BT Cruiser 5210 Handling?

[Jmiskovs]

Hello,

Looking at B and B+ options and the 5210 caught my eye, mostly based on price, at least initially.

Love the floor plan, but looking at the short wheelbase and the rather long overhang off the rear of the coach, has me wondering how the coach handles going down the road. At highway speeds and 18 wheelers passing, do these get pushed around a lot?

I also see after research, that the rear of the coach has a tendency to bottom out on driveway transitions and other similar conditions. Not a show stopper, nor is the short wheelbase, but overall, how well do these coaches drive down the road?

Any 5210 owners around to chime in on my concerns?

Thanks in advance.
Jim

[wildtoad]

Can't speak to the 5210, but my 2025 BTC 5255 at 28.5 feet so far drives nicely*. I tow a 5,000lb Jeep Gladiator with it with no issues, pulls it as well if not better than the Ford F53 based Class A we swapped for it.

The BTC's are low riders and care should be taken when entering and exiting a steep site or driveway, but no different than many other class C's.

We downsized from a 31' Class A and finding space to store things has been a big task/adjustment. Heck there wasn't a single kitchen drawer to put eating/cooking items in. But we've adapted.

And now the "*" --- You will want to install Sumo Springs on both axles, and an upgraded steering stabilizer. Mine came with the stock Ford steering damper, but replaced it with one from Roadmaster. I keep the tire pressures very close to the recommended, and cruise down the hi-way's at 62. Have gone from white knuckles to a nice leisurely drive.

[Jmiskovs]

Thanks for the insight, Wildtoad.

I think with the 5210's shorter wheelbase, handling may be an issue. Not a show stopper for me, but I'm aware.

I was thinking drive it for a while and see if it needs aftermarket help. I was thinking maybe air bags in the rear for a little more clearance and enhanced ride. After market sway bar(s) if needed.

One of the benefits, and you alluded to it in your post, is the hefty 7500lb hitch on the back, allowing you to tow just about any vehicle.

I too, have a 36' A with tons of storage, so that will be an adjustment with the BT. Keeping the A for now in case the downsizing doesn't work out. I think the "freedom" and ease of mobility with the small BT will more than offset any storage concerns.

Jim

[Dzplace]

Hello, I have the 529 31 ft BT cruiser. I absolutely love it. I did not care for the way it handled going down the highway.
I did some research. I upgraded my sway bars to the Hellwig for my Ford chassis, front and rear. I upgraded shocks all the way around heavy duty, and I also upgraded the steering stabilizer heavy duty.
If you’re handy, these are easy to do by yourself or with a hand, but no need for a mechanic. Right after getting all those put on, I drove to Alaska in May and drove back out the end of September currently sitting in Texas absolutely love the improvements. I did to the suspension. Hope this helps.

[Jmiskovs]

Dzplace,

That does help a lot, and looks to be in line with what others have done to their Ford chassis to improve handling. What heavy duty shocks did you choose?

Wife and I headed to Alaska in May, these upgrades would help with those travels, I think.

Jim

[SergioP]

Originally Posted by Dzplace

Hello, I have the 529 31 ft BT cruiser. I absolutely love it. I did not care for the way it handled going down the highway.
I did some research. I upgraded my sway bars to the Hellwig for my Ford chassis, front and rear. I upgraded shocks all the way around heavy duty, and I also upgraded the steering stabilizer heavy duty.
If you’re handy, these are easy to do by yourself or with a hand, but no need for a mechanic. Right after getting all those put on, I drove to Alaska in May and drove back out the end of September currently sitting in Texas absolutely love the improvements. I did to the suspension. Hope this helps.

My 24ft Forester 2291S got an alignment to get the most caster. Helped some on highway stability. Then I put the Roadmaster larger front and rear sway bars and that made it drive great. No more crazy leaning on mountain curves. IMO these chassis should come with upgraded bars after the rv manufacture loads them to the gills.

[wildtoad]

Originally Posted by SergioP

IMO these chassis should come with upgraded bars after the rv manufacture loads them to the gills.

Totally agree, and it wouldn't cost the manufacturer much. However, not doing so, drives a lot of after market sales of the parts and service which of course is good for the dealer.

[Dzplace]

Originally Posted by Jmiskovs

Dzplace,

That does help a lot, and looks to be in line with what others have done to their Ford chassis to improve handling. What heavy duty shocks did you choose?

Wife and I headed to Alaska in May, these upgrades would help with those travels, I think.

Jim

You will love the trip, Alaska has been my home for 50 yrs. Happy to help with any questions you may have about Alaska or the drive up.

The front were bilstein heaven duty RV shocks, rear was Monroe heavy duty as Bilstein had not released the rear shocks in the USA yet. As we say in Alaska Mush mush… happy trails for the lOWER 48 folks…😊