CHF F53 Ford

[Pete'sMH]

My 18,000 lb F53 has a recommended tire proof 85 lbs. max pressure on sidewall is probably way too high. I’m not surprised lowering it some was helpful. That said, I just recently raised mine from 85 to 95 and I like the ride and handling better.

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

My 18,000 lb F53 has a recommended tire proof 85 lbs. max pressure on sidewall is probably way too high. I’m not surprised lowering it some was helpful. That said, I just recently raised mine from 85 to 95 and I like the ride and handling better.

Glad that helped

[kprun]

There is a thread on the IRV2 forum that has been going on since 2012. I read the whole thing over the last month. I did the CHF on the front of my 2016 Ace 29.4 and it is a significant improvement. Last week we did over 900 miles round trip to Michigan and it was great. Drove most of the way with 1 hand on the steering wheel instead of the 2 handed white knuckle grip.
I don't have a lot of automotive experience but after reading that thread i was pretty sure I could do it so I went for it. It wasn't nearly as difficult as I expected and i got it done.
If you take some time and read the IRV2 thread you'll learn that there have been some naysayers in the beginning but there have been 100s and maybe thousands that have done it and there have been very few issues even after logging thousands of miles.
Many shops won't do it for you because they would rather sell you new sway bars and other items to improve performance. Many have had it done by Ford dealers.
If you're still unsure i recommend that you go to IRV2 and check in withTeJay.

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by kprun

There is a thread on the IRV2 forum that has been going on since 2012. I read the whole thing over the last month. I did the CHF on the front of my 2016 Ace 29.4 and it is a significant improvement. Last week we did over 900 miles round trip to Michigan and it was great. Drove most of the way with 1 hand on the steering wheel instead of the 2 handed white knuckle grip.
I don't have a lot of automotive experience but after reading that thread i was pretty sure I could do it so I went for it. It wasn't nearly as difficult as I expected and i got it done.
If you take some time and read the IRV2 thread you'll learn that there have been some naysayers in the beginning but there have been 100s and maybe thousands that have done it and there have been very few issues even after logging thousands of miles.
Many shops won't do it for you because they would rather sell you new sway bars and other items to improve performance. Many have had it done by Ford dealers.
If you're still unsure i recommend that you go to IRV2 and check in withTeJay.

TeJay, is where I bought my brackets and had the CHF , steering stabilizer done last Wed at CW. I'm well past time when I could do work myself. Noticed the difference right away.

[kprun]

I'm glad that it worked out for you.

[pmorris92223]

Ahhhhhh, CHF, Steering Stabilizer, Front Sumo, Koni Shocks and finally an alignment. Fill the tank and a bath and we're ready for the California central coast. The ride and handling is much improved, I won't really know how much improved until I get out on the road with the toad attached.

[W3NS]

Who performs the CHF? A Ford dealer or the Coach dealer?

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by W3NS

Who performs the CHF? A Ford dealer or the Coach dealer?

I had mine done by Camping World but a Ford truck dealer or regular mechanic would probably be able to do the fix. A number of people on here did their own. I got the front brackets from TJAY on the IRV2 forum. I guess the CHF can be done without the brackets but they help keep the configuration closer to factory.

[W3NS]

Thank you very much for the reply!

[SANDDOG]

Originally Posted by pmorris92223

Ahhhhhh, CHF, Steering Stabilizer, Front Sumo, Koni Shocks and finally an alignment. Fill the tank and a bath and we're ready for the California central coast. The ride and handling is much improved, I won't really know how much improved until I get out on the road with the toad attached.

Hey pmorris #####- I live in Norcal California Monterey Bay, upgrade everything you can upgrade as far as suspension. California freeways and highways are absolutely terrible potholes be very careful. I will say Oregon Idaho Montana North Dakota , you can drive with two fingers. My motorhome is 20,500 pounds 35 feet no problem but in California good luck pay attention . Very Beautiful but difficult driving

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by SANDDOG

Hey pmorris #####- I live in Norcal California Monterey Bay, upgrade everything you can upgrade as far as suspension. California freeways and highways are absolutely terrible potholes be very careful. I will say Oregon Idaho Montana North Dakota , you can drive with two fingers. My motorhome is 20,500 pounds 35 feet no problem but in California good luck pay attention . Very Beautiful but difficult driving

No argument there, the roads down here are awful. Not to bad after Santa Barbara heading North. About the only thing left might be a rear track bar I'll have a better understanding after this trip.

[Subdev10]

Originally Posted by pmorris92223

Okay, I've read about the CHF here (cheap handling fix) and everyone seems to think it's the thing to do. So, the before and after, was there a noticeable improvement in handling and what happened to the ride without adding other enhancements to suspension. I just read on IRV2 that someone reversed their fix because he thought the ride became to harsh. I'm supposed to have it done next week and want to make sure it's thing to do. Don't want DW with an "I told you so"

I recently did the front-end CHF on my ‘08 Hurricane 34B. I was really looking forward to the results after reading about it for a few years. I just finished a 3 week 3,000 mile roadtrip and I must say that I didn’t notice any difference. I do tow a dolly with a small car, so not sure if that makes a difference. I’ve never had any major handling issues like I’ve read about with the F53 chassis. I have the 20,500 lb chassis. I still get a lot of roll in the front end when going over driveway entrances. In terms of the work, it took me maybe 15 mins to complete with the help of a small hydraulic jack.

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by Subdev10

I recently did the front-end CHF on my ‘08 Hurricane 34B. I was really looking forward to the results after reading about it for a few years. I just finished a 3 week 3,000 mile roadtrip and I must say that I didn’t notice any difference. I do tow a dolly with a small car, so not sure if that makes a difference. I’ve never had any major handling issues like I’ve read about with the F53 chassis. I have the 20,500 lb chassis. I still get a lot of roll in the front end when going over driveway entrances. In terms of the work, it took me maybe 15 mins to complete with the help of a small hydraulic jack.

I'm sorry to hear you didn't notice any difference. I Noticed an improvement right out of the shop. I'll have a better understanding after we've been out on the roads for a few weeks. We did both front and back with steering stabilizer, shocks and front sumo springs. The sway was reduced and the shocks and springs really helped the ride over some terrible truck beat up roads heading out towards Palm Springs.

[pmorris92223]

Handled well, although the roads were awful , California roads absolutely suck. Stayed in lanes with no problem. No sway and I'm pretty happy with it right now we'll be getting some more time on the road in about 4 days up to Santa Barbara.

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by pmorris92223

Handled well, although the roads were awful , California roads absolutely suck. Stayed in lanes with no problem. No sway and I'm pretty happy with it right now we'll be getting some more time on the road in about 4 days up to Santa Barbara.

Have a fun and safe trip. Post pics if you have time.

Jerry

[halfprice]

Originally Posted by W3NS

Who performs the CHF? A Ford dealer or the Coach dealer?

Most people do the job themselves. Its fairly easy and limited tools are needed

Jerry

[pmorris92223]

Originally Posted by halfprice

Have a fun and safe trip. Post pics if you have time.

Jerry

Thanks, I'm posting pics and comments on a separate thread. I am happy with the handling. The sway was mostly gone although really couldn't get up to speed with traffic. Most impressed with the steering stabilizer on our wonderful potholed roads (not) and the front sumo springs helped. We didn't hook up the Jeep for a short trip to Long Beach, we'll hook up for Santa Barbara and the rest of the trip and get a better feel.

[pmorris92223]

Okay, from Golden Shore in Long Beach to Elks Lodge in Santa Barbara towing our Jeep. What a difference, stayed in lanes, easy to handle, amazing difference. The CHF did what it was supposed to do but the steering stabilizer was probably the best addition. Money well spent..

[dkoldman]

As I read all of the reviews and recommendations about the benefit of CHF, and given its simplicity, why don't Ford make the chassis already installed in the alternate holes?

I mean isn't this viewed as a safety issue by RV owners? Just from reading, you would think National Highway Transportation & Ford would issue a recall?

I intend to install the Safe T Plus, but reluctant to make the CHF change out of fear that it may void a Ford warranty on brand new 2019 unit. I just drove my unit 1500 miles and it was okay. It could have been better, but my fear was mainly poor roads in Florida / Georgia that were not level with the shoulders. Any wandering to the right and it very scary trying to correct overcoming.

Beyond my question above. Would it prudent / viable for one to do just do the Safe T Plus and see how that does?

[abjbrtd]

When Ford build a F53 that don't know who will buy it or what will be built on it.
Could be a 10k box truck or 15+k mh.