Community Forums

Americanrascal · 06-07-2018, 08:05 AM

Our 2016 F53 Winnebago Adventurer 38 Q (26000 chassis) seems to have developed a sag - most noticeably to the rear and passenger side of about 1.5 inches . So I have been exploring how to improve the situation and am seeking input on what is the best way to approach this and make an improvement.

I've been looking at Super Springs (helper leaf springs), Sumo Springs, or an Air Lift system trying to explore which would provide the best opportunity for leveling (and lifting) and also offer some ride improvement. Frankly the ride is pretty good right now and that would just be icing on the cake if I could get her back leveled up.

Please share some advice and input on success or problems you've had with any of these products and what your thoughts are on using them for leveling the rig up.

FYI I'm underweight in the rear by 1000 lbs when fully loaded out with toad dolly attached- and I am significantly underweight overall. I have not yet had the opportunity to get my 4 corner weights yet though.

Thanks

Joe

dbord · 06-07-2018, 08:09 AM

Should still be under the Ford Warranty, might check with them.

RRR · 06-07-2018, 08:25 AM

How is your weight side-to-side? Way different? Might need to rebalance your load.

Check for broken leaf and missing hardware first. Measure from the frame to ground to make sure it is a chassis issue rather than house issue. Then check with Ford and it wouldn't hurt to have a printout of your weights. If they can't or won't help go to a spring shop in your area. IMO fix the cause of the lean before you throw parts at it.

RROLDSX · 06-07-2018, 08:31 AM

I agree with RRR and dbord BTW RRR, are those your initials? I have the same.

Americanrascal · 06-07-2018, 08:47 AM

Have checked leafs- all seems fine - no apparent damage-except that the passenger side rear seems flatter without a curve. Only slight curve on the drivers side rear leafs.

Still have not had 4 corners weighed but have front and rear axle weights. Front axle significantly underweight- rear axle about 1000 underweight-- when fully loaded. We run our rig very light- only a tool box on the passenger side- compartments virtually empty- maybe 150 lbs total. Inside the coach the passenger side has the washer and dryer, a slide and the 5 batteries for the coach.

Seems more weight on the drivers side though- which is higher- with 2 slides, fridge, king bed, genny and some significant cabinetry. And more weight in compartments driver side.

Really nothing I have on board to rebalance.

I'm still awaiting feedback from Ford.

Americanrascal · 06-07-2018, 09:21 AM

Heard from Ford. Design tolerance is 3/4 inch difference side to side axle to frame. I measured and am only 1/4 inch difference side to side.I'm within Ford's spec.

I measured coach panel to ground each side same spot in front of wheel and found a 2 inch difference. This seems to indicate I may have something out of whack with the coach and not the frame or suspension?

As expected they advise I need to get 4 corner weights and I know I need to do that. None close by though and a bit difficult to find. I believe there is one in ATL but I sure hate making that run. May wait until Jan whe we go to FL and get it done in St Cloud.

Still will likely consider after market products I mentioned earlier.

Maybe I am just too aesthetically sensitive- got me wondering. But it sure is visible.

RRR · 06-07-2018, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Americanrascal

Have checked leafs- all seems fine - no apparent damage-except that the passenger side rear seems flatter without a curve. Only slight curve on the drivers side rear leafs.

Still have not had 4 corners weighed but have front and rear axle weights. Front axle significantly underweight- rear axle about 1000 underweight-- when fully loaded. We run our rig very light- only a tool box on the passenger side- compartments virtually empty- maybe 150 lbs total. Inside the coach the passenger side has the washer and dryer, a slide and the 5 batteries for the coach.

Seems more weight on the drivers side though- which is higher- with 2 slides, fridge, king bed, genny and some significant cabinetry. And more weight in compartments driver side.

Really nothing I have on board to rebalance.

I'm still awaiting feedback from Ford.

Good luck waiting to hear from them. They will likely blame Winnebago, along with the fact that the sun rises in the east. And anything that Ford makes is perfect.

Sounds like a weak spring to me. On mine the springs are marked with the chassis weight. Wonder if there could be a mis-matched set?

RRR · 06-07-2018, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RROLDSX

I agree with RRR and dbord BTW RRR, are those your initials? I have the same.

No. An abbreviated form of my user name from some other forums I belong to. When I registered here I go an error that user name was too long.

RROLDSX · 06-07-2018, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Americanrascal

Heard from Ford. Design tolerance is 3/4 inch difference side to side axle to frame. I measured and am only 1/4 inch difference side to side.I'm within Ford's spec.

I measured coach panel to ground each side same spot in front of wheel and found a 2 inch difference. This seems to indicate I may have something out of whack with the coach and not the frame or suspension?

As expected they advise I need to get 4 corner weights and I know I need to do that. None close by though and a bit difficult to find. I believe there is one in ATL but I sure hate making that run. May wait until Jan whe we go to FL and get it done in St Cloud.

Still will likely consider after market products I mentioned earlier.

Maybe I am just too aesthetically sensitive- got me wondering. But it sure is visible.

Are you measuring on the street or on
a flat surface? The street will have a crown in the road making the motorhome lean somewhat. Just a thought.

Americanrascal · 06-07-2018, 10:34 AM

Flat surface paved driveway

RROLDSX · 06-07-2018, 10:46 AM

I’m wondering if it was sitting on it’s jacks with one corner higher than the other and the unit kind of settled itself that way. I’m sure over the length of the motorhome there is some degree of flex. Maybe if you try jacking it off level to counter the “twist” let’s say, it would adjust itself back. Might be worth a try.