Are Liquid Spring suspension required on new Ford V8 chassis

[Egano]

During the Hershey RV Show in Pennsylvania in September 2019, we ordered a gas Class A motorhome which was to be built on the new Ford V8 chassis. At that time, we also ordered the two following upgrades: Liquid Spring at the rear suspension and Sumo Spring at the front suspension. Our dealer also mentioned that the manufacturer would build our Motorhome when it was in receipt of the new Ford Chassis.

During the past 2 weeks (July 2020), we were informed by our dealer that the manufacturer will now deliver our RV without the Liquid or Sumo springs. It appears that the new Ford V8 chassis has enhanced ride characteristics and that Liquid Spring are not required for a smoother ride. The manufacturer will not entertain the option to bring the RV to a liquid spring facility to have Liquid Spring upgrade prior delivery to our dealer. One option is; after delivery, we could proceed to the Liquid Spring factory in Indiana and have the Liquid Spring installed in the rear suspension and if available also in the front suspension.
We did two road tests with the Class A RV F53 Ford chassis. The first road test with a gas Class A RV equipped with the Liquid Spring at the rear and the second road test was the same RV model without the rear liquid springs suspension. I do not remember if either RV was equipped with the Sumo front suspension.
There was a noticeable difference with the handling and ride quality between the two F53 chassis, specifically the side-to-side movement at the driver location. It was very apparent driving on the uneven surface of the parking lot.
Given the installation of liquid spring suspension is expensive, does anyone own a Class A gas motorhome with the new V8 Ford chassis, or has anyone driven a Class A motorhome with the new V8 Ford chassis? And; in your opinion would it be worthwhile to add the Liquid Springs to the new Ford V8 Chassis? All opinions/comments/thoughts related to the above questions are appreciated. Thanking you all in advance for your input.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I don't see anything in the 2020 Ford F53 chassis specs that makes me think there has been any major suspension or handling improvement vs the 2019 edition. There have been improvements over the recent years, but I don't see anything dramatic in the 2020 model. Check out the specs for yourself.



https://www.ford.com/commercial-truc...f53-motorhome/

[Dav L]

I assume the liquid and sumo was optional and expensive. Did they refund those monies when they said they didn't need to install them? If not, don't believe a word they are saying. If they did, that is surprising as they likely lost a lot of markup in the deal.

Did Sumo and Liquid offer their stuff on a 2020 already? Try calling them to get their opinion. I would be surprised if they said "you don't need our stuff on a 2020". No matter the truth...

If they don't support the 2020 yet, then that's a good reason the dealer is shifting the story so they can deliver a unit and get fully payment earlier than later and not have to deal with the customer to explain a delay.

In looking at a recent video of the 2020 F53, it didn't seem like too much was modified handling wise on the chassis. I recollection larger sway bars.

I gotta believe the liquid and sumo would be a more significant change if you really needed the vehicle to drive smoother. But I have no first hand background with driving either. Pre-2020 I always assumed they did work better but at a significant price. Is it worth it? just depends if you are trying to compare to an air DP ride.

[SimRacer]

Who is the coach manufacturer??? Dealer??? The story sounds a little suspicious to me. If you ordered a 38 ft. coach and they said you only need a 32ft. coach, would that be acceptable?
Perhaps the manufacturer could not reach deal to offer Liquid Spring option???

As Gary noted, no major chassis changes, as far as I know, other than a larger front sway bar which will calm the side to side motion and replicates the aftermarket replacement bars or the CHF. In another thread, there are owners who are totally satisfied with the handling of the current chassis,,, I think improvements can be made.

[SimRacer]

My apology as I didn't answer your question ....
"Are Liquid Spring suspension required on new Ford V8 chassis."

My answer would be NO, not "required" but a definite improvement as you noted in your test drives.

as someone says,,, my opinion and it's worth what you paid for it

[nvs4602]

The liquid springs are also used on ambulances. They make the ride so smooth they can start an IV while in transit. I had a quote for our 2017 E450 at $8k. So yes they are a lot of money but they are supposed to really smooth out the ride. Unfortunately we suffered a huge financial hit from a flood and where not able to have it done.
Here is their contact info.

Wayne Wells

RV Sales, LiquidSpring LLC

4899 E 400 S Lafayette IN 47905

Phone: 765-474-7816*

Mobile 503-709-8901

E-mail*wwells@liquidspring.com

Website*www.liquidspring.com

[NLOVNIT]

First, hello & welcome to iRV2. Glad to have you.

The answer to your question "are they required?"= No. To the other "is it worth it"= only you can decide that. A lot may depend on how much time you're going to be driving/riding in it. I rode in & drove a prior F53 with Liquid Springs on it. It was a smoother ride than our stock Bounder had, but since we didn't spend a lot of time on the road in that gasser, after-market upgrading wasn't worth it to us.

You state "It appears that the new Ford V8 chassis has enhanced ride characteristics and that Liquid Spring are not required for a smoother ride." What did your dealer tell you was done to the new chassis that would make that product not required? Don't just accept that vague statement. Pin them down to tell you what EXACTLY changed on the new chassis that supports them stating what they did.

You didn't say what gas motorhome you ordered, but a 2020 Tiffin Allegro gasser can have LiquidSprings so there's nothing preventing the product being installed on a 2020 Ford chassis, at least from what I can tell.

Lori-

[Indy Glenn]

Hmmmmm......

Get the motor home, then make the decision to go with Sumo Springs or Liquid Springs or both.

The rig might drive great without any help. Your hands on experience may save you some money.

I believe if you do a search here on iRV2, there is a write up about the new Ford Chassis. If I remember - it talked a lot about power and torque.

With all this said - I have a 2017 Newmar Canyon Star. Started out with Sumo Maxims all around. Rig did better with roll and sway. Some time later, I went with the Liquid Spring. I left the Sumos on the front - - it was well worth my investment - but I did it all in stages.....and after I figured out I would be keeping the rig for many, many years.

I am not sure where you live but if you decide on getting the Liquid Spring, I would suggest a trip to the factory in Lafayette, Indiana. Very professional and they have the experience.

All the best and good luck to you....

g

[Indy Glenn]

Look for posts by: Alwaysdream.

He talks about the new Ford 7.3 chassis.

g