Sway is one of the few negatives when it comes to owning a motorhome. Unfortunately, it is a common issue, especially for the full timers out there. So what typically causes sway and what are some benefits to reducing it?
Some instances include:
- pulling in and out of driveways
- larger trucks zooming by on the freeway
- driving over uneven or unpaved roads
Some even experience sway while parked!
Reducing sway improves the overall comfort of the coach, preserves original components, and helps keep precious goods like that forty inch Smart T.V. mounted inside, in one piece. However, most tend to forget how much safer a ride across the country would be, with minimal sway. Whether that ride is in a Class A built on a Ford F-53 chassis, Class C on a Ford E-350/450 chassis, or Class B motorhome on a Sprinter 3500 chassis, look no further than SumoSprings!
One of the primary functions of SumoSprings is to reduce the sway associated with motorhomes. We manufacture three different kits that all aid in sway reduction:
- the Solo,
- Rebel,
- and Maxim.
The most common kit recommended for F-53 based Class A gasoline motorhome applications, is the Maxim Kit.Ā The Maxim Kit is a one-piece unit, attached on top (to frame) and bottom (to the original equipment leaf spring assembly). The design of the Maxim Kit leaves no void between the frame and the axle, which allows for constant engagement, 100% of the time. Whether the coach is unloaded, fully loaded, parked, or in motion, the SumoSprings are ready to combat sway. The smooth, controlled engagement of the SumoSprings provides progressive resistance, while simultaneously limiting sway. As with all of our SumoSprings, this happens automatically, working in conjunction with the factory spring pack.
When your motorhome sways, the Maxim kit on the leaning side can compress up to 80% of its original body height, without excessive lateral expansion. As mentioned before, the compression causes progressive resistance against the weight of the motorhome, reducing the amount of sway one would normally experience. The Maxim kit on the other side can vertically expand up to 50% of the original body height, with full memory rebound. This allows for a different type of resistance. Instead, the expanding SumoSprings retract the leaning weight almost in a pulling action, compounding the amount of sway reduction. These properties, along with other characteristics of the design, are what limit unwanted sway, making your driving experience much safer, and much more enjoyable.
Not to mention getting some color back into your knuckles!
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Comments 26
We have purchased a 2007 Fleetwood 32CV (33ft). I have made no improvements to the suspension and steering. Not sure where to start as we can’t afford everything at once. Would you add Sumo first – or sway bars or Saf T – she is a 22k Ford chasis.
Any comments are a huge help. We anticipate adding all over time. Thanks
Hi Mark,
Although sway bars and Safe-T-Plus products are great, I can really only speak to the benefits of installing SumoSprings. Our kits are designed to increase the carrying capacity, stability, and ride control. They are manufactured from micro-cellular urethane, which contains high quality damping properties to help dissipate road shock and vibration. The front SumoSprings kit, the Rebel, is a two-piece unit that allows for unrestricted vertical travel. The rear kit, the Maxim, is a one-piece unit which helps to reduce the side-to-side-sway caused by multiple situations in the rear end. SumoSprings are one of the most cost efficient suspension upgrades on the market, and are designed to be relatively easy to install (with some mechanical inclination of course). We also offer a 30 return policy in case you decide they are not what you are looking for. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I have a 2012 Ford Thor Ace 29.1 I am interested in the sumo shocks for the front of my class a motor home I think GVW is 16000 to 19000 if you could let me know which one I need and the cost email me [email protected] or call 512-303-1644 James
Hi James,
Thanks for thinking of trying out SumoSprings for your motorhome. The part number for the front of a Thor, built on a Ford F-53 chassis (GVWR 16k-22k) is SSF-170-40-2. Please see the additional details, and the link to place an order for this kit below:
SSF-170-40-02 – $574.99
https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/ssf-170-40-2/
ā¢Sold as a pair (left and right)
ā¢Maintenance-free
ā¢Reduces and absorbs vibration
ā¢2600 (lb) Capacity at 50% Compression
ā¢Reduces overall cost of ownership
ā¢Improves overall driver control and ride comfort
ā¢Compress up to 80% of original height with full memory rebound
ā¢Increases safety
ā¢Progressive spring rate with superior damping properties
ā¢Made from patented micro-cellular urethane
ā¢Will not leak or rupture
ā¢Never load any vehicle beyond the manufacturerās GVWR
Let me know if you have any questions!
Looking for a rear Sumo spring set for my 1994 Fleetwood Flair.
Hi Edward,
Let me look into this for you! What is the make and model of the chassis your Fleetwood is built on? Also, what is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)?
Thanks!
We just purchased a 2008 ( 2007 Ford F53 22k Chassis ) National Dolphin. Which Sumo Springs would you recommend?
Hi Charles,
Thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear you are interested in our SumoSprings line. They do make a great addition to any RV. My apologies, but since we do not have anything listed for National RV’s, we ask if you could please send us some photos of the front and rear suspension area. We just want to make sure that our products will fit before you buy them. Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions. You can also send the pictures directly to me and I will forward them to our engineer to look at.
Thank you,
Jennifer Poarch
Sales & Service Representative
Direct: (805) 881-3820
http://www.supersprings.com
Hi Fred,
Glad you are looking into SumoSprings! They are designed to take the place of a conventional airbag system, especially since they are 100% maintenance free, unlike an airbag. Here are the part numbers I recommend for your motorhome:
Front
SSF-106-40 https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSF-106-40/
This is the SumoSprings Solo kit, designed to replace and upgrade the factory bump stop for a better ride quality.
Rear
SSR-106-40-2 https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSR-106-40-2/
This is the SumoSprings Rebel kit, a two-piece unit that will increase the overall stability, handling, and capacity (not to mention the ride comfort) of your motorhome. Let me know if you have any questions!
I have 2018 Forest River Sunseeker 32 ft. Class c with Ford E450. Would like to add sumo springs front and rear. Can you tell me if they replace the air bags or work in conjunction with the air bags. Also would like to know what part numbers I need. Thanks Fred
I own a 2001 Itasca e-450 Ford class c motorhome I am trying to decide on the better Sumo spring to purchase between the SSF-106-40 and the SSF-106-47 for the front. The unit fully loaded weighs 14,000lbs. I want to smooth out the ride and reduce some sway—Thanks Jesse
Hi Jesse,
Thanks for your question. I recommend going with the SSF-106-40 for the front. This kit includes the softest density we offer, which will help the most when it comes to what you are looking for, as far as a more smooth ride. Do you already have the rear part number Jesse?
Hello Mike,
Thank you for your question! Adding the rear SumoSprings to your coach would definitely reduce the sway, and improve the overall ride quality. To your point of better is always better, adding the front SumoSprings along with the rear SumoSprings would give you the BEST results. Suspension is a holistic system, the front end works in conjunction with the rear end. Although there is no detriment to adding just the rear, you’d be much happier with front AND rear. I can give you the part numbers for you particular application, but may I please have the year of the Ford F-53?
Thanks Peter, It is a 2015 coach so my guess would be 2014 chassis since the tires are dated 2014.
Perfect, thanks Mike! Here are the front and rear part numbers for your 2014 Ford F-53/Newmar 22k GVWR Coach
Front:
SSF-170-40-2 https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSF-170-40-2/
Rear:
SSR-187-54-1 https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSR-187-54-1/
The front kit is our SumoSprings Rebel kit, a two-piece unit that allows for unlimited travel (perfect for leveling the coach) and improved ride quality. The rear kit is our SumoSprings Maxim kit, a one-piece unit designed to reduce sway and dampen road shock/vibration, helping to preserve the original suspension and your precious goods inside the coach. Take a look and let me know if you have any questions!
I have a Newmar Bar Star 3124 with the heavy duty front sway bar and a steering stabilizer. The handling is greatly impoved with these additions but better is always better. Would adding the Sumo Springs only on the rear improve the sway some? F-53 22,000 lb chassis
I have a 2015 Newmarket Bay Star model 3215. It is the Ford gas model with a 22,000 GVWR. Can you provide the p/n for all 4 Sumo springs?
Hello Mark. Thank you for contacting us. For your 2015 Newmar Bay Star 22K GVWR we have: Front – SSF-170-40-2 and Rear- SSR-187-54-1.
https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSF-170-40-2
https://www.superspringsinternational.com/shop/SSR-187-54-1
Hey Raymond,
I’d be happy to assist with the part numbers you are looking for! If your Jayco is a Class A motorhome, please let me know the year, make, and model of the chassis it is built on, along with the coach gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). If it is not, all we would need to know is the year, make and model of the chassis. As for your 4WD Ford F-250, what is the year of the truck?
Thank you for your time!
I’m looking for the part # for the sumo that is right for my 2017 Jayco Grayhawk 31. I’m also looking for the part # for the sumo for my f250 four door, four wheel drive truck. The truck normally has no load but does haul trailers that sags the back end sometimes.
I have a 2018 Thor Quantum 31LF Class C on a Ford E450 with upgraded shocks (Bilstien), Sway bars (Hellwig) , front Safety T plus and a Super Steer rear trac ; can I add the SumoSprings? If so which model and do they require any drilling/modification to the chassis?
Thank you
Hey Camilo, Thanks for checking out our blog and inquiring about SumoSprings for your Class C. There are a lot of Class C applications where the combo you’re describing works great. Then, there are some applications were an attachment point conflicts with another part. The SumoSprings will definitely enhance your other additions, reducing sway and absorbing road vibration. The question is, will where the SumoSprings install be available? I would recommend reviewing the pictures in the installation instructions for SSR-106-47-1. You can also email us pictures of your Class C frame and leaf spring assembly and our tech team will help. I would also recommend the SSF-106-40 SumoSprings for the front. These will help smooth out the ride, reduce rear to front movement over bumps and joints, as well as out of parking lots and uneven terrain.
Hey Michael, thank you for your post and your interest in SumoSprings. The part number will depend on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of your coach. The Itasca is made by Winnebago, so Iāve listed the recommended kits for each GVWR class accordingly. Below are the part numbers for all GVWR classes:
Front:
SSF-170-40-2 2015 Winnebago 16k-18k
SSF-170-40-2 2015 Winnebago 20k-22k
SSF-173-40-2 2015 Winnebago 24k-26k
Rear:
SSR-184-40-1 2015 Winnebago 16k-18k
SSR-180-54-1 2015 Winnebago 20k-22k
SSR-183-54-1 2015 Winnebago 24k-26k
One of the main functions of the SumoSprings kits is to significantly dampen that road shock and vibration youāre referring to. The SumoSprings will definitely help keep everything in place. You can confirm these part numbers, view images and installation instructions, and learn more about these parts by using our Year | Make | Model search. If you have any questions, please give our team a call at (805) 745-5553.
I have a 2015 Itasca 27N /F53 , I have installed a steering damper and a rear sway bar. The ride is much better, but on rough roads the coach gets beat up. I am constantly worrying whatās going to shake lose.
Which product would you recommend ?
Hi Jeff, thanks for your interest in our SumoSprings. The part number will depend on your coach’s GVWR. I think the 35QBA is 24k, but you will want to confirm. Here are the part numbers for all GVWR classes:
Front:
SSF-170-40-2 2010 Tiffin 16k-18k
SSF-170-40-2 2010 Tiffin 20k-22k
SSF-173-40-2 2010 Tiffin 24k-26k
Rear:
SSR-184-40-1 2010 Tiffin 16k-18k
SSR-180-54-1 2010 Tiffin 20k-22k
SSR-183-54-1 2010 Tiffin 24k-26k
You can pull this info up using our Year | Make | Model search. If you have any questions, give our team a call at (805) 745-5553.
I am interested in sumo springs for my 2010 Tiffin Allegra 35QBA class A gas motorhome. Not sure which ones to order is this something you can help me with?