Community Forums

triplewide · 09-19-2019, 04:25 AM

Just traded our 2015 ACE 29.3 18K 30ft for a 2016 Miramar 34.2 22k 36 ft. The chassis was built in May 2015, one of the last 5 speeds.

Looking for advice on what to check/look for on the chassis. Compared to the ACE the Miramar rides like it is on airbags. I have crawled under a little bit to peek at the chassis.

It has track bars front and rear, are they factory?

The front stabilizer bar looks like it is aftermarket. Painted red, has a sticker with shop name I think. Will get under better today, may be able to track down what is installed that way. Rear has an additional stabilizer type bar that is red and mounted to the rear of the axle.

Roadmaster steering stabilizer installed on the front.

No Sumos, no air bags that I can see.

Looks like the shocks are not stock. Sticker says Bilstein but they are shinny like aluminum or chrome. Don't look stock or dirty like the 11K miles shows on the odometer.

I can't believe the handling and ride difference. No wandering or truck push.
Bridge transitions are hardly noticeable.
Feels as good as the 2000 Journey with air bags I had in a previous life.

The air cleaner/intake is completely different than the ACE 2015. It appears larger and is in a different location. It sits forward of the radiator and is much more accessible than the ACE.

Lastly the transmission shift pattern is greatly improved, Holds gear much longer on slight incline, drops one gear at a time no 5th to 3rd screamers. Could actually use the cruise control on the 70 mile drive home. Drives like it has 5 star. How can I tell if 5 star is installed? The OBD port has what looks like a factory cap on it.

inlineskater · 09-19-2019, 05:12 AM

You could call 5 star and give them the vin and see if they have a record of it.

triplewide · 09-19-2019, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inlineskater

You could call 5 star and give them the vin and see if they have a record of it.

Good idea, thank you , I'll do that today.

triplewide · 09-20-2019, 09:25 AM

Emailed 5 Star today. Their response was that the only way to tell if it had the tune was if I had the device the a previous owner(s) had used to flash it. My guess is it has the tune as I can set the cruise control and the coach will handle overpasses and low grades without the 5 to 3 screaming shift.

triplewide · 09-20-2019, 09:33 AM

Spoke to Rallysrus today regarding the stabilizer bars and Bilstein shock upgrades. Found their web site and phone number on the front stabilizer bar. They confirmed that they offer and install both of these as a ride/handling improvement package.

I am blown away by how well the coach handles and rides.

triplewide · 09-20-2019, 09:37 AM

I believe the intake and air filter is stock, based on the stickers/ labels on the parts.

Anyone know if the 2015 22k F53 comes with a rear track bar (pan hard bar)?

Reacher · 09-20-2019, 04:27 PM

The 2018 26K comes with a stock front TB. None on the rear, but it handles fine without it with the long WB.

triplewide · 09-21-2019, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reacher

The 2018 26K comes with a stock front TB. None on the rear, but it handles fine without it with the long WB.

Then the 22K that I have probably doesn't come with one on the rear either. The wheel base increase from my old ACE 29.3 to the 34.2 probably is a factor in the better handling I am seeing.

Thanks for the info.

jharrell · 09-21-2019, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplewide

Anyone know if the 2015 22k F53 comes with a rear track bar (pan hard bar)?

Ford does not put a rear track bar on any chassis stock. If you have one its after market.

The front has one on 18k and up, and optional on 16k.

Really liked the Miramar, almost bought one instead of Winnie but was too big for my driveway. They don't do the bunk floorplan I liked at the time anymore now its a longer dual bathroom setup.