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Old 03-03-2015, 10:40 AM   #1
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Suspension Improvements

I have a 2004 Winnebago Brave. I am new to RV. I have only taken one trip, and it was very hard to control. A little research has indicated that I need to do some suspension improvements. But am confused as to shocks or air suspension, if shocks should I do Koni or Bilstein. Any help is appreciated.
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Old 03-03-2015, 11:34 AM   #2
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What chassis do you have, Ford or GM?
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Old 03-03-2015, 11:49 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Occhiline View Post
I have a 2004 Winnebago Brave. I am new to RV. I have only taken one trip, and it was very hard to control. A little research has indicated that I need to do some suspension improvements. But am confused as to shocks or air suspension, if shocks should I do Koni or Bilstein. Any help is appreciated.
You need to (Must) spend time in the Ford Chassis section on this forum, you will learn plenty on how to improve the handling of your coach. The CHF is the first thing to do, it takes 30 minutes and you will notice a big improvement. After that there are many things you can do, all of them are topics in the Ford Chassis section. Remember that a combination of things will have the best results, not just one thing but several.

You can get that box to feel like a sports car if you want to spend the money.
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Old 03-03-2015, 11:53 AM   #4
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For me, Priority one would be installing a Safe T Plus steering stabilizer. Our Products | The Steering Control Specialists | Safe-T-Plus Blog
Then follows front and rear Anti-Sway bars. Search - SuperSteer Parts Store
For a smooth ride I highly recommend Koni shocks.http://www.konirv.com/
In coil springs, go Sumo.
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Old 03-04-2015, 01:41 PM   #5
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What chassis do you have, Ford or GM?
It is a GM
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Old 03-04-2015, 01:44 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by usinvestment View Post
You need to (Must) spend time in the Ford Chassis section on this forum, you will learn plenty on how to improve the handling of your coach. The CHF is the first thing to do, it takes 30 minutes and you will notice a big improvement. After that there are many things you can do, all of them are topics in the Ford Chassis section. Remember that a combination of things will have the best results, not just one thing but several.

You can get that box to feel like a sports car if you want to spend the money.
I have a Chevy, I have been browsing and have learned a lot. Koni shocks are on the way. Thank you for your quick reply.
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Old 03-04-2015, 01:47 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Doggy Daddy View Post
For me, Priority one would be installing a Safe T Plus steering stabilizer. Our Products | The Steering Control Specialists | Safe-T-Plus Blog
Then follows front and rear Anti-Sway bars. Search - SuperSteer Parts Store
For a smooth ride I highly recommend Koni shocks.http://www.konirv.com/
In coil springs, go Sumo.
I have ordered the shocks and will be looking at the steering stab and anti sway. Thank you for your help.
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Old 03-05-2015, 06:03 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Occhiline View Post
I have a 2004 Winnebago Brave. I am new to RV. I have only taken one trip, and it was very hard to control. A little research has indicated that I need to do some suspension improvements. But am confused as to shocks or air suspension, if shocks should I do Koni or Bilstein. Any help is appreciated.
Go to the Workhorse Chassis forum and you will learn a lot. Yes Shocks are part of it. The W-20 and W-22 Chassis has an issue called the tail wagging the dog. The best bet is install a trac bar. At least on the rear axle. Here are a few web sites to give you a hand.

https://ultrarvproducts.com/store/in...tegory&path=34

https://www.brazelsrv.com/

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f22/workh...ons-71705.html
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Old 03-07-2015, 08:47 PM   #9
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You can get that box to feel like a sports car if you want to spend the money.
I'd say that's a bit of an overstatement. Yes you can drastically improve the handling but a big box motorhome will never handle like a sports cars. I've upgraded my 32' class A with front and rear sway bars, rear trac bar, Safe T Plus and Koni FSD shocks. It handles much better and safer, but no where near like my 2014 Mustang "sports car".
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Old 03-08-2015, 07:47 AM   #10
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Good advice. Way back when we had our new 1976 motorhome, my wife placed a little sticker on the dashboard stating "I am not an Alfa Romeo". When I got a little frisky driving, she would lean over and vigorously tap the sticker...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camper Ken View Post
I'd say that's a bit of an overstatement. Yes you can drastically improve the handling but a big box motorhome will never handle like a sports cars. I've upgraded my 32' class A with front and rear sway bars, rear trac bar, Safe T Plus and Koni FSD shocks. It handles much better and safer, but no where near like my 2014 Mustang "sports car".
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Old 03-08-2015, 08:49 AM   #11
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First ensure tire pressures are set per weight, alignment is correct, no worn or damaged suspension / steering components, etc. Be sure all the stock stuff is right before throwing aftermarket parts at it.
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Old 03-08-2015, 11:30 AM   #12
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See this article in the FILES section concerning Motorhome Handling Improvements:
iRV2 Forums - Files - Motorhome Handling Problems & Solutions
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Old 03-16-2015, 04:01 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Occhiline View Post
I have a Chevy, I have been browsing and have learned a lot. Koni shocks are on the way. Thank you for your quick reply.

DW and I just installed new Koni shocks on the front of our coach. It's not a tough DIY job, although getting the bolts loose is a bit of a chore.
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Old 03-29-2015, 10:29 PM   #14
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Swinging

I have a Fleetwood Southwind 32V and replaced the shocks and upgraded the factory Workshorse swap bar. Helped a little. I think the springs are 2 soft for one thing. My old Dodge based Holliday Rambler handled better. Drove a small Holiday Rambler Diesel pusher and it was worse.
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