Sumo Springs and Class B -Yes or No

[rvtrekers]

Another group I belong to of class B owners has many threads of owners putting sumo springs on their class B. How common is it for owners to put Sumo springs on their class B's?

As a former class A owner I refrained from adding Sumo springs to it. Instead I focused on the cheap handling fix, Kona shocks, safety steer and Henderson SS401 rear track bar it improve handling and sway. That was enough for me.

Thanks!

[Winterbagoal]

Depending on how close to the GVWR you are when loaded for travel, a set of Sumo Springs might mitigate curb roll somewhat. Other than that, I don't see much value. My Roadtrek was loaded right to the GVWR for travel, and the curb roll was pretty bad sometimes. Slow down and hit the approaches/thresholds on an angle helped, too.

[Danny969]

I'm on my second class B. I'd say yes to the sumo springs. Cheap and easy to install. Controls the rear end body roll which you will have. You can adjust the amount of roll/stiffness with spacers. They don't work wonders, but they do help. If you don't like them, easy to remove. Unless you get an air suspension, the ride in the back will be bouncy so hopefully you won't be riding in the back too often.

[twinboat]

Anti sway bars stop body roll without changing the spring rate.
They work across the axle, counteracting roll from both sides. The more it tries to roll, the more it fights to stop it.

Sumos stiffen each springs rate and by doing that will stop some body roll.
The low side spring will resist compression but the high side will still expand.

[rvtrekers]

Thanks I fully understand the principle of the sumo springs. Just looking to determine how common they are within the class B community.

[Danny969]

If you're just wondering how common, I think just about every class B manufacturer puts them on.

[Paul2006T4R]

Yes, do not even hesitate on Sumo springs on your Ram Promaster chassis. I added sumo springs in the rear only on my Carado Banff (PM 2500) and it made all the difference in the world on the road. The van felt far more stable while driving.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by Danny969

If you're just wondering how common, I think just about every class B manufacturer puts them on.

I have 2016 PW Lexor TS. OEM were the black Sumo Springs. Removed and installed yellow ones for more stiffness. I would bottom out coming out of storage drive way. Now when going slowly and at the correct angle, I can avoid bottoming out. Also it helps with the floating feeling when on some Az highways. Lots of PW owners have replaced with the stiffer yellow ones over the OEM black ones.

[rvtrekers]

Originally Posted by Paul2006T4R

Yes, do not even hesitate on Sumo springs on your Ram Promaster chassis. I added sumo springs in the rear only on my Carado Banff (PM 2500) and it made all the difference in the world on the road. The van felt far more stable while driving.

Having driven my Solis now for hundreds of miles it is clear to me there is no justification to spend the money. It handles like a sportscar. I'm very satisfied.

To be transparent I drove a 28' class A motorhome with tow vehicle for the past 5 years.

Understanding the principle of Sumo springs it makes sense to me when people with a poor performing class B decide to layout the cash to try and fix the issue.

[Winterbagoal]

So, the original post/question was just baiting? You'd already formed an opinion, and just wanted to lure other forumites in, to gain their opposing opinions, to denigrate them? Well done.

[rvtrekers]

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

So, the original post/question was just baiting? You'd already formed an opinion, and just wanted to lure other forumites in, to gain their opposing opinions, to denigrate them? Well done.

No I posted prior to taking delivery of the Solis because the Facebook group had many people adding Sumo springs which I thought was odd for a class B. I decided to post and see what responses I would get that might inform me as to whether I would have to add sumo springs.

Subsequent to the post I took delivery of my Solis and put over 250 miles on it in two days driving in various conditions including high winds here in California.

I'm very relieved my rig handles very well, does not have a handling issue I need to fix, and will not need Sumo springs but again I downsized from a class A.

I did not denigrate anyone. Why would someone spend money on Sumo springs unless there was an issue they were trying to fix? I think that is a reasonable question.

But I'm open and maybe Sumo springs are a status symbol which people add when there is no issue that needs to be fixed?

Everyone should spend their money as they see fit is my felling.

Anyway thank you for adding to the richness of the conversation!

[Nortons RV]

the new coachman beyond has the sumo springs installed from coachman . it is the ford transit 3500 i have no knowledge how the van handled without them it does drive and handle very well

[kmessinger]

They were about the #1 mod for the Travato. Now the Travato comes stock with them front and rear.

[TerryHK]

Coachman installs sumo springs on all the new B vans that they manufacture. Sprinter, Ford Transit and Dodge Ram. On their website he explains why.