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F4Jock · 01-22-2018, 03:59 PM

We just purchased a 33 foot 1997 National Tropical 33-foot Gas RV on a Ford Chassis with a 460. One thing we noticed, it tends to sway a bit more than we would like. Looking into suspension upgrades I came across something called Sumo Springs. They've gotten some pretty good reviews and seem to be a relatively inexpensive alternative to other suspension upgrades.

Has anyone here had any experience with them and if so would you be kind enough to let us know what your thoughts are?

Thanks

DGundy · 01-22-2018, 04:53 PM

I have SUMO Springs and Koni Shocks. I finalized the upgrade with Helwig Front & Rear Anti-sway bars. Made a big difference in the ride and handling. 🚍🤠

l1v3fr33ord1 · 01-22-2018, 05:28 PM

Patti and Jack-

There are many threads on the Ford Chassis Forum (link here) regarding suspension modifications for the F-53 chassis. My latest contributions are here and here.

If the problem you are trying to fix is sway, try the CHF (Cheap Handling Fix) first. It costs nothing if you do it yourself. Here's the link to the CHF thread.

If you are trying to fix other problems, see my posts to which I linked, above.

purrin along · 01-22-2018, 06:06 PM

Sumo Springs did help with the ride along with changing my stock ford shocks. Definitely do the CHF first like mentioned.

Motor7 · 01-23-2018, 09:32 AM

I installed Sumo's and shocks at the same time...no more Pirate ship roll.

SteveTurner · 01-23-2018, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motor7

I installed Sumo's and shocks at the same time...no more Pirate ship roll.

I agree, the Sumo springs made a huge difference.

OpenRdAdvntr · 01-24-2018, 03:10 PM

While trading my 35' Tiffin Open Road in October I had a chance to talk with the dealer about the Sumo springs that had come on the unit I had owned. His response was that he wouldn't special order one without the Sumo springs because the customer would ultimately be disappointed in the handling of the unit. The CHF is said to do wonders but the Sumos are great.

F4Jock · 01-25-2018, 10:49 AM

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies. The Sumo Springs look like the way to go. in the spring I'll have my mechanic put in some new shocks and springs and we'll see about the sway bars. boy, I haven't heard about Koni shocks since I worked on my 1969 Corvette! Certainly tweeked some nostalgia!