Original article by Mlowell of Axle Addict
My Class C Was Hard to Steer
I bought a 2021 Entegra Odyssey 33’6″ and I love it, but during our first road trip, I noticed how active I had to be while driving the RV on the highway. I found I had to fight the steering wheel whenever a semi truck approached my side. I felt like I had to turn into the truck, so that the RV would maintain a path on the road and not get blown off the road. I just thought it was a normal thing with our new Class C.
I did some research in 2021 to see what I could do to make the drive more pleasant, and not something I would dread. I did come across some products on etrailer.com. Meanwhile I made some shorter trips where the steering issues were not so noticeable.
Then in April 2022, we took off to Fort Wilderness at Disney in Orlando. The ride down was not too bad. However, the ride back was rough. It was eight or more hours of fighting the steering wheel and RV to keep it on the road. Basically, the wind was up around 10-15 mph, and the semi trucks just kept blowing by. I fought the steering most of the way back, and was exhausted.
It was time to research again and hopefully find a product or products that would make a difference, and that I could install myself and not pay an arm and a leg for.
A New Steering Stabilizer and SumoSprings for Motorhomes Made a Difference
After researching and reading a lot of reviews and similar stories, I decided on replacing the steering stabilizer and adding SumoSprings.
Class C RV Suspension Enhancement No. 1: Steering Stabilizer
The first part that I installed was a new steering stabilizer by Bilstein. What a difference in just the product itself compared to the stock OEM stabilizer; just the stiffness in the cylinder was a big difference. I purchased mine from Summit Racing, but you can get them from an auto store, Amazon, or etrailer.com.
The installation process was not that bad. It took longer trying to figure out how I could get under the front end enough to remove and install the new stabilizer. Make sure, when you are installing the new stabilizer, to turn the steering all the way to the left.
I also had to place a small bottle jack to jack up the front end a little, so that I could install the bolt on the passenger side.
We took a short camping trip to FDR State Park after the installation, and I felt like the new steering stabilizer made a difference in handling by itself. Before I always felt like I had to drive with both hands on the steering wheel, but on this ride I was comfortable and could enjoy it much more, and I used only one hand.
Class C Suspension Enhancement No. 2: SumoSprings
Next, I purchased the front and rear SumoSprings for my motorhome.
SumoSprings are designed to enhance your RV’s load-carrying ability and stabilize the sway that happens in windy driving, or when semi trucks pass by. They improve driver control and comfort.
The rear SumoSprings come in different colors which designate their density. The density affects the amount of weight they can handle.
- Blue: 40 density. For light and medium duty
- Black: 47 density. For medium and heavy duty.
- Yellow: 54 density. For heavy duty.
Here is a nice reference article comparing the three types.
Both the front and rear installation were pretty basic. I think the hardest part was just getting into a good position under the RV to be able to remove the original stock bump stops. The installation was maybe an hour, possibly less.
Front SumoSprings For Motorhomes
Rear SumoSprings for Motorhomes
My Road Trip to Destin With New Stabilizer and SumoSprings
The true test after installing these parts was our 200-mile trip to Destin, Florida, this past June. We also included for the first time flat towing of our Jeep.
What a difference the new steering stabilizer and SumoSprings made in the overall comfort and driveability of our Class C RV!
I felt like I could actually enjoy the drive without constantly fighting the steering wheel. I felt like the modifications I made were well worth it. I would recommend anyone doing exactly the same for their Class C, or Class A, if they have the same issues I had while traveling.
Use our application guide to see what we have for your vehicle.
FAQs about SumoSprings for Motorhomes
Will SumoSprings give my motorhome a smoother ride?
Out of all of the questions we get asked, this is by far the most popular when talking about motorhomes. I spoke with a customer last week who made the comment, “I spent my life savings on a premiere coach and felt like I was riding in an old tractor!” The ride is typically described as rough and coach owners complain about the excessive cabin noise. One customer shared, “Before the SumoSprings were installed, my wife would not go in the coach and I was about to sell it. The porpoising made her sicker than a rookie sailor and the noise was so loud we couldn’t talk to each other. After the SumoSprings, she actually enjoys riding in the coach and we are on the road more than ever before. The only down side is now we have to talk to each other!”
How do SumoSprings for Motorhomes provide a smoother ride?
Not to sound like an engineering geek, because I am not, I want to use engineering lingo to help explain why SumoSprings smooth your ride. SumoSprings possess damping properties not found in other air spring alternatives. SumoSprings are truly unique; the damping properties differentiate material benefits against standard suspension components and enhancement alternatives. SumoSprings restrain vibratory motion by dissipating energy. They absorb road shock otherwise sent through the frame, coach, and coach components. Damping properties inherent in SumoSprings translate into reduced internal noise and vibration. Absorbing road shock and vibrations increases the value and extends the life of moving components: cabinets, televisions, tables, etc. Eliminating loud noises caused by vibrating beds, tables, cabinets, cutlery, and more, enhances driver and passenger enjoyment while traveling.
SumoSprings damping properties enhance comfort, feeling of safety, and provide a superior driving experience. Internal noise and vibrations are remedied – ownership experience is elevated – with SumoSprings.
What are coach owners saying? “Feel the difference!”
Have you experienced the SumoSprings difference? Share on our forums for others to read. Although I share honest feedback and information, nothing I write in any blog post is going to convey the same message as your personal experience. Here is an e-mail I received from a motorhome owner who is now a SumoSprings advocate:
This is the fourth motorhome I have owned. Last year alone, I put 14,000 miles on the coach. I have a lot of experience driving motorhomes all across the country. The first time I drove this new coach, I came into a familiar turn on the highway posted at 50mph. It was scary! I had to slow down below 40mph. I would fight the wheel to get the coach to turn. I would hit a bump and the whole coach would feel it and jar. With SumoSprings, the rigidity is gone and there is a softness when going over bumps and rougher terrain. The top-heavy feeling of the coach is gone and I have confidence going into turns and winding roads. With SumoSprings, I can now go into the familiar highway turn at 60mph with no problem! Before SumoSprings, I was unhappy with my coach. Now, I love it!
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