Driving Improvements for Ford F-53 chassis

[etheriotjr]

I have a 2005 Damon Daybreak 3270F. Driving long distances is difficult. This our 3rd Class A, and while the previous 2 had more reaction to wind gusts and big rigs passing us, this one requires more two-handed control during normal driving. Alignment and tire pressures are OK; in fact, new tires on the front. I have heard that there are 4 things to do to make it "drive like a car": 1) Use Bilstein shocks, 2) install SteerSafe, 3) install the Ford front-axle stabilizer(now standard on F-53 chassis), and 4) install rear sway stabilizer. Whew! Has anyone done all of these? Any improvements? Can you prioritize the installation/benefit order? I already have the Bilstein shocks.

[jamesny]

To; Ford F53, Install the rear sway stabilizer and that is all you may need.. Jim

[geothom]

i'm running a 1996 georgie boy cruise master on the ford f-53 chassis, 2 years ago at fmca in pomona, ca i was told i needed all that stuff also. I passed but did have saf-t-plus steering stabilizerinstalled. I then found rollgard by amtech springs 888-880-8949 ues reference code rolling331. Saved about $2,000.00 & now fear no wind or big trucks. I will be installing koni fsd shock on the front in about a week & their adjustables on the rear. Trust me rollgard will solve your wind issues.

[buctory]

We Did All Three Things On Our Damon, And It Drives Great.

[lvj58]

We have a 2000 37'8" coach on the F53 chassis with a tag axle. For the most part it handled fairly well, however after installing the Davis Tru-Track on the front and replacing the shocks with Koni FSD shocks the ride, handling and directional stability was significantly improved to where it's now a pleasure to drive.

Bilsteins are excellent shocks but many folks with the F53 chassis have replaced them with the Koni FSD's with outstanding results. The downside is the Knoni's are a bit more expensive, but in my opinion, well worth the extra cost.

Sometimes if there's excessive weight distributed behind the rear drive axle that could have an adverse effect on the handling and directional stability.

Best of luck in resolving your handling problem, Jim