Class C newbie steering stabilizers/sway bars?

[RB Wingman]

Congrats! I just bought my first RV last year (31' Class C) and I love it. My first trip was 7K miles to CO, UT, AZ, TX and back. My daughter was working at dinette on laptop most of the trip and we really knew it when we were on medium to bad highways.

I just had had Helwig sway bars installed front/back and four Koni shocks because I'm going on the road full-time. About 2K parts and install. I've only been on short trips so far but a big improvement in ride and handling and well worth it if you're taking long, extended trips. If that fits you and it's in your budget I don't think you will have regrets.

Also, based on reviews I've seen, I plan to have Safe-T-Steer stabilizer (there are others as well) installed soon for improved handling and safety.

Good luck, happy trails!

[marycontrary]

Hi all, I’m the author of the original post and want to thank all of you for your helpful comments!
FYI, I’ve gone from WA state to Montana, to AZ, haven’t checked mileage, but decided not to do anything for now! Drive is ok, am towing a Honda Fit as well. Wind, pull over! Inclement weather, stay off the road! So far only issue is vortex when trucks pass (I don’t drive over 55).
Blessed Christmas to all, be careful out there✝️

[Atlee]

I briefly (about 5 months) had a Jayco 22J last year. It was nice, except it felt like it wanted to roll when going into either left or right hand turns.

That feeling I could not handle. It tracked well when driving on straight stretches. What improvements would have made the rolling sensation go away?

[rarebear.nm]

As far as I understand very RV manufactures upgrade the factory default suspension system components On the chassis assembly they don’t know how the unit will be configured. Any anti sway bars are most likely sized for utility van use not RVs.

On two Ford chassis Class Cs I’ve upgraded the front and rear antisway bars, steering stabilizer and caster. That is a game changer to me.

[Ron Dittmer]

Originally Posted by Atlee

I briefly (about 5 months) had a Jayco 22J last year. It was nice, except it felt like it wanted to roll when going into either left or right hand turns.

That feeling I could not handle. It tracked well when driving on straight stretches. What improvements would have made the rolling sensation go away?

Replace the following stock parts with these heavy duty versions.

- Roadmaster or Helwig front and rear stabilizer bars
- Bilstein RV shock absorbers.

Each shape, height, width, and length of rigs have their own characteristics, but I estimate reducing roll/lean in the curves and turns by 50% to 85%. Such upgrades seem to be most effective on the shortest rigs which are naturally lighter, hence the upgrades become more effective.

Whether stock or heavy duty, if they have end links that resemble the picture below, stabilizer bar end links need tightening every so often. You need to tighten the stack of rubber or polymer bushings to eliminate any developing "play" in the stack from general wear and tear. Play in the stack increases roll/lean.