Community Forums

DHart · 04-08-2016, 08:59 PM

On our 2016 Newmar Bay Star 3124 (32' long, 22,000# rating), the Ford F-53 chassis window sticker lists suspension equipment including:

Front & Rear Stabilizer bars
Heavy Duty Front Track bar

Are the "stabilizer" bars what many would call 'sway' bars? Are these stabilizer bars the items on which one would perform the CHF (cheap handling fix)? And, is that fix likely to improve the ride of this new coach?

As for the Heavy duty Front Track bar, is replacing that likely to result in a worthwhile improvement in counteracting lane drift?

What about adding a rear Track bar? Would that be a prudent thing to do?

I do plan to add a steering stabilizer of one sort or another, but not sure if swapping stabilizer (sway?) bars or doing the CHF would be worthwhile.

We haven't had enough experience to evaluate the ride on a longer trip, though we plan to do that soon.

twinboat · 04-08-2016, 09:42 PM

Stabilizer bar is anti sway bar, often called sway bar.

Yes the CHF is done on it. If the improvement you are talking about a smoother ride no.

If your talking about being pushed all over the road by wind or trucks, most likely. Try it it's free.

A track bar keeps the MH from moving side to side in situations where the springs would bend sideways, not up and down.

A rear track bar could be added but the CHF may give you enough improvement to make it easy to drive.

I have a Class C that was a bear to drive when trucks passed.

I installed a heavy duty sway bar in the rear and noticed such a BIG improvement that I did nothing else. The CHF is not doable on Class 's.

DHart · 04-08-2016, 10:08 PM

Thanks tb... I need to locate the CHF thread and look for pictures.

Thoughts on top choices in a steering stabilizer?

JD11 · 04-09-2016, 12:41 PM

I have the same platform on my Thor Miramar 33.5.

I spoke with Ford and they let me know that the holes are already drilled for both the front and rear stabilizers to be move for the CHF. They set it at the outer, or softer ride, position but make it easy for the owner to adjust to see if the new ride is preferred.

I'm still doing my research but will certainly do this and give it a try, one suspension change at a time. My next move MAY be a beefier rear stabilizer bar and Sumo springs - not clear yet. Very likely going to add a steering stabilizer. My wife did not find the 25 MPH wind gust all that much fun to drive thru. The people who've installed them rave about them....

DHart · 04-09-2016, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD11

I have the same platform on my Thor Miramar 33.5.

I spoke with Ford and they let me know that the holes are already drilled for both the front and rear stabilizers to be move for the CHF. They set it at the outer, or softer ride, position but make it easy for the owner to adjust to see if the new ride is preferred.

I'm still doing my research but will certainly do this and give it a try, one suspension change at a time. My next move MAY be a beefier rear stabilizer bar and Sumo springs - not clear yet. Very likely going to add a steering stabilizer. My wife did not find the 25 MPH wind gust all that much fun to drive thru. The people who've installed them rave about them....

Thanks JD. Crawling under my Bay Star today to see what is there.

Thoughts on steering stabilizers?

PbdBlue · 04-09-2016, 01:21 PM

I think handling varies from model to model on the same chassis due to the varying weight distribution. On my rig (also a 22K) I ended up with Sumo Solo's all the way around and a rear trac bar. Those made a significant improvement in ride and handling. So much so that I really don't feel the need for the CHF. YMMV.

JD11 · 04-09-2016, 01:28 PM

So far, I like the price of the RoadMaster. But also looking at Safe T Plus and Blue Ox.

JD11 · 04-09-2016, 01:28 PM

Awesome - thanks for sharing that info.

PbdBlue · 04-09-2016, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD11

So far, I like the price of the RoadMaster. But also looking at Safe T Plus and Blue Ox.

I went with Blue Ox. Found it on Amazon for ~$500. Still a little pricey but well engineered and easy to install. You can build your own for a lot less if you are so inclined.

ScottyB410 · 04-09-2016, 04:45 PM

I just installed the Blue-Ox sway bars on the front and rear of my 2016 22k.
I also changed out the stock shocks for the Koni FSD.

I get it back next week so I'll let you know what it rides like.

purrin along · 04-09-2016, 06:47 PM

I just received my sumo's today, and hope to install
next week. I did the CHF last Oct. it was a big help with
the handling. What I am hoping is to go back to the original
hole after the sumo install for a better ride. I also installed
the Safe T Plus when I did the CHF.

mblake101 · 04-14-2016, 08:15 PM

I just installed the Roadmaster steering stabilizer on my 2014 Itasca 35f. It made an incredible improvement in control and handling. Happy travels!

Dennis Dean · 04-20-2016, 05:22 PM

I have the roadmaster steering stabilizer, I like it and think it defiantly improved the overall handling for ruts, bumps, and crosswind. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them (trucenter or blue ox) I will say if you want to spend about $1000 you can get the one that is adjustable from the divers seat in the coach while you are driving. For me I did not think it was necessary. My coach is longer than yours so I am sure the add-on's will all have a different effect, but I put a front and rear roadmaster sway bar on and in the rear the roadmaster retains the the stock, so I have two. I think the only thing I may add is a track bar to the rear for sway or I might go with SUMO all around. Haven't quite decided, but one will probably get done this summer.

billyb · 04-23-2016, 03:33 AM

i put the roadmaster stabilizer on , which was one of the last things i did, and i can't say i saw any difference, but i only added it for the possible safety. i have air bags up front and a home made sway bar on the rear , and i don't think i can get any better ride from the unit unless i went with the kelderman spring setup, then i might fall asleep while driving.