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02-25-2018, 03:19 AM
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#1
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Missouri
Posts: 59
THOR #5711
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Vegas / Axis “Driveability”
I’m looking for input. On our 2017 Vegas (E450) we have added Safetplus and front and rear sway bars. We have had the alignment adjusted to the recommended positive tow-in settings.
All this resulted in a much improved driving experience with noticeable improvement in reduced “push” from passing semis and less sway during turns or on uneven roads. Driving in wind conditions less than 15 mph is no problem.
So, my question is; is there further improvement available that would help in 20 - 25 mph cross winds? Would the sumo springs, front / rear or both provide further improvement? Anything else that would be recommended?
Thanks in advance for any input!
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2017 Thor Vegas 24.1
Safe T Plus, SumoSprings Front and Rear
Hellwig Sway Bars Front and Rear
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02-25-2018, 03:36 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: S.O.B.
State: California
Posts: 1,368
THOR #3483
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lagrandd
I’m looking for input. On our 2017 Vegas (E450) we have added Safetplus and front and rear sway bars. We have had the alignment adjusted to the recommended positive tow-in settings.
All this resulted in a much improved driving experience with noticeable improvement in reduced “push” from passing semis and less sway during turns or on uneven roads. Driving in wind conditions less than 15 mph is no problem.
So, my question is; is there further improvement available that would help in 20 - 25 mph cross winds? Would the sumo springs, front / rear or both provide further improvement? Anything else that would be recommended?
Thanks in advance for any input!
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The only other thing that we did over and above what you already mentioned was Koni shocks and Sumo Springs in the front only. As far as cross winds go, they still suck but not quite as badly.
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02-25-2018, 04:20 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 613
THOR #4366
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We have the factory sway bars and steering stabilizer. Put Toyo Ht's on the front and this was a big improvement over the Michellens. Never have like that tire brand, side walls damage to easy.
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2016 Axis 24.1 E-450 6 spd tranny
300 watts portable solar.
200 watts solar on the roof.
Wrangler JK dinghy
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02-25-2018, 04:26 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
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Sumo springs, front & rear ALL issues were solved for me. If I had yo do it over again would be Saf-t-Plus & Sumos. Wait till u see the Factory front stops compared with Sumo... I'm driving 1 handed again.
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Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
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02-25-2018, 09:25 PM
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#5
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Missouri
Posts: 59
THOR #5711
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Thanks for your input. I just ordered the Sumo Springs for front and rear.
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02-25-2018, 11:06 PM
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#6
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I Think We're Lost!
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
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You've made a good choice!
Keep in mind that you can never make things feel like a private passenger car, and it'll help...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
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02-25-2018, 11:55 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 892
THOR #5313
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I have a Roadmaster damper.
Think sumo springs in front then possibly hellwig sway bars.
Drives decent. Semis will push but I usually move to opposite side of my lane and it ends up no issue.
Odd as it may seem, handles best above 60 MPH and with trailer behind.
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02-26-2018, 01:25 AM
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#8
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Minnesota
Posts: 80
THOR #7948
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Bob’s right, good choice. We put Sumo Springs on our Axis 25.2 and liked the results so much we are putting then on our new coach.
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You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do?
You should go do them.
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02-26-2018, 04:14 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
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I went with Bilsteins and Sumos. The shocks made a huge difference. On uneven transitions the rig would porpoise 5 or 6 times but now only once or twice. I think the Sumos really help in the winds but I can't isolate their contribution. The ride is much more confident.
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I'm wearing trifocals now but my hindsight is 20/20.
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Bilsteins and Sumos front and rear...HUGE! FatMat and Hoodliner...HUGE!
Hellwig sway bars F&R, 235/85 Hankook ATM, alignment...HUGE!!!
Battery watering, 260watts Solar and BigFeets to make life easier.
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02-27-2018, 06:46 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.3
State: California
Posts: 443
THOR #2526
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regarding the Sumo Springs...has anyone installed any themselves on an Axis/Vegas? The Youtube video on installation shows a different bolt configuration on the front than on the Axis/Vegas. The nut is on the bottom. My question is how do you access the top of the bolt? or am I not seeing how to access it? I'm not seeing how to get a tool on it.
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2016 Thor Axis 25.3 w/ 2011 2dr Wrangler in tow
Demco tow bar with Patriot braking
Bigfoot Automatic Levelers.
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02-27-2018, 02:17 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 37GT
State: Florida
Posts: 809
THOR #5246
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IMHO with any top heavy spring suspension RV there will be modifications needed to help make it easier to drive. Depending on wheel base to bumper-to-bumper ratio your RV will either need one or two mods or a bunch so it won't be a terror to run down the highway in it. On our Challenger 37GT we did front end alignment, CHF, Safe-T-Plus, and Sumos all the way around. After all those modifications it went from a horrible vehicle to drive to something manageable, but still not a pleasure.
The only way to be able to run 65mph down the highway with two fingers on the wheel and not get pushed around by passing semi trucks is to be in a 40' or longer tag axle DP. When I get passed, or the few times I pass a semi they are the ones fighting the wheel to stay straight in their lane, not me.
__________________
Full Time in 2017 Newmar Ventana 4369
pulling a 24' enclosed (Mini Cooper/Harley/Kayak)
(traded 2014 Thor Challenger)
US Army 70-73 Retired LEO
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03-08-2018, 07:06 PM
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#12
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Missouri
Posts: 59
THOR #5711
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Just as a follow up, I had the Sumo Springs (front and rear) installed this morning. As luck would have it there was a 25mph cross wind when we took it back home for a 30 mile drive. The improvement was noticeable with far less sway, roll and a firmer ride! For reference, the shop I used charge 2 hours of labor to install the Sumo Springs I provided.
__________________
2017 Thor Vegas 24.1
Safe T Plus, SumoSprings Front and Rear
Hellwig Sway Bars Front and Rear
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03-09-2018, 10:48 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 25.3
State: California
Posts: 443
THOR #2526
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I ordered a pair from Amazon today after I crawled under my RV and loosen one of the bolts (10mm socket) and it's pretty easy since I have levelers which lift the chassis. I'm only doing the front so I hope to save $100 (one hour labor around here). I used a mirror to see that the top side of the chassis is only the bolt-screw coming through the chassis frame and no nut. I'm hoping the Sumo springs bolt fits through it without me having to drill it out. It should stop the porpoising over bumps.
__________________
2016 Thor Axis 25.3 w/ 2011 2dr Wrangler in tow
Demco tow bar with Patriot braking
Bigfoot Automatic Levelers.
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03-09-2018, 10:56 PM
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#14
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Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Missouri
Posts: 59
THOR #5711
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It should be a pretty easy install. I don’t have the jacks or I would have done it myself. When you compare the Sumo’s to the factory “bump stops” you’ll see how much more substantial the Sumo’s are. I was pleasantly surprised at the difference in drivability. Good luck with your install.
__________________
2017 Thor Vegas 24.1
Safe T Plus, SumoSprings Front and Rear
Hellwig Sway Bars Front and Rear
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03-09-2018, 11:09 PM
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#15
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
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I did not take a photo side by side of the front bump stop and a front Sumo but it would be neat to post a picture it's unbelievable I would have to say that's where 90% of the people are feeling their sway.
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
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03-10-2018, 12:32 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.2
State: Idaho
Posts: 533
THOR #1944
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I find it odd that this thread has many handling enhancement references but not one that actually "fixes" wag (that some call sway). Consider a track bar or panhard rod. It prevents solid axel side to side spring flex movement caused by external forces like wind, passing vehicles and toad.
__________________
Axis 24.2 "was" tug'n a JK
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03-10-2018, 01:02 AM
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#17
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
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True. I guess will wait for the follow up after His first test run.
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
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03-10-2018, 03:12 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Oregon
Posts: 272
THOR #6934
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baddad53
I ordered a pair from Amazon today after I crawled under my RV and loosen one of the bolts (10mm socket) and it's pretty easy since I have levelers which lift the chassis. I'm only doing the front so I hope to save $100 (one hour labor around here). I used a mirror to see that the top side of the chassis is only the bolt-screw coming through the chassis frame and no nut. I'm hoping the Sumo springs bolt fits through it without me having to drill it out. It should stop the porpoising over bumps.
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The Sumos just screw in to the hole that you took the bolt out of. Just spin them in, the bolt is integral. I installed mine and it took longer to get everything set up, jacks, stands etc, than to do the install. I have done nothing else and can drive with one finger, except in HEAVY wind.
Semis are no issue.
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03-10-2018, 08:44 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Thor Vegas 25.2
State: Indiana
Posts: 301
THOR #7993
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TyCreek
I find it odd that this thread has many handling enhancement references but not one that actually "fixes" wag (that some call sway). Consider a track bar or panhard rod. It prevents solid axel side to side spring flex movement caused by external forces like wind, passing vehicles and toad.
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I've been trying to find a track bar for my Vegas (E350) with no luck. Anyone here have one on their rig?
__________________
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03-11-2018, 12:05 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.2
State: Idaho
Posts: 533
THOR #1944
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jb1911
I've been trying to find a track bar for my Vegas (E350) with no luck. Anyone here have one on their rig?
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I put the one from SuperSteer/Henderson on my Axis soon after I got it and that's all I did for a couple years. I think Blue Ox was the other one for the E-series that I was considering. FWIW ... I didn't choose based on what one I thought might be better ... it was a cheapest at the time choice.
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Axis 24.2 "was" tug'n a JK
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