Best Ways to Improve Handling and Stability of 2017 Thor Windsport 29M

Question:

I have a 2017 Thor Windsport 29M on the Ford 5-53 chassis. I currently have a Blue Ox Tru-Center steering stabilizer on the front, and a Blue Ox TrackBar on the rear. While the rig handles fairly well on good roads, I am experiencing sway when being passed by semis. Also if the highway is rutted or rough the steering can more difficult to maintain, and experiencing some bounce when going over bridges, uneven pavement and such. I have not performed the Cheap Handling Fix, Im skeptical of its actual benefits. The existing shock absorbers are original since purchased new, rig has 6500 miles. Im sure the shocks need to be replaced. So here are the questions: 1 What shocks do you recommend? Bilsteins are on the top of my list. 2 As far as sway bars, would you recommend replacing the OEM bars both front and rear? Will replacing the rear give additional benefit since I already have the TrackBar? 3 Ive also read of the benefits of Sumo Springs and am considering them also. Would they be an added benefit in addition to the sway bars? I am more than willing to spend the funds to do what is best, just not sure if some of it would be investing in something with little added benefit. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Windell N

Expert Reply:

The biggest improvement you can make in handling and stability for motorhomes built on a 2017 Ford F-53 chassis is with a rear sway bar like the part # RM-1139-146 which is correct for your motorhome and your 18k GVWR. Next up you'd want to upgrade the front sway bar with the part # RM-1139-148 and then finally with a steering stabilizer, the Exact Center # RM33RR.

If you did all three of the upgrades you'd see a huge improvement but if you wanted to try them one at a time I'd go with the rear bar first which is perfectly compatible with the Track Bar and then a toss up between the front sway bar and the stabilizer since you mentioned wanting the front wheel to track better.

As far as shocks go, I'd actually be surprised if yours were bad at only 6,500 miles but the Bilsteins would be on the top of the list as far as upgrades. We do not carry them though.

expert reply by: Jameson C