Supersprings Recommendations

[JKOZ]

I've have a Fourwinds 26b class C on an E350 chassis. I believe this is the largest box Thor puts on an E-350 before going to the E-450. As you can imagine by the time it's loaded down for a 2 week cross-country trip, it's at max GVW. I would like to increase it's load carrying capacity and reduce rear sag. I am looking at installing a set of Supersprings 1250# aux springs. This seems to be the most cost effective way to improve the carrying capacity. Has anyone performed this mod and were you satisfied with the results? Any other product suggestions?

 

[ducksface]

Air bags with the cab adjustable option.
If you install, then dislike, the springs there isn't a thing you can do about it except grumble.

If you dislike what the air bags are doing, Adjust them on the fly, right and left individually, sometimes to counter a crosswind, sometimes to counter the extra wide sister-in-law's seating choice.

I have a 24.1.
It does not have the problem you do.
I do not have airbags only because I don't need airbags.

 

[10scDust]

It is of my opinion that not only do you need the spring capacity for carrying the extra weight, but the axle itself has a capacity too. So, as I see it, there is a limit to what can be added before you need the entire axle housing assembly for the heavier duty demands swapped out too.
I think helper springs are not a bad idea, just be aware of what you are asking of it, before going too far above ratings.

 

[JKOZ]

Agreed, air bags would be the best solution for leveling but at approximately 5X the cost. Plus a lot more complex (air compressor, lines, bags and controller). On the other hand, springs are bolt on and forget.

Ran my RV over the scales and found it to be 12,020# with full fuel, fresh water and both grey and black tanks full. Add 600# for people, food clothes, etc. and I am at 12,620, or 120# over the 12,500 GVWR of the E-350, about what I expected. The "wet" weight dropped my rear bumper 1" vs. dry weight, and since my fresh water tank and bedroom slider are on the same side, I'm 1-1/2 out of level at the rear bumper.

So as I see it, I'm right on the border for doing the modification.

 

[ducksface]

Is 5 times the cost of springs any more than a mere 2% of the rv initial cost?

You can have possibly adequate or you can have definitely better.

 

[EA37TS]

At one time air inflatable helpers like the Firestone Ride Right could not be installed on Thor Class C motorhomes because of the way Thor installs the house on the chassis.

Search the forum for more info.

Also, from SuperSprings web site, they do not increase the GVWR and nothing they sell can increase the weight limit.

https://www.superspringsinternational.com/faq/#SuperSprings

 

[Judge64]

You need to be careful with the type of air bags you install if you also intend to use hydraulic levelers that may (or may not) already be installed on the coach.

If you install air bags and then use hydraulic levels to further lift and level the coach, you can stretch and damage the air bags as they try to lift the axle. That will also usually void the warranty.

You would need to install axle limiting straps that are properly adjusted and will not let excessive stretching occur with hydraulic levelers.

 

[Beau388]

Nothing you can do will change the GVWR or GCWR. These are factory derived weights, based on chassis deign, engine and transmission capability. Sumo springs normally reduce chassis sway, do away with the harshness of the factory bump-stops and increase the spring rate.

 

[DParsons]

Sumo Springs

Installed sumo springs and super steer shocks and got the lift and support I was looking for. Just a thought. Have Thor Compass 24sx on a Mercedes 350 chassis.

 

[psdtime]

I have installed air helpers on a couple of pick-ups now and wasn't a big fan. Often time the bracketry and the bag itself are so bulky that it takes up a bunch of wheel travel. So although you might get back your ride height, the loss of wheel travel might be just as bad or worse. I'm going to try Sumo Springs on my F600 chassis, not so much for load carrying but I have seem multiple people state that the ride is greatly improved because the initial compression is softened. I have already installed them (took probably like 1.5 hours front and rear taking my time), but haven't had a chance to drive the RV yet. I live on a very poorly maintained country road, so I don't like to take the RV out for too many "test rides", but I might this weekend since I have a trip planned that I want to make sure that this was an improvement, if not, I'll put the stock parts back in. Also, for the axle drop issue that was mentioned, on my pick-up, I used Daystar cradles (https://www.etrailer.com/Accessorie...dxpm9GAx_IL_Q6dXGaVrV81WwQ-_8fvRoCMTkQAvD_BwE). They work, but unfortunately, they might even add more bulk to the bag install and eat up more travel. I was going to make custom ones, but the truck hit replacement time and I traded it in before I got around to that project. FWIW the last truck I used AirLift bags with the built in bumpstops and Wireless One compressor. I also added a dump valve so that I could run the bags at 0psi if I wanted. I had to put the Wireless One on a switch because it would always try to keep a minimum PSI in the bags and I wanted to run with less. Good luck

 

[Jtlangjr]

I have the 26A of your model. Curious as to what you finally ended up doing with the Super-Spring question. I was considering the same option realizing no more load capacity but looking for more level loaded rig. I heard it also helps to control sway when big rigs pass by.

 

[Jtlangjr]

Did you end up installing the Super Springs.

 

[taylorbob1]

I put Air Lift 1000 on the fronts of my ‘17 Vegas (2016 chassis).
The goal was to raise the front end and provide more stability.
(I later added new Bilstein shocks in front as well)
As a DIY install, the Air bags are a chore, but doable after purchasing a coil spring compressor tool

It raises the front abt 1 inch at 50# in each bag.
Rear air bags are also available, but I did not need them.
They run abt $125-150 per pair.

 

[Jtlangjr]

Interesting. I will have to YouTube that install to get some tips.