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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Comments 30
Same as Winnebago fuse twin bed Diesel no cab over Forest River Forester model 2371 .
The same as a 2017 winnebago fuse die no cab over;
Hi Harry,
Peter here, thanks for reaching out again! Can you go ahead and give me a call when you have some time to chat? You can reach me at (805) 881-5205. Thank you!
2017 Forest River Forrester,2371 model Diesel 25 ft. No cab over ,same as Winnebago Fuse rear twin bed 1 slide
Hello Harry,
Thank you for reaching out! And that is great question. I don’t want to assume the conversation is about our SumoSprings and how it will potentially help alleviate some of your troubles, but I will assume for the sake of online chatting & that this is where the conversation will lead.
Will our product help to smooth out your ride, drive control, reduce sway, absorb shock and vibration in addition to minimizing the bouncing when traveling and trying to sleep in the back of your motorhome? The answer is, “Yes”. SumoSprings are designed to improve the overall ride quality. Got a long road trip, or planning to ride through the bumpy road in town…? Simply put, SumoSprings make the Journey Better 🙂 . To help determine which kit is going to be best for you, feel free to call and ask for Jen. I will want to know the length of your RV (under or over 30 ft?) and also want to know if the vehicle is sagging in the rear. Does your motorhome have a cab over the bed i.e.., the Winnebago View or Navion?
I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you ,
Jennifer
2017 Forest River Forester class C Ford HD 350.Transit Diesel Worst ride ever! Bounce off bed when traveling trying to sleep ( same as Winnebago Fuse).what can I expect?
I have a 2000 Winnebago Minnie Winnie DL (32 foot) and I believe the GVWR is about 18,000. it has a bumpy ride. Suggestions?
Joe,
Thank you for your comment, do you know if the Chassis is the E450? Are you currently experiencing any type of sag on the rear of the coach? Do you tow anything with your RV?
Once I get these couple of questions answered, I will be able to help determine the proper springs for your application.
When driving our new, 2019 Jayco Odyssey Entegra 25R on a Ford E450 chassis, it often feels as thought the tail is wagging the dog especially on long turns and when passing trucks. Jayco has done a lot to improve the rear suspension such that the coach does not sway much, except on sharp drops from a driveway to street. I have changed the caster to 5.3 and 4.6 and added a spring loaded steering damper, but steering is still a workout, requiring much greater attention than was the case in my previous motor homes. Will the SumoSprings SSF-106-47 help, or will I just be spending money trying to resolve the unresolvable?
Hi Ric,
Thank you for your inquiry. The front SumoSprings won’t necessarily help with the steering issue, but they will help improve the ride quality. SumoSprings will give you a smoother ride and help to stabilize the coach. The best results are seen when you upgrade all four corners. I think the SSF-106-47 is a good choice though for the front. You can always buy them and try them out. If you are not satisfied we do offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you purchase then directly through us.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Hi Al,
Peter here, thank you for reaching out to us. I believe SumoSprings can you help so you don’t need to trade your motorhome in. The micro-cellular urethane the SumoSprings are manufactured from contain high quality damping properties which help to smooth out the ride quality while increasing stability and control. Here are the front and rear part numbers for a Class A Fleetwood built on a Ford F53 22k GVWR chassis:
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/
Click on the links above to view installation instructions, images, key features and more. Hope this helps, please let me know if I can do anything else for you!
I have a 2008 Fleetwood Terra 34N with a GVWR of 22,000 lbs. I have upgraded the front and rear sway bars, replaced Bilstein shocks with Koni shocks, added Firestone ride rite air bags and still see my kids bouncing off the rear bed at high speeds. Going over a speed bump is like an earthquake anyone in the bunk bed, will fall out. If I can’t find someway to improve these suspension problems, I may have to trade it in for a new model. Would Sumosprings or upgraded coils help with this?
We have a gas 36 ft Tiffin Allegro Open Road motorhome, hoping sumosprings would help – right now we feel and hear every bump in the road, otherwise we love our coach!
Thanks!
Hi Fran! We are confident SumoSprings will help with those bumps. SumoSprings are designed from a micro-cellular urethane, which contains high quality damping properties to dissipate road shock and vibration. To help with the part numbers for your application, please provide the year, make, and model of the chassis, along with the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the coach.
I got 2015 Thor Palazzo 33.2 and when I am driving if I hit a pot holes or any uneven surface it feels like there is no shock. Can I use sumo Spring to help reduce the noise and rattling the whole RV. Or should I change the shocks and use anti sway bar instead.
Hello there,
Thank you for contacting us!
Our products are not a fit for your vehicle. After speaking with my Technician he would recommend to go with your second option and look at whats available for your vehicle.
I have a 2006 Gulfstream Mini Vista Cruiser – 4230
The ride has always been a little rough/bouncy/etc.
Over time has gotten worse – do you have any success stories with like type Class C’s?
Hi Phil,
Good to hear from you. Here are a couple comments we’ve received from some SumoSprings users!
I installed the back SumoSprings in less than an hour. The difference in the ride was night and day. The first thing my wife and I noticed was the 50% reduction in noise. We drove up into the mountains and we were able to take the corners 5 to 10 miles an hour faster. The side to side shifting was seriously reduced coming out of driveways. Front SumoSprings are installed now. Can’t wait to test it.
Here’s another:
After some reading and research .. I decided to get me some SumoSprings. So here are my re cents…
Sumosprings is local in California and DAMN they’re FAST! I ordered the springs yesterday front and back, they got here today, otally worth it, for 360 bucks, free 1 day shipping, easy dummy proof installation. This should be every Motorhome owners first upgrade if you ask me. Score as followed:
1. price paid for what you get in return 100%
2. as for handing and turning about 80% improvement from stock.
3. up and down bouncing about 50% improvement from stock.
4. Side to side sway (from cars and trucker buzzing by you) I say 60% improvement…
5. Side to side sway from getting in and out of shopping center parking lot 50% improvement …
Over all I give it a healthy 90%..
I certainly did not expect 100% correction but for what I got out of these springs compared to what I paid and how easy it is to install… You be silly not to get one..
Thank You SumoSprings!
Let me know if you need some help finding the right part numbers Phil!
Hi, We just purchased a 2017 Thor Palazzo 33.3 diesel pusher and love the coach, but the ride is very harsh, especially on the horrible California highways. Do you make a shock that will replace our current Sachs Shock Absorbers? and what would the estimated cost be? Many thanks! Rick C.
Hello Rick,
Thank you for your entry, we do not sell shocks here. Unfortunately at this time we do not have springs available for diesel pushers.
Hi Daniel,
Yes, at temperatures of -10° to -30° C and -14° to -22° F, the SumoSprings are slower to rebound. The hardware will be fine, but there will be a temporary difference in the performance of the micro-cellular urethane.
does cold weather impair the sumospring function. we have noticed this winter in our FR3 motorhome more noise and bounce under front chasis on rough highways.
For rough roads (pot holes, expansion joints, uneven surface repairs and more), what are available motorhome upgrades for a 2007 39’ Winnebago Journey DP with air bags.
Hello Gene,
The SumoSprings are designed to alleviate symptoms caused by exactly what you are asking about. What is the year, make, and model of the chassis your Winnebago is built on? Also, what is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)?
Hello Evan,
Thanks for your question! As long as the installation of the SumoSprings do not impact the components already in place, you will be good to go. As far as which kits to choose, less is more sometimes. It really depends on how you are using your RV, and the symptoms you are attempting to alleviate. Is your Sprinter a 2500 or 3500? Is it 2WD or 4WD? Do you tow/haul anything with your RV? Does the rear end sag/droop/drop, or do you just want to enhance the stability?
Hey it looks like the Sumo Spring would be great for my 2016 Sprinter chassis RV made by Dynamax , Isata 3 unit.
What do I need to know about these and will it work with the Helwig anti sway bars…I’m assuming I need the heaviest duty spring you sell correct, the GVWR is 11030 lb. front 4410 lb / rear 7720
Thanks
Evan
We have a 2018 Newmarket Daystar 3113 Motorhome. The ride is so unacceptable we are considering selling it. The unit has the Ford F53 chassis. Please tell me the recommended front and rear units for my RV.
Hello Michael. Thank you for contacting us. I do need a bit of information in order to provide you with parts. What is the GVWR of the coach?
Hi we have a mobilvetta motor home based on a fiat chassis the ride is awful do you supply springs for this model 2018, if so can you supply a price to new zealand
Hello Simon,
Thank you for contacting us today. Unfortunately we do not have anything listed for a Fiat chassis. Would you be able to email me a picture of the setup of the suspension? On occasion, we are able to fit existing kits on new applications. If you can, email them to me at [email protected].
Thank you!