Best Way to Improve Stability When Driving 2001 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome on Ford Chassis

Question:

I will be towing a toad. It weighs about 4500 lbs. I have the tow plate already. I know I need a breaking system and a tow bar also. However I am concerned about the drive ability of the coach. I need to make sure it is safe to drive. Should I replace the shocks and get stabilizing systems for the front and back and whatever else you can suggest.

asked by: Jim R

Expert Reply:

Your concern about the stability and drivability of your 2001 Fleetwood Bounder motorhome is definitely understandable, as these rigs can be a chore to handle at times even when not towing a dinghy so I definitely recommend adding parts to help reduce the sway and stabilize your motorhome, and changing your shocks certainly won't hurt either.

The best way to enhance and stabilize the drive of your 2001 Fleetwood Bounder is to add an aftermarket rear anti-sway bar because they are better constructed with higher-strength, thicker steel than OEM sway bars. This means the bars are stronger with much higher roll stiffness to combat sway, while their placement at the rear of the vehicle allows for the greatest improvement in handling.

After that, your ride can be further improved by adding a front anti-sway bar and steering stabilizer. Assuming your 2001 Bounder was built on a Ford chassis and has a GVWR of either 18,000 lbs or 20,500 lbs, here are the correct parts for your motorhome. Just note that the correct rear anti-sway bar will depend on the length of your rig.

- Less Than 34 Feet Long: Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-143

- 34 Feet or Longer: Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # 1139-144

- Roadmaster Front Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-148

- Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer # RM-RBK22-RSSA

I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out as well of these parts if you'd like.