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Old 01-18-2023, 02:43 PM   #1
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2016 Itasca / Winnebago SunStar 35F 3" Lean on Passengers Side

Best fix for Itasca/Winnebago 2016 SunStar LX 35F Ford F51 chassis that is leaning about 3" to Passenger-side. All 4 wheels weighed, and all is good there. Went to spring / leaf specialist and he said all is good but recommended a few options. Putting in Blocks / Spacers on leaf-springs cost around $500 or add airbags with compressor on both rear springs around $1,200.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this.
Are there Air-Powered Shock absorbers that could work on this unit? GCWR = 26,000 Lbs. GAWR Rear Axel 15000 Lbs.

Just as a FYI, I did bottom out recently and insurance company is fixing some minor side and molding damage. And said that the chassis lean would not be covered as this happens all the time. I'm having it fixed at insurance companies recommended location "Camping World", and they do not do any chassis work and referred me to a Ford Dealer. x3
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Old 01-18-2023, 04:01 PM   #2
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I'm no expert but I don't think blocks would be a good idea on a heavy motorhome. Re-arching or adding a leaf are things that are sometimes done to correct sag.

Will the air bag raise the corner three inches? I know they're a different animal but the air bags inside my front coils won't.
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Old 01-18-2023, 05:41 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeannetta View Post
Best fix for Itasca/Winnebago 2016 SunStar LX 35F Ford F51 chassis that is leaning about 3" to Passenger-side. All 4 wheels weighed, and all is good there. Went to spring / leaf specialist and he said all is good but recommended a few options. Putting in Blocks / Spacers on leaf-springs cost around $500 or add airbags with compressor on both rear springs around $1,200.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this.
Are there Air-Powered Shock absorbers that could work on this unit? GCWR = 26,000 Lbs. GAWR Rear Axel 15000 Lbs.

Just as a FYI, I did bottom out recently and insurance company is fixing some minor side and molding damage. And said that the chassis lean would not be covered as this happens all the time. I'm having it fixed at insurance companies recommended location "Camping World", and they do not do any chassis work and referred me to a Ford Dealer. x3
A small lean in some circumstances may be normal but a 3” lean, I believe, is excessive. I would get an opinion from someone who has dealt with this prior and find the cause. Certainly something is causing the lean and putting a band aid on it is not what I would do. But that’s me. My guess is a broken spring or spring mount related to the bottoming out.
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Old 01-18-2023, 06:02 PM   #4
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A slight lean on a gas chassis is not all that uncommon but I think 3" is excessive. Air bags won't work but if the house is built properly on the frame, your best option would be to have a truck shop add leafs or re-arch your spring on that side. You didn't say, but I assume it is on the side carrying more of the weight.
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Old 01-19-2023, 05:17 AM   #5
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Where are you measuring the lean? At the frame rails or somewhere on the body?

My point is - are you sure the frame is lower on one side or is the body sitting wonky on the frame?
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Old 01-19-2023, 08:06 AM   #6
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Quote:
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A small lean in some circumstances may be normal but a 3” lean, I believe, is excessive. I would get an opinion from someone who has dealt with this prior and find the cause. Certainly something is causing the lean and putting a band aid on it is not what I would do. But that’s me. My guess is a broken spring or spring mount related to the bottoming out.


These option were by spring expert. They looked at then, and there was “nothing wrong” with them. I’m starting to think if the way the chassis and coach body is connected???

I appreciate you thought.
Thanks
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Old 01-19-2023, 08:11 AM   #7
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Where are you measuring the lean? At the frame rails or somewhere on the body?

My point is - are you sure the frame is lower on one side or is the body sitting wonky on the frame?

First issue that needs to be addressed.


Frame rail to flat ground/floor on both sides VS body location on each side to flat ground/floor.
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Old 01-19-2023, 08:51 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by bentjm View Post
Where are you measuring the lean? At the frame rails or somewhere on the body?

My point is - are you sure the frame is lower on one side or is the body sitting wonky on the frame?


I’m measuring the frame from highest point at each wheel!
And I am starting to think if it might be related to attachment to the frame?
When looking at how any intangible weight can be added to the coach such as water, black and grey tanks, fuel… I think that Winnebago did a great job balancing out these items across the frame. With that said I would estimate any addition weight between passengers and food would again balance out.
We don’t empty the storage bays.

Thanks for you input!

Mike
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Old 01-19-2023, 09:00 AM   #9
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2016 Itasca / Winnebago SunStar 35F 3" Lean on Passengers Side

Quote:
Originally Posted by Country Road View Post
A small lean in some circumstances may be normal but a 3” lean, I believe, is excessive. I would get an opinion from someone who has dealt with this prior and find the cause. Certainly something is causing the lean and putting a band aid on it is not what I would do. But that’s me. My guess is a broken spring or spring mount related to the bottoming out.


It’s not a broken spring, I had all that checked out. The weight on the passengers side balanced out, less than 20 lbs difference at each tire when weighed. I add an addition 100lbs more weight when traveling vs wife. So overall I would say it’s a balanced rig.

Thanks and I agree, no bandaid!
Mike
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Old 01-19-2023, 09:05 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mudfrog View Post
I'm no expert but I don't think blocks would be a good idea on a heavy motorhome. Re-arching or adding a leaf are things that are sometimes done to correct sag.



Will the air bag raise the corner three inches? I know they're a different animal but the air bags inside my front coils won't.


Those are the options right now. Only other thought is the way the coach and chassis is attached?

Thank you for your input!
Mike
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Old 01-19-2023, 09:07 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckftboy View Post
A slight lean on a gas chassis is not all that uncommon but I think 3" is excessive. Air bags won't work but if the house is built properly on the frame, your best option would be to have a truck shop add leafs or re-arch your spring on that side. You didn't say, but I assume it is on the side carrying more of the weight.


I agree. And I need to look at the frame to chassis connection.

Thanks for input.
Mike
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