I took your advice and updated my 2016 Thor Challenger 37’ with the exact same equipment that you had installed on your coach. This is our first RV and when I first drove it without the updated equipment I was “white knuckling” it for 600 miles. I was a nervous wreck. I could only drive about 4 hours at a time. After the parts were installed it was like a different coach. Cornering was easy, I have less steering wheel play, and big trucks hardly move the coach. Thanks to both of you for this video. You’ve made our RVing much more enjoyable. I can drive as long as I want without any fatigue.
For the future. Just in case you want the ride stiffer or softer you can op for a dif kind of rubber bushings for the sway bar. You see those dif color rubber/bushing that came with the new upgrade? They come in red, yellow, blue or black, those are color coded for different durometer ( measurement of hardness) so you can improve your ride without spending a lot of money by simple replacing the rubber bushing. The stock are made of cheap soft black rubber, while the color coded ones are made of polyurethane, which is more chemical, heat, cold and wear resistant and will last 10 times longer. If it's made of stock rubber, they make a polyurethane replacement for it. You can even improve your shocks effectiveness by simple replacing the stock rubber mount and bushing for it. It will feel like you have new shocks!
A stronger sway bar should stiffen up the entire front suspension because your essentially tying both sides of the axle together so they work more together than independent. Most of the time both wheels on an axle don't hit an obstacle at the same exact time so a stiffer sway bar helps front end dip. That's also why they try to put expansion joints slightly off square across the road... not only is it easier on vehicles but it is easier on the road too
I have a 77 Travco on a Dodge M500 chassis and I think it handles better than most newer coaches. I am running a duel spring/stabilizer setup on the steering. A swap to polyurethane bushings throughout the suspension will also firm things up. Properly inflated tires (not over inflated) will also help. Thanks for posting! -- (edited for spelling)
I can attest to the benefits of adding a stiffer swaybar to an RV suspension. I used to have the same issues with my truck and slide in camper until I added a Helwig swaybar to the rear axle. Wow what a difference it made to the truck's handling when driving on curvy roads, or at highway speeds. It's a modification worth its weight in gold in my opinion.
Sumo Springs and a 5 Star Tune and you'll love it even more. Added more insulation to the dog house and made a lot of difference. Happy travels and stay safe.
Hi guys, thanks for the video. I just want to point out that the driver's seatbelt is being worn improperly. Ya, ya, I know, I'm not lecturing, or just saying it's illegal (which it likely is), but just for safety's sake it should be worn over the shoulder (as designed), and here's why. If you should ever be so unfortunate to get into a collision, wearing the seatbelt under the arm has the potential to break ribs - which then could perforate your chest cavity (bad) or, in a more minor collision with lower frontal deceleration, back injuries are common from the rotational deceleration wearing the seatbelt in that manner causes. This is coming from an Engineer turned LEO with 15 years experience as a Collision Reconstruction expert. Be safe! If the seat belt webbing (the belt part) irritates your neck, try a fuzzy cover, or lower the D-ring which may be adjustable. The D-Ring is the anchor point over the driver's left shoulder that the webbing passes through. Love the videos!
It's great to see that Fleetwood is responding in such a constructive manner to your criticism of certain aspects of the RV. What could have ended up being a hollow PR thing is becoming a meaningful collaboration to improve their product range. Well done!
We had the same steering stabilizer installed on our rv by camping world. within a year, The bolts and nuts came loose and fell off of one end. Fortunately we had just exited the freeway and were turning around on surface streets and heard a scraping sound. We removed the unit and back tracked to the closest camping world and they got us on the road the next day. Lesson learned was, once a year or sooner, get under your rig and check for leaks, damage, and loose bolts. Shortly after this incident, we found that the rear factory sway bar nuts were close to falling off. 60 ft pounds to tighten them by the way. Thx for the videos and safe travels.
I also want to replace the steering stabilizer at the first time, and then the factory swaybar. Has to control the steering wheel to center with the factory stabilizer. The Roadmaster Flex stabilizer are not angled, but parallel with the swaybar. This will be a a huge difference There is also a swaybar at the rearaxel. Has a Ford E-350 V10. This engine is strong and has a lot more rpm than a V8. And can be more noicy at higher rpm. The 6-speed transmission is mentioned to be more smooth than th 5-speed overdrive. I think the most noice inside the coatch, is vibrations and twisting between the frame. I aslo think improvement must be done in steps. A great video and info. Greeting from Norway in scandinavia
To dramatically improve performance, consider adding a Banks header and exhaust system. The increase in rear wheel horsepower is awesome. If you don't become a lead foot, it will also improve your economy. To improve up and downhill performance, consider a Gear Vendors gear splitter. It will give you double the gear ratios, allowing the perfect gearing for optimum performance and keeping the engine at its peak torque curve. Lowering the RPM at cruising speed will also slow the engine down and decrease the engine noise in the RV. As to ride stability, you have already done the front stabilizer bar. You also already have the Bilstein shocks. These are a quantum leap over stock shocks. My RV went from a nightmare to drive in wind turbulence and around turns to a joy to drive. One executive from Winnebago had the opportunity to drive my RV while it was in for routine service. I had done all the above alterations He commented to the mechanics that it was the best performing and handling Winnebago he had ever driven.
First, Gearvendors doesn't offer a compatible product for 5speed automatic motorhomes. Second, A Gear Vendors does NOT give you "twice as many gears." It lets you split each gear above 1st. So in a 5 speed you get a total of 9 gears but splitting 2nd isn't really practical due to how briefly you're actually in 2nd and splitting 5th gets you 0.55, not a useful gear ratio. So you've really only got 7 useful gears. The main benefits are getting overdrive in older coaches (OD, which they already have) and getting a gear just under 4th (3rd over). 5th is .71, GV is .78. So with the shifter in the normal D position and the GV off to avoid 5th over, climbing a hill would result in downshifting from 0.71 to 0.78 (press the GV button and mat the gas to force the downshift into 4th over) to 1.0 (push the GV button again and lift then push the gas) to 3rd over (push the GV button again and lift then mat the gas) at 1.20 to 3rd at 1.54 (push the GV button and lift then push again). That's a lot of work and not intuitive so damage to GVs due to driver error is very common. Most drivers just use them for OD once they realize the risk they run trying to split gears. The small benefit just isn't worth it.
Have you considered the Banks Power Mod for your Ford V10 engine? We added it to ours and the power increase is significant. Plus it sounds like a race car! We picked up 50 or 60 horses and 60 or 70 foot pounds of torque. We don't drag race diesel pushers over mountains but we can cruise most hills comfortably at 40mph. Big difference.
I know those sounds very wel,l ha. The newest one I have encountered is the sound of ripping your antenna off the roof, a sound that is distinctly different than any other. Thanks for sharing.
I lived in Vancouver WA for six years and commuted to Portland on I-5. When your navigation said there was a an hour and a half delay I felt really bad for you guys. I'm so glad to be done with that! Also, that's the Columbia River - if you're ever up that way again you REALLY need to drive out HWY-14. Absolutely beautiful drive.
The old plant to your right is where I delivered WorkHorse Chassis to. You brought back alot of memories. Use to deliver those chassis to Fleetwood also in Riverside California, Fun watching your tavels the best to you both.
Thanks guys. Terrific video. I wish I had known this information when we had our gas Ford chassis/Winnebago. The suspension and ride were the major motivators to move to a diesel pusher. Your comments and the comments of others do cause me to wonder why Fleetwood, Winnebago and the other gas RV manufacturers don't add the improved suspension from the factory. The difference in driving our Winnebago on high speed turns and in 18-wheeler traffic compared to our Newmar pusher is night and day. Sounds like your sway bars reduce some of the difference.
SummoSprings are great if your not changing the load on the RV significantly. i have a thor outlaw with the garage and the weight in the back can change by 1500 lbs, air springs was the only way to go for me and what a difference they made in the ride.
Love that you guys had came to my home town!!! One correction Jason had said that you guys had crossed the Hood River. You guys crossed the Columbia River.
We saw you when we were getting out Invisibrake worked on, but didn't find you out and about to say, "Hello". I am glad they helped your suspension. In 2003 we had a prototype swaybar installed by IPD on our gas motorhome, which is now Roadmaster. It helped a lot.
I really enjoyed this video. The technical details of the upgrade were well presented and explained, and the driving video was interesting and informative. Thanks for the work you put into your videos to make them so smooth and professional. The kitties are a bonus. I really like them. Roll Steady
I did both those upgrades to my SUV when I did a lot of technical offroading and it was amazing the control it gave. I never thought of it applying to road travel until now. Factor in the amount of weight the RV reacting on the steering and I bet little bumps on the road would have you all over the place.
Great video, as all are. Oh how we loved our 2009 Newmar GrandStar with a Freightliner FRED chassis and Cummins B-Series diesel at 340 HP and gobs of torque. This 38 ft MH had bath and half, mid entry (under awning!) and flat floor up front (no dog house). Much quieter than gas version. It also had Allison 6-speed automatic and 2-stage exhaust brake. Straight front axle affected ride and hydraulic brakes were both similar to your gas experiences. BTW 12 MPG!!! The torque flattened the road including KY and TN portions of I75. We never did the Rockies; but, the turbocharger and aftercooler would have clearly helped there as well. The option price was clearly worth the difference.
Omg u guys!!!! You just answered one of my husband's pet peeves We just bought our gas motorhome and the sway is driving him crazy so this is fantastic news I'm sure we will be adding this to our motorhome!! And the steering shock; he's been saying that maybe a steering shock will help. Thank u so much for the info!!
love the videos......it's not very often i see videos that I'm familiar with the location...i live in the Portland area.....knew right when you would hit traffic at that time of day.....
Almost every issue you addressed plus the dog house problem were the reasons we just downsized to a Winnebago View......... The MPG is the only biggie you would have left....we have gone from 4-5 mpg gas to mid teens with the Sprinter diesel... It was nice of Fleetwood to put in place all or most of your suggestions......Hope they work for you!!!
As of a week ago, we owned a 2006 31' class C Jamboree on a Ford chassis. We owned it for 3 years. I put a heavy duty sway bar on the rear. Help some. I didn't bother putting a steering controller on as we didn't plan to keep it that long. Now, I test drove both the Chevy chassis and Ford when we were RV shopping. The Chevy drove perfect. The Ford, which was the cleanest, nicest, and cheapest C we found, did NOT drive as well, a LOT of play in the steering even after an alignment. We traded it in last week for an 02' Damon class A, 36', on a Workhorse chassis. That thing, as is now, steers 100% better than our C did. I'm replacing the shocks with Bilstein ones next week hoping that will help as well. I'm seriously thinking of adding a Safe-T-Plus however as well.
I drive a 2008 workhorse and it has a pretty beefy factory sway bar and large SummoSprings type of bumbers. the next thing for me would be a 4in or 6in lift kit but that would be a significant investment
Hi, love your videos, especially the maintenance/upgrade videos. I find it interesting that your driving videos really do contain a lot of creaking, rattling, and such. We have a '97 Rexhall gas Aerbus, F53 Ford, 36' with tag and air suspension which was built very solid with a welded cage, 1 piece molded fapiberglas roof and even with the super slide, it doesn't really have any creaks, squeaks, or rattles. It really cruises down the highway like a car. Perhaps it's the tag axle and air suspension that makes the difference. Thanks for sharing all of that great information!
good video, great information, as a former mechanic I can tell you the shocks do control the up and down movement. the sway bars control body roll which is the swaying. also you two quit saying it may all be in my head. you know what you feel. you are not imagining things. LOL.
+Gone with the Wynns Five Star Tuning is a great low cost performance upgrade, changes how the transmission shifts on the Ford motorhome, RV magazine gave them best upgrade award for 2014, and if you want to spend even more add the Banks Power Pack system with it, I now tow 6000 lbs behind my 08 Bounder gas motorhome. The sound proofing is going to be great, I also have done this myself, make sure they do the doghouse and under the drivers/passenger seat floor, my noise level is half of what it use to be. [ maybe a tad more than half ]
Great video as usual keep them coming. You two should be roll models for the youth of today. I just feel happy after watching, amazing. I'm a bit older than you guy's and we currently have a 5th wheel but in the past had them all and loved all of them. Only tip I got, and this is up to you, when you are driving get up on the wheel a little closer, elbows bent at least 30 degs. This will cut down on fatigue, neck back, arms and hold the road easier, lock them elbows to the arm rest. I'm not sayin Nascar close but just give it a shot. Let me know how it works for ya LUV U GUYS
When I was aged 11, in 1973, I wanted so much for Christmas the Tonka Toy Winnebago that featured two dolls representing a couple. You reminded me a little bit of those dolls just now. I ended up selling that in a garage sale in 1992 for $5 only to find out a decade or so later that one like it was on ebay for $50. I really wish I'd have kept that.
You are such a good looking couple,, and I love Jason's mischievous smile! I liked the way your cat, most likely Singha, was lolling on the dashboard soaking up the sun and views, ha, ha! Must be the best traveled cats in the world. This is a very useful posting, since I own a Class C. which rolls around a lot. I never thought about sway bars, so will look into it, and also the suspension. It is 1997 so who knows what is going on underneath. Makes a lot of squeaks and rattles too.
keep a eye on your windshield .. some types of updates like this make it harder on the body of your RV rear cap.. roof.. slides .. and more .. and is why most stock RV are setup this way to roll and sway when driving and why most of the time you void your warranty and help start water leaks faster ... dont ever upgrade a sway bar on soft body RVs .. if you need more info on this just look up RV windshield falling out
I don't know if your coach comes with rear air suspension/shocks? You might want to investigate that upgrade when you decide to replace the stock shocks.
Thanks! Great info!! I am experiencing all the suspension issues you were.I Just told my wife we're gonna look into them. I am also very interested on the engine box insulation when it is done. (2014 Thor Hurricane 32A)
+ChrisB176 click the link to the post in the info box. We list out the cost and instillation times...we also link to it and mention it at the end of the video.
Great upgrade video, lets hope they can get a solution to the squeaky dash. Maybe a video on that little car. Watch some TH-cam on it and they found it is unbelievable the damage that little car will take and still keep passengers safe. Beat out most other similar cars.
I am so curious to know how you landed this amazing opportunity to test this product. Thanks for the quick trip through Vancouver, WA and on down to Coburg. I would like to apologize for all the horrible drivers you experienced in Washington state. They're just like that...haha. I'm enjoying following your journey and I'm sure I'll come across the information about how you were able to test this particular coach.
Excellent video guys. One of the best channels on the RV lifestyle I have seen. I hate to one who calls you out, but, girl that seat belt has a shoulder strap part for a reason. Like many women I have seen you do not like to wear it over your shoulder in the correct place. In the awful event of an accident your whole upper body is going to get thrown forward pivoting at the waist risking to hit your head on the steering wheel as well as damage to your back and neck from the whiplash. I beg you please even though it is uncomfortable to use the seat belt properly. It may not be you who causes an accident but someone else that involves you in theirs.
Nice upgrades. Cool to see Nikki driving, didn't think she ever drove the RV. Could you ever see yourselves downsizing to a Class B+ or class C RV? I know you guys looked for a smaller RV a while back but went with the class A sponsor deal instead.
Haha, looks like a nice drive! I love that the cat travels with you! :) We've never done an RV trip before, but it's always sounded appealing to us. We just might have to try it one day!
you could also look at having a set of custom shocks done by bilstein with a hard valve and that would came your rig move less from front to back somethimg like there 5100 series shock they can make anything you want there in san diego a long with gear vendors in santee ca
Steering damper wasn't fitted as standard? :o I'd be interested to know what bushes they fitted to the sway bars. Great vid!! And yes, women are great drivers!! My better half Gabby is a 5'3" former CDL otr semi driver for over 12 years before I dragged her to the UK. She's one of the best drivers I know.
Once again another great video on my most important RV questions. But I cant believe that the manufacturers sell these as is. So you spend 150 grand (or there aboout) and you get a sub quality product. I dont get why people continue to buy these things with so many basic (easy to fix) items. I would never have bought my Bentley with such known issues.
This Bounder seems a rather under engineered coach. The Tiffin gas coach of the same length has a 20" longer wheelbase and is on a 24,000 pound capacity chassis, rather than the 22,000 pound chassis of the Bounder. I suspect the short wheelbase, long rear overhang and less capable chassis of the Bounder are not helping the ride and handling.
It appears as if you are driving with the seat belt below your armpit. You're an adult do as you wish. Just want you to know if you are in a wreck that is a good way to break your ribs and possibly puncture a lung. Stay safe, happy travels.
You sold so many Rear Sway Bars that the Factory is BACK-ORDERED! I've had the front done, but the back is waiting arrival. Geoff Who is a little frustrated.
First, you guys are awesome and I love what you do for the RV world! Secondly, is Nikki wearing her seatbelt correctly? I know it may be too high and bother your neck, but if it's worn incorrectly it could do more harm than good. I'm sorry for this unnecessary comment, I just want you to be safe. I really do love these videos they are great!
+Sean Finn it's actually installed kind of low and sits low across my chest which is why you don't see it over my shoulder. We have alerted fleetwood to see if it was incorrectly installed or if it is supposed to be that way.
If driving comfort is also making a safer driving rig, then shouldn't the new add-ons be standard equipment...you would think safety would be priority one.
As one of the other posters said, wear your seat belt correctly. In Ontario you will get the same fine for improperly wearing your seat belt as not wearing it, plus wearing it correctly may help you and your husband to enjoy your health if there were an unfortunate circumstance dictating it was needed, but not worn correctly. Stay healthy you two, enjoy your videos.
I took your advice and updated my 2016 Thor Challenger 37’ with the exact same equipment that you had installed on your coach. This is our first RV and when I first drove it without the updated equipment I was “white knuckling” it for 600 miles. I was a nervous wreck. I could only drive about 4 hours at a time. After the parts were installed it was like a different coach. Cornering was easy, I have less steering wheel play, and big trucks hardly move the coach.
Thanks to both of you for this video. You’ve made our RVing much more enjoyable. I can drive as long as I want without any fatigue.
We love it when we hear that we've had a positive impact for someone! Thanks for letting us know, and safe travels.
For the future. Just in case you want the ride stiffer or softer you can op for a dif kind of rubber bushings for the sway bar. You see those dif color rubber/bushing that came with the new upgrade? They come in red, yellow, blue or black, those are color coded for different durometer ( measurement of hardness) so you can improve your ride without spending a lot of money by simple replacing the rubber bushing. The stock are made of cheap soft black rubber, while the color coded ones are made of polyurethane, which is more chemical, heat, cold and wear resistant and will last 10 times longer. If it's made of stock rubber, they make a polyurethane replacement for it. You can even improve your shocks effectiveness by simple replacing the stock rubber mount and bushing for it. It will feel like you have new shocks!
+Ro Cayas Thanks for the tips!
Sad that to save a few dollars per unit the factory doesn't put proper anti-sway controls on the rig. Great videos, love the cats.
A stronger sway bar should stiffen up the entire front suspension because your essentially tying both sides of the axle together so they work more together than independent. Most of the time both wheels on an axle don't hit an obstacle at the same exact time so a stiffer sway bar helps front end dip. That's also why they try to put expansion joints slightly off square across the road... not only is it easier on vehicles but it is easier on the road too
Just have to say it again, you guys are awesome. I love your videos and watch them all! Thanks for what you do!
So cool to see you guys having influence on the RV industry. Keep filming those bumps and turns, we like 'em!
I have a 77 Travco on a Dodge M500 chassis and I think it handles better than most newer coaches. I am running a duel spring/stabilizer setup on the steering. A swap to polyurethane bushings throughout the suspension will also firm things up. Properly inflated tires (not over inflated) will also help. Thanks for posting! -- (edited for spelling)
I second that, SumoSprings are the best mod I've ever done to my Mercedes Sprinter Class C. They made the ride super quiet, as well.
I added the same steering stabilizer and Sumo helpers on the front. It was a great addition
I can attest to the benefits of adding a stiffer swaybar to an RV suspension. I used to have the same issues with my truck and slide in camper until I added a Helwig swaybar to the rear axle. Wow what a difference it made to the truck's handling when driving on curvy roads, or at highway speeds. It's a modification worth its weight in gold in my opinion.
Sumo Springs and a 5 Star Tune and you'll love it even more. Added more insulation to the dog house and made a lot of difference. Happy travels and stay safe.
Hi guys, thanks for the video. I just want to point out that the driver's seatbelt is being worn improperly. Ya, ya, I know, I'm not lecturing, or just saying it's illegal (which it likely is), but just for safety's sake it should be worn over the shoulder (as designed), and here's why. If you should ever be so unfortunate to get into a collision, wearing the seatbelt under the arm has the potential to break ribs - which then could perforate your chest cavity (bad) or, in a more minor collision with lower frontal deceleration, back injuries are common from the rotational deceleration wearing the seatbelt in that manner causes. This is coming from an Engineer turned LEO with 15 years experience as a Collision Reconstruction expert. Be safe! If the seat belt webbing (the belt part) irritates your neck, try a fuzzy cover, or lower the D-ring which may be adjustable. The D-Ring is the anchor point over the driver's left shoulder that the webbing passes through. Love the videos!
It's great to see that Fleetwood is responding in such a constructive manner to your criticism of certain aspects of the RV. What could have ended up being a hollow PR thing is becoming a meaningful collaboration to improve their product range. Well done!
We had the same steering stabilizer installed on our rv by camping world. within a year, The bolts and nuts came loose and fell off of one end. Fortunately we had just exited the freeway and were turning around on surface streets and heard a scraping sound. We removed the unit and back tracked to the closest camping world and they got us on the road the next day. Lesson learned was, once a year or sooner, get under your rig and check for leaks, damage, and loose bolts. Shortly after this incident, we found that the rear factory sway bar nuts were close to falling off. 60 ft pounds to tighten them by the way. Thx for the videos and safe travels.
I also want to replace the steering stabilizer at the first time, and then the factory swaybar. Has to control the steering wheel to center with the factory stabilizer. The Roadmaster Flex stabilizer are not angled, but parallel with the swaybar. This will be a a huge difference There is also a swaybar at the rearaxel. Has a Ford E-350 V10. This engine is strong and has a lot more rpm than a V8. And can be more noicy at higher rpm. The 6-speed transmission is mentioned to be more smooth than th 5-speed overdrive. I think the most noice inside the coatch, is vibrations and twisting between the frame. I aslo think improvement must be done in steps. A great video and info. Greeting from Norway in scandinavia
To dramatically improve performance, consider adding a Banks header and exhaust system. The increase in rear wheel horsepower is awesome. If you don't become a lead foot, it will also improve your economy.
To improve up and downhill performance, consider a Gear Vendors gear splitter. It will give you double the gear ratios, allowing the perfect gearing for optimum performance and keeping the engine at its peak torque curve. Lowering the RPM at cruising speed will also slow the engine down and decrease the engine noise in the RV.
As to ride stability, you have already done the front stabilizer bar. You also already have the Bilstein shocks. These are a quantum leap over stock shocks.
My RV went from a nightmare to drive in wind turbulence and around turns to a joy to drive. One executive from Winnebago had the opportunity to drive my RV while it was in for routine service. I had done all the above alterations He commented to the mechanics that it was the best performing and handling Winnebago he had ever driven.
First, Gearvendors doesn't offer a compatible product for 5speed automatic motorhomes. Second, A Gear Vendors does NOT give you "twice as many gears." It lets you split each gear above 1st. So in a 5 speed you get a total of 9 gears but splitting 2nd isn't really practical due to how briefly you're actually in 2nd and splitting 5th gets you 0.55, not a useful gear ratio. So you've really only got 7 useful gears. The main benefits are getting overdrive in older coaches (OD, which they already have) and getting a gear just under 4th (3rd over). 5th is .71, GV is .78. So with the shifter in the normal D position and the GV off to avoid 5th over, climbing a hill would result in downshifting from 0.71 to 0.78 (press the GV button and mat the gas to force the downshift into 4th over) to 1.0 (push the GV button again and lift then push the gas) to 3rd over (push the GV button again and lift then mat the gas) at 1.20 to 3rd at 1.54 (push the GV button and lift then push again). That's a lot of work and not intuitive so damage to GVs due to driver error is very common. Most drivers just use them for OD once they realize the risk they run trying to split gears. The small benefit just isn't worth it.
Have you considered the Banks Power Mod for your Ford V10 engine? We added it to ours and the power increase is significant. Plus it sounds like a race car! We picked up 50 or 60 horses and 60 or 70 foot pounds of torque. We don't drag race diesel pushers over mountains but we can cruise most hills comfortably at 40mph. Big difference.
I know those sounds very wel,l ha. The newest one I have encountered is the sound of ripping your antenna off the roof, a sound that is distinctly different than any other. Thanks for sharing.
I lived in Vancouver WA for six years and commuted to Portland on I-5. When your navigation said there was a an hour and a half delay I felt really bad for you guys. I'm so glad to be done with that! Also, that's the Columbia River - if you're ever up that way again you REALLY need to drive out HWY-14. Absolutely beautiful drive.
The old plant to your right is where I delivered WorkHorse Chassis to. You brought back alot of memories. Use to deliver those chassis to Fleetwood also in Riverside California, Fun watching your tavels the best to you both.
Thanks guys. Terrific video. I wish I had known this information when we had our gas Ford chassis/Winnebago. The suspension and ride were the major motivators to move to a diesel pusher. Your comments and the comments of others do cause me to wonder why Fleetwood, Winnebago and the other gas RV manufacturers don't add the improved suspension from the factory. The difference in driving our Winnebago on high speed turns and in 18-wheeler traffic compared to our Newmar pusher is night and day. Sounds like your sway bars reduce some of the difference.
Great idea! We have a similar problem with our gas coach and maybe this will help. Thanks for the information!
SummoSprings are great if your not changing the load on the RV significantly. i have a thor outlaw with the garage and the weight in the back can change by 1500 lbs, air springs was the only way to go for me and what a difference they made in the ride.
Love that you guys had came to my home town!!! One correction Jason had said that you guys had crossed the Hood River. You guys crossed the Columbia River.
We saw you when we were getting out Invisibrake worked on, but didn't find you out and about to say, "Hello". I am glad they helped your suspension. In 2003 we had a prototype swaybar installed by IPD on our gas motorhome, which is now Roadmaster. It helped a lot.
That was the Columbia river guys! Great video guys!
You addressed by biggest concern for buying a gas Class A.... many thanks for the assist!!
Yay! And thanks for letting us know! It really keeps us motivated to make more vids.
I really enjoyed this video.
The technical details of the upgrade were well presented and explained, and the driving video was interesting and informative.
Thanks for the work you put into your videos to make them so smooth and professional.
The kitties are a bonus. I really like them.
Roll Steady
I did both those upgrades to my SUV when I did a lot of technical offroading and it was amazing the control it gave. I never thought of it applying to road travel until now. Factor in the amount of weight the RV reacting on the steering and I bet little bumps on the road would have you all over the place.
Love your adventures. I currently do not own an RV but really enjoy all your vids and traveling info. Thanks for all of your efforts. 👍🏻
Great video, as all are.
Oh how we loved our 2009 Newmar GrandStar with a Freightliner FRED chassis and Cummins B-Series diesel at 340 HP and gobs of torque.
This 38 ft MH had bath and half, mid entry (under awning!) and flat floor up front (no dog house). Much quieter than gas version. It also had Allison 6-speed automatic and 2-stage exhaust brake.
Straight front axle affected ride and hydraulic brakes were both similar to your gas experiences. BTW 12 MPG!!!
The torque flattened the road including KY and TN portions of I75. We never did the Rockies; but, the turbocharger and aftercooler would have clearly helped there as well.
The option price was clearly worth the difference.
Omg u guys!!!! You just answered one of my husband's pet peeves We just bought our gas motorhome and the sway is driving him crazy so this is fantastic news I'm sure we will be adding this to our motorhome!! And the steering shock; he's been saying that maybe a steering shock will help. Thank u so much for the info!!
+Preparing happy to help, we linked to all the items on our site and so far the difference has been HUGE!
Thank you for sharing! Learned alot looking forward to getting this done to our Thor Axis.
love the videos......it's not very often i see videos that I'm familiar with the location...i live in the Portland area.....knew right when you would hit traffic at that time of day.....
Almost every issue you addressed plus the dog house problem were the reasons we just downsized to a Winnebago View......... The MPG is the only biggie you would have left....we have gone from 4-5 mpg gas to mid teens with the Sprinter diesel... It was nice of Fleetwood to put in place all or most of your suggestions......Hope they work for you!!!
I love seeing Nikki driving!! I can't wait to drive our RV!! you go girl. I am learning from you all. Thanks keep on keeping on
As of a week ago, we owned a 2006 31' class C Jamboree on a Ford chassis. We owned it for 3 years. I put a heavy duty sway bar on the rear. Help some. I didn't bother putting a steering controller on as we didn't plan to keep it that long. Now, I test drove both the Chevy chassis and Ford when we were RV shopping.
The Chevy drove perfect. The Ford, which was the cleanest, nicest, and cheapest C we found, did NOT drive as well, a LOT of play in the steering even after an alignment.
We traded it in last week for an 02' Damon class A, 36', on a Workhorse chassis. That thing, as is now, steers 100% better than our C did. I'm replacing the shocks with Bilstein ones next week hoping that will help as well. I'm seriously thinking of adding a Safe-T-Plus however as well.
I definitely want a c class. the size looks easier to handle and park.
I had same issue. Added steering stabilizer and sump spring front and back. I didn't do sway bars yet.
I drive a 2008 workhorse and it has a pretty beefy factory sway bar and large SummoSprings type of bumbers. the next thing for me would be a 4in or 6in lift kit but that would be a significant investment
Hurray, you are in my neck of the woods. Hope you get to spend some time in Oregon. I love our state.
I can't wait to see a video on the engine noise dampening modifications.
+xenophon456 Just filmed it and will hopefully put it together mid-November.
Awesome!!!
Hi, love your videos, especially the maintenance/upgrade videos. I find it interesting that your driving videos really do contain a lot of creaking, rattling, and such. We have a '97 Rexhall gas Aerbus, F53 Ford, 36' with tag and air suspension which was built very solid with a welded cage, 1 piece molded fapiberglas roof and even with the super slide, it doesn't really have any creaks, squeaks, or rattles. It really cruises down the highway like a car. Perhaps it's the tag axle and air suspension that makes the difference. Thanks for sharing all of that great information!
good video, great information, as a former mechanic I can tell you the shocks do control the up and down movement. the sway bars control body roll which is the swaying. also you two quit saying it may all be in my head. you know what you feel. you are not imagining things. LOL.
Great video, Sumo springs should be your next upgrade if looking to do so more mods. Love your channel, your the best!
+smacdiesel Thanks for sharing, we thought about springs as well...
+Gone with the Wynns Five Star Tuning is a great low cost performance upgrade, changes how the transmission shifts on the Ford motorhome, RV magazine gave them best upgrade award for 2014, and if you want to spend even more add the Banks Power Pack system with it, I now tow 6000 lbs behind my 08 Bounder gas motorhome. The sound proofing is going to be great, I also have done this myself, make sure they do the doghouse and under the drivers/passenger seat floor, my noise level is half of what it use to be. [ maybe a tad more than half ]
Ha! Y'all ain't fooling me! You were on
The 205! Nowhere near downtown Portland! I don't blame you!
Good information and video. Happy trails!
Great video as usual keep them coming. You two should be roll models for the youth of today. I just feel happy after watching, amazing. I'm a bit older than you guy's and we currently have a 5th wheel but in the past had them all and loved all of them. Only tip I got, and this is up to you, when you are driving get up on the wheel a little closer, elbows bent at least 30 degs. This will cut down on fatigue, neck back, arms and hold the road easier, lock them elbows to the arm rest. I'm not sayin Nascar close but just give it a shot. Let me know how it works for ya LUV U GUYS
I always wondered if Nicki drove that humongous rig. I'm glad to see that she does. Awesome job. Hope everything works out.
When I was aged 11, in 1973, I wanted so much for Christmas the Tonka Toy Winnebago that featured two dolls representing a couple. You reminded me a little bit of those dolls just now. I ended up selling that in a garage sale in 1992 for $5 only to find out a decade or so later that one like it was on ebay for $50. I really wish I'd have kept that.
You guys are truly awesome, i know everybody's saying that's cause it deserved
I just now got the "gone with the wind" play in words.
Wow, you go girl!! You give me encouragement to get into the driver seat one day!! Driving such a large rig is quite intimidating.
You are such a good looking couple,, and I love Jason's mischievous smile! I liked the way your cat, most likely Singha, was lolling on the dashboard soaking up the sun and views, ha, ha! Must be the best traveled cats in the world.
This is a very useful posting, since I own a Class C. which rolls around a lot. I never thought about sway bars, so will look into it, and also the suspension. It is 1997 so who knows what is going on underneath. Makes a lot of squeaks and rattles too.
I love how well your cats are adapted to travel...lol...they're great...another wonderful video...thanks...
Go Nikki! What a trooper. Love the cat hood ornament.
wow what a difference Jason and Nikki compared to the other video.
keep a eye on your windshield .. some types of updates like this make it harder on the body of your RV rear cap.. roof.. slides .. and more .. and is why most stock RV are setup this way to roll and sway when driving and why most of the time you void your warranty and help start water leaks faster ... dont ever upgrade a sway bar on soft body RVs .. if you need more info on this just look up RV windshield falling out
I don't know if your coach comes with rear air suspension/shocks? You might want to investigate that upgrade when you decide to replace the stock shocks.
Thanks for the tips. Hopefully my old Winnie can firm up a bit going down the road.
thank you for the great videos you have helped me make my mind up and I have started going to RV shows trying to find the right one for me.
Thanks! Great info!! I am experiencing all the suspension issues you were.I Just told my wife we're gonna look into them.
I am also very interested on the engine box insulation when it is done.
(2014 Thor Hurricane 32A)
+Ken C The suspension upgrades are expensive but they've changed our ride completely.
+Gone with the Wynns Great video, but can you advise how much the upgrades were?
+ChrisB176 click the link to the post in the info box. We list out the cost and instillation times...we also link to it and mention it at the end of the video.
Gone with the Wynns Thanks! I should've done that prior to asking.
Great upgrade video, lets hope they can get a solution to the squeaky dash. Maybe a video on that little car. Watch some TH-cam on it and they found it is unbelievable the damage that little car will take and still keep passengers safe. Beat out most other similar cars.
I am so curious to know how you landed this amazing opportunity to test this product. Thanks for the quick trip through Vancouver, WA and on down to Coburg. I would like to apologize for all the horrible drivers you experienced in Washington state. They're just like that...haha. I'm enjoying following your journey and I'm sure I'll come across the information about how you were able to test this particular coach.
great editing on the sway bar installation.
Great video and an honest review. Thanks.
i have watched a few of your videos but ... this one made me subscribe ..... very very good info
Woo hoo! Vancouver Washington is what I call home!
Excellent video guys. One of the best channels on the RV lifestyle I have seen.
I hate to one who calls you out, but, girl that seat belt has a shoulder strap part for a reason.
Like many women I have seen you do not like to wear it over your shoulder in the correct place.
In the awful event of an accident your whole upper body is going to get thrown forward pivoting at the waist risking to hit your head on the steering wheel as well as damage to your back and neck from the whiplash.
I beg you please even though it is uncomfortable to use the seat belt properly.
It may not be you who causes an accident but someone else that involves you in theirs.
That is rush hour traffic in Portland.....youd be lucky to find any fwy in the L.A. area with that little traffic.
Have you tried the SumoSprings yet? That helps a lot as well.
Nice upgrades. Cool to see Nikki driving, didn't think she ever drove the RV. Could you ever see yourselves downsizing to a Class B+ or class C RV? I know you guys looked for a smaller RV a while back but went with the class A sponsor deal instead.
Haha, looks like a nice drive! I love that the cat travels with you! :) We've never done an RV trip before, but it's always sounded appealing to us. We just might have to try it one day!
+Goats On The Road That's what we said 6 years ago :)
you could also look at having a set of custom shocks done by bilstein with a hard valve and that would came your rig move less from front to back somethimg like there 5100 series shock they can make anything you want there in san diego a long with gear vendors in santee ca
See now if I would have listened all the way before I posted my comment, I would have told you I live just outside of Eugene. Safe travels!
Steering damper wasn't fitted as standard? :o I'd be interested to know what bushes they fitted to the sway bars.
Great vid!! And yes, women are great drivers!! My better half Gabby is a 5'3" former CDL otr semi driver for over 12 years before I dragged her to the UK. She's one of the best drivers I know.
Once again another great video on my most important RV questions. But I cant believe that the manufacturers sell these as is. So you spend 150 grand (or there aboout) and you get a sub quality product. I dont get why people continue to buy these things with so many basic (easy to fix) items. I would never have bought my Bentley with such known issues.
This Bounder seems a rather under engineered coach. The Tiffin gas coach of the same length has a 20" longer wheelbase and is on a 24,000 pound capacity chassis, rather than the 22,000 pound chassis of the Bounder. I suspect the short wheelbase, long rear overhang and less capable chassis of the Bounder are not helping the ride and handling.
Not a particularly fair comparison - that's a comparison of a front engine gas coach to a rear engine diesel.
get the decibel reader on your phone so you can measure the difference after you get retrofitted.
Thanks. Good information.
Thank you so much for this info! You guys rock!
I'm in Eugene! I wish I could have met you guys on your way through!
Violet Delusions, how do you like Eugene? Yes that be cool to meet up with them! Such sweet kids.
It's not bad! I'm not a city person, to be honest, but I enjoy the "hippy" influence more than some others in the area ;)
It appears as if you are driving with the seat belt below your armpit. You're an adult do as you wish. Just want you to know if you are in a wreck that is a good way to break your ribs and possibly puncture a lung. Stay safe, happy travels.
LOl if she wrecks that 20,000 lb RV is not going to jolt like a car.
GREAT info. Really appreciate your videos as a newbie.
+Who I Am Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!
You sold so many Rear Sway Bars that the Factory is BACK-ORDERED! I've had the front done, but the back is waiting arrival. Geoff Who is a little frustrated.
Thanks very informative video.... will help when we get on the road!
Keeping the shocks are fine, but what about adding the Sumo Springs stuff? Why did you not do that?
If the factory ride was so bad how come the manufacture does not make that upgrade a standard feature? Seems like it be a good safety upgrade.
Nice video. I'm glad you got some relief from the upgrades.
PS - I was hoping to see some Tokyo Drifting with Nikki behind the wheel! Oh well...
You guys are always awesome
"Like a Boss"
First, you guys are awesome and I love what you do for the RV world! Secondly, is Nikki wearing her seatbelt correctly? I know it may be too high and bother your neck, but if it's worn incorrectly it could do more harm than good. I'm sorry for this unnecessary comment, I just want you to be safe. I really do love these videos they are great!
+Sean Finn it's actually installed kind of low and sits low across my chest which is why you don't see it over my shoulder. We have alerted fleetwood to see if it was incorrectly installed or if it is supposed to be that way.
+Gone with the Wynns thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to put my mind at ease.
When comparing gas to diesel it is not fair to only test a Ford gas engine, the GM chassis is a different beast.
that sway bar is huge
The return to center thing...like on a Newmar or Newell?
Wish you would have downloaded a free "sound meter" app for your phone. then we would have a before and after reading for insulation mod.
there's a huge difference in the noise on your video, so much quieter!...great move on your part!
If driving comfort is also making a safer driving rig, then shouldn't the new add-ons be standard equipment...you would think safety would be priority one.
I can tell something is different just in the background noise that seems to have decreased.
As one of the other posters said, wear your seat belt correctly. In Ontario you will get the same fine for improperly wearing your seat belt as not wearing it, plus wearing it correctly may help you and your husband to enjoy your health if there were an unfortunate circumstance dictating it was needed, but not worn correctly. Stay healthy you two, enjoy your videos.
I want to ride with you guys!
I know this is an older vid, but just wanted to say thanks...great video of the same coach I'm picking up, sent a tip your way at the website.
That was a awesome review. Thanks