2009 Itasca Navion Suspension Enhancement Suggestions

Question:

Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar Item # RM-1209-120 am wanting to reduce roll and sway. Is the above bar the one I need? Do I need to install one on the front too?...would that help the body roll or is just the back needed? Im also looking at the sumo or timbrin springs to help with roll, sway and ride as well. From what I can gather both the sway bar and the springs are very helpful but not sure which springs Any info on which springs would be best for my application.

asked by: Jenny

Expert Reply:

In a Class C motorhome addressing body roll/sway is a common issue. Suspension on the cutaway van chassis that most Class C's are built on is adequate with a van body on the chassis. However, when coach builders place a significantly different body on the chassis that obviously changes the dynamics and many OEM coach builders fail to upgrade/enhance those now less effective suspension components. We have two options available the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar, # RM-1209-120 is a significant improvement over the factory and constructed with 4140 chromoly steel with a bar diameter of 1-3/8". The second option and what I suggest for your 2009 Itasca Navion Motorhome, is the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1209-131. This mounts to the opposite side of axel than the factory installed anti-sway bar, no need to remove the factory. The buffeting from winds, passing semis and body roll when turning, anti-sway bars and shocks will make significant improvement in this area. The effectiveness of anti-sway bars is the diameter and quality of the steel they are constructed from. Roadmaster claims that for every 1/8" increase in diameter there is roughly a 30% increase in torsional resistance (body roll). Their aftermarket anti-sway bars are generally 3/8" to 3/4" increase over factory and constructed with 4140 chromoly steel. I think this larger diameter anti-sway bar along with spring enhancements will provide you a significant improvement and you may decide a front anti-sway bar is not needed.

For helper springs, I suggest the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs, # SSF-106-47 for front axle and # SSR-338-54 for the rear. With the front springs you get a 1,000-lb capacity spring that upgrades your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500's front suspension. And for the rear they are rated for 1,400 lb. capacity. These helper springs enhance your vehicle's front and rear suspension for improved driver control in keeping your vehicle level, helping to absorb bumps and shocks while minimizing sway. These have a progressive load design, the springs will compress per the weight placed on them where as the OEM has a jounce style bump stop; they will compress vertically, not squeeze out the side.

expert reply by: Michael R