Community Forums

Jimbo1956 · 10-27-2020, 10:00 AM

I recently purchased a 2015 Allegro 32SA with very low mileage (7500). It has a safety steer installed in the Front and nothing else has been done to stabilize. Should I start by installing add stabilization on the front or the rear? It has not had the CHF done in either location. I have read pros and cons on this fix. Looking for recommendations on where to start and how far to go.
Thanks for any suggestions
Jim

jpstakun · 10-27-2020, 10:19 AM

I had the exact same motorhome. Other than some minor wandering, the handling and ride was fine. I did add a Safe-T-Steer which helped a lot. I would start by having your front end alignment checked by a reputable shot to ensure your toe-in is correct. Personally, I would not spend thousands of dollars chasing after the Buick like ride. Enjoy the reason why you have a motorhome-travel, camping, etc.

WhippetTaxi · 10-27-2020, 10:19 AM

We had a 2017 Winnebago Vista with the F53 chassis (assuming yours has this same chassis). The handling was very poor, especially with passing tractor trailer traffic or windy conditions. I talked to Ford about the handling issues and they said their bare chassis were delivered to various manufacturers "as is" and they had no control over the coach configurations or weights that were installed.

The three things I ended up doing that made a difference were getting a proper alignment, adding the correct air pressure to the tires, and then doing the CHF (i.e., moved the fasteners on the front sway bar to the stiffer position).

garykk · 10-27-2020, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhippetTaxi

We had a 2017 Winnebago Vista with the F53 chassis (assuming yours has this same chassis). The handling was very poor, especially with passing tractor trailer traffic or windy conditions. I talked to Ford about the handling issues and they said their bare chassis were delivered to various manufacturers "as is" and they had no control over the coach configurations or weights that were installed.

The three things I ended up doing that made a difference were getting a proper alignment, adding the correct air pressure to the tires, and then doing the CHF (i.e., moved the fasteners on the front sway bar to the stiffer position).

We also had a 35’ Vista on a F53 chassis. It too handled terrible from the dealer. Tire pressure , alignment helped but I eventually did the CHF, rear sway bar and the Blue Ox adjustable steering stabilizer.

High Road Travelers · 10-27-2020, 10:55 PM

I would suggest taking it on a few trips and see how it handles. You may not need anything else, or you may find that it handles horrible. But you do need to know what problems you have, if any.
We added a steering stabilizer and had an alignment done. Ours is a 2018 and it handled well after these two enhancements, except for the harsh ride. We changed the shocks to Koni FSD shocks, which helped some; but we have settled into being content with the harsh ride and we're happy (just hate rough roads). We did have it weighed and set the tire pressure to 80 lbs which softened the ride a little also. I never considered the CHF, but that's just me.
It seems like different rigs on the F53 chassis handle differently, so I suggest to just try yours and see what needs improving.
Thanks,

Winger22 · 10-28-2020, 06:18 AM

I owned a Vista also. Wandered a lot and wind blew the rear around. Did the alignment, tire pressure adjustment, steering stabilizer, CHF front and rear, and a track bar in the rear. After those mods, the beast was much more comfortable to drive. The most significant improvement came form the rear track bar and CHF.

Jimbo1956 · 10-28-2020, 12:38 PM

Thanks everyone for your ideas and experience on this type of coach. Our previous coach was a 42 foot diesel pusher so did not have and of the same issues. I am not that unhappy with the handling so will give it a couple of trips to see how it works.
Thanks
Jim

Chuck&Pam · 10-28-2020, 07:41 PM

Jim, we have a ‘16 32SA and have made no modifications at all. I find that it handles and drives great as is. My 2016 is on the 24k/30k chassis so that may make some difference. Get an alignment if you suspect that’s a problem. Also be sure you’re running the correct tire pressure. I run 93 psi in mine. I too came from a DP. Read about lots of so called white knuckle experiences but I’m completely satisfied with the 32 SA. Good luck!