53 leaf spring suspension seems to transmit every bump/crack/roughness right into the coach. Drive a rough road, and you can hear the structure "talking" to you.
Glad that has worked out for you guys so well. Nice touch flashing the trucker in Marc. Um the lights flashing😄. Just so no one is confused! Now one thing I must say to caution everyone is if you install these do NOT do it in the manner portrayed in this video. Always use jack stands rated for the weight of your coach. NEVER ever go under your coach with only the HWH jacks down as your only support for raising the coach. I was shocked to see a shop do that. Very dangerous and a great way to get squished like a bug if a line blows or a malfunction happens with the hydraulics. Now I will get off my soapbox.
Haha glad you clarified that Gary (the flashing) yes Marc is very good about that, he has excellent road manners. You make an excellent point about raising the coach only on the jacks! That could end VERY badly if one of them failed. Didn't even think about or notice that but you are absolutely right! I will mention it to the shop owner to create better safety protocols for his employees! We feel the same way about seeing coaches sitting on their leveling jacks only - no blocks - and tires in the air poised for take off! We see it all the time - that could also cause damage/injury but probably not as much as squishing one of those guys under the wheel well! That said, we are glad everything worked out OK, everyone is safe and we love our suspension upgrade :)
+RVLove | Marc & Julie Bennett Over the years too many people have perished from just such a tragedy. Deaths happen regularly from the absence of jack stands. Completely needless of course.
Thank you so much for this review! The swaying bothers us a lot so we will definitely be installing these on our 2013 Tiffin Allegro 35QBA. Even though we are not full time RVers, we still think it's worth the investment. We are researching it right now and will get quotes from shops in our area (southern CA) this week. Thanks again!
You're welcome! And get them to break down the quote into parts and labor. Shops can usually get them at discounted prices, but if not, order them via Amazon and just have them do the install. Not sure if that would change the labor rate though? We think you will be happy with them and reduce your stress over the swaying which can be unpleasant! I think because we full-time we are more used to it, but as Marc said, we'll definitely enjoy driving the next 20K miles a whole lot more! Happy Travels :)
Great review Marc. Looking at installing Summos on our 2014 36LA, so your video was very informative.
Great stuff, you will notice a big difference! Glad the video helped.
Completely agree with your review of the Sumo's. We installed the Sumo Solo's on our 2006 HR 30PDD and the improvement was way more than I had hoped for. Just returned from 2,500 mile trip to Utah to do the National Parks and the difference from lasts years trip to Yellowstone was dramatic. Best money we have spent on our mh. We full time so the ride was very important to us. The other great upgrade was the 5Star tune. Night and day difference with the shifting and power. Actually got 1 mpg better this year towing the same Jeep Wrangler. 1 mpg may not seem like that much to a car driver but to a mh driver it's a great improvement. Love your videos so keep up the great work.
Marc, thanks for the good review, we were interested before, but now with your opinion that's settles it. Keep up the videos
Thanks Chuck, hope you are as happy with them as we are! More videos on the way :) Cheers
My 2012 37ft class A came with just about every suspension bolt on you can do to an F53 chassis, fry and rear sumo springs, fry and rear Hellwig sway bars, Koni shocks all around and a Blue Ox True Center steering stabilizer. Compared to my buddy's 17 with stock suspension it rides like a DP! The only thing left is a trac bar on the rear axle.
Wow. I am sure your coach drives really nice. Thanks for sharing. -M
Very informative video, thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful! Thank you. -M
My works too. Used Avasva handbooks and build it with no problems.
Hi Mark, good practical & useful information regarding Sumo Springs .....
Dougc
Glad you found it helpful Doug
Great fix at a great price! Good job Marc.
Thanks Norm!
Considering the nominal price of Sumo springs as compared to the price of a new Tiffin gas coach, and the vast improvement in ride and handling of the coach, it seems like a no-brainer for Tiffin to start manufacturing their new gas coaches with the Sumo springs as part of the stock package. It makes no sense to have to upgrade to something that is so much better, when Tiffin could just install them on their new gas coaches in the first place. Or maybe they're afraid it would cut into their diesel sales, if their gas coaches start to ride almost as well as the higher priced diesels. That being said, I'm glad you're happy with your improved ride! Cheers.
HI there, yes we agree and would not be surprised if they do soon become standard as we heard some 9 out of 10 gas coaches are now ordered WITH the Sumo upgrade option. It's a huge improvement for a nominal expense as you say. Cheers!
I have a tiffin and it came with the Sumo Springs so I don't have anything to compare. What upgrade I did notice was having a steering stabilizer installed. The wheel was so loose and felt I was always having to grip the wheel. Since I put in a Blue Ox true center it was a big difference and gave me more confidence in my ability to control the coach. You may have another great upgrade to look forward too.
Thanks for sharing Robert - that is great to know! We will add that to our wish list of things to consider for future upgrades!
Great video. Perfect timing for me. I was about to purchase the sway bars but I am definitely going to check out the sumo's.
Yep definitely look around and explore all the options to find the one that feels right for you.
I just installed a 'double stack' of Sumo Springs and I dare say the ride equals a diesel coach. You should try doubling them. Peace
Thanks Michael - glad it's working out for you! Good to know :)
Double Stack I'd like to see a video of that?🤩
@@Rvlove aaaaa
which one did you install?
thanks
Nice video. I am thinking about adding them to my winnebago view. I get a fair amount of side to side sway, particularly on turns into driveways and gas stations. Thanks for the information, that helps me get a frame of reference.
Yep that sounds like what we were experiencing. We continue to be very happy with the improvement they have made. Good luck!
Marc did it improve the ride of your coach at all ? Great job Marc . Glad the summo springs are working out so well .
Yep we love it all going great!
After the 800 mile ride home last week, and seeing the current "brutality" of our roads, I am re-considering my Re-springing of the 36UA. Having Re-sprung an E450 to an E550 C, I can see where it provides defence to our infrastructure. 11400 rate to 15400 scale.
I believe in my spring experience, to take the 36UA to 36000 pounds of sprung chassis. This is not done for carrying more weight (altho it is welcomed) but to defend against of infracture and provide a much better ride
This would take the rear spring pac from 3 to 6, then take the front spring pack from 2 to 4, in addition to Sumosprings. This would take on bridge approaches with 10 risers/falls.
Thanks Steve. That sounds like quite the suspension upgrade. Good that you have experience with the process on previous vehicles. IF you go forward with the change on your motorhome, would love to hear how it works out, and the cost.
RVLove | Marc & Julie Bennett will do, my spring shop is ATS springs in Hatfield pa. They do all the way up to semi’s. Great family business since early 1900’s
Thanks for the honest and enthusiastic endorsement of your upgrade to Summo Springs. I want to ask if you've noticed a softer, less jarring ride (over tar strips, pot holes, rough roads, etc) as well. I've been looking at the MOR/ryde RS upgrade for my rear leaf springs. Lots of ambulance companies use them to absorb rough road shock. My main issues are excessive sway and jarring ride and my first fix will be a 1 1/2" rear anti-sway bar (there's a stock 1 3/8" in front but nothing in the rear). Then it's perhaps MOR/ryde RS vs Summo Springs, depending on what you tell me. BTW I've got a 22' B+ on a Chevy Express 3500 cutaway, had it for 15 years, new Bilsteins 4 years ago. Love it.
HI Gary, I wouldn't say it's softer, but it's much more planted and sways less. Still very happy we got them and worth the investment, but we haven't tried the others you mentioned to be able to compare. Hope that helps.
That helps. Sway bar goes on next week and I'll see what I get. I've also got a call into Sumo Springs for their input. Again, thanks.
Awesome, you're welcome.
Marc, thank you for this review. We just returned from Red Bay to have minor work done on our Open Road 32SA. It turned into a 2 week trip thru Alabama, Tennessee, NC, SC, Georgia then back to Tampa. There were some white knuckle moments for sure but we commented constantly on the bad roads, incredible rough ride on bridges and interstates as many have commented here, as well as the sway and roll when big rigs go by. Having to come to a complete stop just to exit the road into a parking lot or gas station must annoy the heck out of other folks on the road. That being said I think a trip back to Red Bay/Belmont is in order but I must ask, is there anything additional I could do to limit the bad rides on these "crappy roads", interstate bridges, and pavement that has a seam every 10 feet? Anything in addition to the sumo's? Thanks for your advice!
Sway bars from Roadmaster, and possibly some upgraded shock absorbers might be worth considering, but all RVs will still have their challenges with some of camber parking lot and gas station entrances. Even big diesels.
Great video on something so helpful! You were very thorough in your review! Thank you!
Thanks Tim, figured plenty of others out there would have the same questions and issues so glad it resonated. You're welcome!
great video thanks for sharing. We would like to installon our 2011 tiffin allegro 35 qba , which one did you put on your, there is different weight capacity. thanks
Specific product details of which ones we installed, which are highly likely the same ones for yours since ours was the same floor plan and built in 2011, are in the related blog post. Here is the link.
rvlove.com/rv-vehicles-setup/suspension-upgrade-improve-ride-gas-rv/
Improvement was massive. Hope you enjoy as much as we did. -M
Thanks for the review of the Sumo Springs! We're going to try to install Sumo Springs today on our VanDOit van (high roof, long wheel base Ford Transit camper van). They should be easier to install than on your rig. We'll let you know how it goes!
Glad you enjoyed it, and best of luck on yours. -M
@@Rvlove Thanks! We have them installed now and went on a week long trip. Drove on lots of dirt roads and love the way they improved our handling, reducing sway and bounce.
Nice video Mark & Julie! 👍🏼 As usual very informative, well presented and edited. The effort that you put in is there for all viewers to see. 👏🏻
I wonder what effect you would get if you doubled up on the Sumo Springs? Has anybody tried it, that you've heard of,or are there better products when you get into that price range? It looks like a really good product especially as you're going to be working them quite hard with the weight and amount of miles that you cover. I suppose it's a case of the proof of the pudding etc...
Hi Rich - hmm never thought about doubling up on the sumo springs but they are kind of heavy and we don't have the spare weight capacity to add more to our coach, even though ironically they help support the coach even more than without!? I think we'd be more likely to explore the Kone shocks/5 star tune rather than a second set of Sumo's... or upgrade to a DP! :) Glad you enjoyed the vid! We still love the improvement our Sumo's have made to the drive/handling of our coach.
I hope they make them for my 93 pace arrow! Thanks for the info!
Thank you for your review on Sumo springs. My family and I are going on a cross country vacation this summer from Oregon to Florida and back. I'm looking at this upgrade along with a steering stabilizer. We are driving a F53 chassis with v10 Georgetown GT3. Like to coach but don't love the drive on long trips. I'm hoping this will help. Have a wonderful weekend.
Glad you found it helpful Greg, we still love our Sumo Springs! Every improvement to the driving and stability and safety makes a world of difference to driving comfort and peace of mind. Safe travels to you! Enjoy the journey.
Marc, do you remember the name of the shop in Red Bay that did the Sumo shocks for you? We live fairly close to Red Bay, would like to get a quote form them. We love your channel and have been following for a while.
Thanks in advance and see you on the road!
Thank you. Yes, the name of the shop is Belmont Diesel, Nearby Tiffin HQ. Here is a link to the blog post that talks a bit more about it. rvlove.com/2016/06/07/suspension-upgrade-improve-ride-gas-rv/
Here is a link to the shop. www.belmontdieselservice.com/contact-us/2828200
-M
We got our front sway bar setting adjusted (aka the CHF or Cheap Handling Fix) and upgraded our Blistein shocks to the more recent version and now get a good stable ride, but it's "thuddy" on bumps (and juddery on washboarded dirt roads). Do the Sumo Springs soften the ride? You mentioned in another comment that they don't really help with reducing bumps?
ALSO: What's the ride like in your new-to-you, renovated motorhome?
The primary benefit of the sumos was the reduction in the floaty swaying feeling of the RV. It definitely felt more planted, but I would not say it made it a a softer ride. If anything, it might be a ever so slightly firmer ride.
The ride in our (new to us) air suspension diesel pusher Country Coach is of course much softer, smoother, and yet also more planted. Definitely superior. But, the sumo springs made a huge improvement to our gas coach, and we still definitely recommend those for folks with gas class A motorhomes. I have heard good feedback about the Liquid Springs suspension upgrade too. -M
I add my thanks! Great to know about this.
Welcome!
Amazing but true.
Excellent!
Thanks :)
Thank you. Thank you.
:)
It looks like you used the yellows in the back and the blues in the front. Is there a reason you went this way? Also, you might have said it but how long is your coach and does it have a tag axel. I have a 2007 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 36’ on a Ford F53 chassis with the Triton V10. Recently had the read sway bar mounting bracket break then after repair the link arm on the other side broke. Also, did you research adding a thicker rear or front sway bar. Saw one that keeps the factory and adds an additional in the rear.
We just mounted the sumo springs in the locations recommended by the factory. Ours gas motorhome was a 36' (non-tag) chassis. I have heard great things about the sway bars from Roadmasterinc.com but we no longer have that motorhome.
@@Rvlove Ok, thanks for the reply.
Mark, wondering if you stand behind these comments now that you’ve driven your Country Coach for a few years? Thanks.
Thanks for the question. Good to look back on it years later. Can't remember everything I said in that video, but if I remember correctly, I was stating that the suspension upgrades made significant improvements in ride quality for not a lot of money. That they would never drive like a diesel pusher, but that it was well worth the investment and can possibly go as much as half way to feeling like a diesel. Yes, I would still stand by that. The improvement we experienced on OUR coach was massive. But... as mentioned in this video, it will still never drive like a diesel. The Country Coach ride quality is of course very superior. But, again, for the improvement per dollar spent with the suspension upgrades was significant, compared to the massive investment in a similar year diesel pusher. -M
Somebody told me if i want a quiet ride on bad pavement i need the koni shock because the spring or airbag are more for safety … what did you think?
I don't have any personal experience with the Koni shocks, but remember meeting somebody who was happy with them. The biggest benefit of our sumo springs was the significant reduction in sway and body roll, which resulted in feeling more controlled. Wouldn't think that any of them would make for a more quiet ride, but all can improve ride quality. -M
Great review Marc , I was thinking of replacreplacing all 4 original Blistein shocks on my 2004 f53 Ford chassie cost for parts $400 or replace the sumo supention bags???? Any suggestions?
We have heard of people that noticed improvements from new shocks. Probably depends on how many miles you have on those shocks. Might be due for replacement regardless. We didn't change our shocks at the time of adding the sumo springs. They are separate. We were amazed at the difference from the Sumo Springs. We could tell a difference before even leaving the parking lot. Probably would not be the case with changing shocks.
Do the springs help with vibration in the steering wheel as you are driving? Our vibrates like crazy. We have a 27 ft class A.
I don't remember having much vibration in our steering wheel before, unless of course driving on a very bumpy road, like a washboarded dirt road. Those conditions are hard to even hold onto the wheel at times.
do you remember when monster trucks came out?..straight frame and leaf springs..similar to the F53 chassis setup which you have..the guys that evolved the suspension survived and the back yard mechanics thinking more shocks were needed to combat the loads generated buy jumps disappeared...turns out travel and articulation was the key..
i worked fleet maintenance for over a decade in the heavy truck world..first..those signs on the roads are a recommendation for large trucks..it is always wise to approach at a slower speed..shooting those corners at a higher speed doesn't earn you a tin badge..it shows your not cautious..if you are nose diving..its not a spring issue..its a shock issue..if your leaning..i suspect 2 things..under inflated tires and too high of a speed..i have owned a 1999 Winnebago chieftain 35c with the F53 chassis for 3 years and Ive put down over 5800 miles on the rig which had 101,000 miles when we purchased it and Ive never experienced these issues including the time a F$%#@#$ moron pulled right out in front of me and i put the brake pedal to the floor..the dual piston 4 wheel disk breaks with active ABS stopped us so fast that the mattress was on the floor standing up..
now maybe its because i have a class "A" license from driving the big rigs or from setting the cruise control to 62 MPH which equals 2500 rpm which all V10 drivers agree is where you should be at..but i have never experienced these issues..sure i lean a little..but its no biggie..adding more spring is for carrying more load not keeping you from leaning..if you want more vertical load stability you go to a thicker anti roll bar with urethane bushings for good measure..if your nose diving you need new shocks..also new shocks will give you a smoother ride..keeping the tires planted to the road instead of bobbing up and down..you are never going to achieve a air ride suspension ride with a F53 because its a leaf spring suspension..but you will travel a whole hell of a lot further down the road with very little issue than a GM workhorse chassis or any diesel pusher bagger setup..happy trails..
Yep, I remember when monster trucks came out. Long time ago. Suspension on them saw massive improvements over the years. Would love to see other improvements to suspension systems in gas coaches, but in the meantime, these sumo springs made a huge improvement to the control and safety of our motorhome.
Mark, do the Sumo Springs do much for the bumps and bad roads in terms of ride smoothness?
I wouldn't say they made a noticeable difference in bumps and bad roads. In fact, they might be just the tiniest bit harsher. But the reduced sway and increased control were so much improved, I was very happy with that upgrade for years until later selling the coach, and buying a diesel pusher. -M
We just bought a 2015 Allegro 34 TGA and based on your similar motorhome and recommendations are considering having Sumo Springs installed. QUESTION: Do you believe additional suspension additions such as sway bars (front and/or rear), and/or “return to center” equipment is necessary, required, nice to have, waste of money, etc?
Thank you, happy motoring.
It's all a matter of priority, preference and budget. For us, spending $1,500 on the Sumo Springs was well worth it. Maybe for someone who does not use their motorhome as much as we do won't be able to justify the cost? But if drive quality is important to you, then sway bars and other upgrades could very well be worth the money. We have also heard excellent things about the 5 Star tune. Sounds like you are already considering suspension upgrades, so for you, it is likely worth it.
Thank you very much.
Did y’all order the sumo springs or did you purchase through Belmont?
Marc do you know if summo springs can be installed on a wheelchair mini van with a 10 " lowered floor ?
Sorry Bob - don't know the answer to that, perhaps you could contact the Mini Van or Sumo Springs manufacturers?
Hi Marc (and Julie!) ! Great video on this subject! My question is...how is it on rough or bumpy roads. Our 37' F53 chassis does not like bumpy roads. Especially the concrete ones that have a seam every 10 feet. Do these springs improve the ride for those driving conditions? Thank you and keep the videos coming!!
HI Ken, the Sumo Springs have improved the ride of our RV but not specific to bumpy roads or roads with seams - make little to no difference there, sorry! But we're still glad we got them.
I think you need the koni shock
I can't help but wonder why if the Sumo springs make such a huge difference (and I believe that they do) why the RV manufacturers don't simply add them or similar product at the factory standard or as an option?
Many do, for example Tiffin started offering Sumo Springs as an option on their gas coaches a few years ago and I believe now they are standard on gas coaches and built into the MSRP. At the end of the day, every time a manufacturer add something to an RV it puts the price up, and most (not all) consumers are price sensitive and want the cheapest they can get. Options or after market upgrades can always be done later... but yes, we - like you - would value this now... would we have valued it 3.5 years ago when we were new and shopping and on a tight budget? Not so sure...? But we definitely appreciate the improvement they have made
Cool. Thank you for the reply. Looking between used gas and diesels now and good to know the ride on a gas can be upgraded a decent amount. Would never be able to afford new myself. Nice job on your videos. Appreciate it.
This is why it's also worth considering a used diesel. We were tossing up between a newer gas and an older diesel in similar price range as we all have a budget! Being new and inexperienced back then, we elected to go with the newer gas with an extended service contract. It's proven to be a great choice for us. That said, not with the benefit of experience and hindsight, we can also see buying an older diesel could have also served us well, but we just didn't want to spend that much on an older rig with no extended service contract. Personal choice and comfort level at that time. There is no right or wrong way, just the best way for you at any given time depending on your situation and circumstances - and also how long you plan to keep your RV. Hope that helps.
how do you double stack sumo spring??
I don't think that would be be advised. But if so... probably a better question for the actual manufacturer. -M
Well done, good upgrade at a reasonable price, nice that you recommend the Sumo Springs as well. This shows that they are worth considering.
Thanks
I put a lot of stock in your opinion on many things. My coach sways an tips too and I have been thinking about doing something. I may have to take a drive to MS. Thanks
vin
I hear an occasional rattle when you hit bumps in the crowd. Sound a bit like slides rotting or cabinet rattle.
What is it and does it annoy you?
Hmm guess like living near a railway track eventually you just stop hearing Ig!
Can't recall, - I would have to listen to the video again to see what you mean and get back to you!
Mark, did you do all four corners or just the rear?
vin
Hey Guys! did you all add front and rear Sumo Springs or just the front?
Both front and Back
sounds like all the manufacturers should be putting them in for the base price if it is really a safety feature
Yes it would be nice if they did, perhaps in the not too distant future it will be the case. I guess they try to keep prices as low as possible to sell more units - and they are not something you can see.. It's amazing how many people focus on the 'pretty' things of an RV instead of the safety and structural.
I have been looking for a ride improvement for my 2013 Newmar Bay Star, I do not have a problem with rocking side to side but rather the harsh ride on rough roads or bridge/ road seams, do you think these would help improve my ride as well?? They do get good reviews and I, like you, would have them installed by a professional shop!
It will help some but that's not the biggest area of improvement we noticed - we still get some annoying roughness on crappy roads. Have you tried checking the Newmar forums for Bay Star owners having the install? Is it the same chassis?
I have seen others add the Sumo springs. I also had the chassis weighed and we were able to lower our tire pressure (we followed the tire manufacturer load standards and kept the pressure slightly (2 lb) above the recommendation which did help! I was also told to get koni shocks?
Great video. What shop in Red Bay did the work? We have a Winnebago Vista LX 27N that I plan on upgrading the suspension.
Les Lakie, We have a Vista LX 27N and I adjusted the sway bars and that made a world of difference. They have two places to bolt them. From the factory they are set to the soft position, but if you move the end to the inner position it will give you a lot more sway control. I did it myself in about 3 hours.
We just got back from a 2500 mile trip and making that adjustment made the rig handle so much better.
Good to know
Belmont Diesel in MS, just 10 mins from Tiffin Red Bay - Rodney is the guy who owns the shop, link in video description.
At about 9:35 on the video, a semi passes you. As the camera pulls back a bit, you can see that you are not fighting the steering wheel at all. Did the Sumo Springs help with that?
HI there, yes we feel it definitely helps with that.
The frame is NOT hardened steel.
Thanks for the correction.
Great review!! Thanks for sharing!!
Sure thing! Welcome!
I gave thumbs down because dude, just get to the point. Don't desire to spend 16 minutes listening to anyone ramble on. Just what did you add and how did it do and show a quick vid of the ride change if possible. That's it.
Sorry you felt it was long. This was filmed many years ago. Hopefully we have gotten better since then. -M
Jesus- relax. You are the reason I hate the internet. Learn to use the fast forward button you failure
The video was great.