Motorhome sways a lot going around a curve or when cross Wind hits it

Tiny
JERRY BRUCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD F-550
  • 6.9L
  • V10
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 21,000 MILES
My motorhome sways a lot going around a curve or when cross wind hits it. It has the original front shocks on it. Should I replace them and will that correct the sway problem? It is bad enough to possibly be dangerous. Also, would you just replace it with a OEM part or would you up grade to a heavier duty one? This is an Itasca Class A 30' long.
Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 5:28 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,727 POSTS
Shock absorbers reduce a vehicle's tendency to bounce. Excessive swaying is the result of sagged springs and/or broken anti-sway bar links. Start by inspecting the anti-sway bar for broken links, then measure the ride height to see if the springs are weak. All tire and alignment shops have books that list the height specs for every car and light truck, and where to take those measurements. For a motor home, you might have to visit the dealer, or a shop that specializes in large trucks.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,950 POSTS
New shocks could help but if the mileage you list is correct I doubt they are the issue unless they rusted enough to lose the fluid inside. I would opt for a heavier sway bar and links, there are ones made for RVs that are heavier than the OEM units, Check both front and rear. Just realize that you are driving a big heavy box that will try to dance in the wind, just the nature of the beast.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
JERRY BRUCE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your reply. I will check out the anti-sway bar and links.
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, June 15th, 2017 AT 11:50 AM

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