Roadmaster Suspension Enhancements for the 2018 Bounder 35 P  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

From the specs available to me it appears the 2018 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome is constructed on the Ford F-Series (F-53) chassis with a V-10 engine. Please verify this within your owners manual for your specific vehicle/motorhome and identify if you have the either the 22,000 GVWR or the 24,000 GVWR chassis.

For your 2018 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome there are three primary upgrades that I recommend toward suspension enhancements. I suggest the Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer with Mounting Brackets, # RM-RBK22-RSSA (for 22,000 GVWR) or the # RM-RBK25-RSSA (for 24,000 GVWR). This is highly rated upgrade by customers for the Ford F-53 chassis. The sturdy steel spring on this stabilizer keeps your motorhome in line by constantly working to maintain its position. Mount it between the steering mechanism and the chassis for a tight connection that will minimize wander and correct oversteering. Please note the attached product review video and the installation of this steering stabilizer on a 2019 Fleetwood Bounder.

I suggest the Roadmaster Front Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-148. This has a diameter of 1-3/4" and constructed of thick 4140 chromoly steel for superior strength over that of the OEM installed bar. It is not just the slightly increased diameter of the aftermarket anti-sway bar over that of the OEM that improves handling, but that of the 4140-steel used and the improved polyurethane bushings. This is a confirmed fit to the 2018 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome. The same part number is compatible with either the 22,000 GVWR or the 24,000 GVWR chassis. This anti-sway bar will greatly improve the stability and driveability, the effective anti-sway system mounts to the front axle and to the frame to balance weight transfer and reduce body roll. Please note the attached product review video and the installation of this front anti-sway bar on a 2019 Fleetwood Bounder.

For the rear of vehicle, I suggest the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar, # RM-1139-149. This is a 1-5/8" diameter bar constructed with the same 4140 chromoly steel and polyurethane bushings as that of the recommended front antisway bar. This includes heavy-gauge mounting hardware, easy-to-follow instructions and bushing lubricant. This attaches to the rear axle and to chassis using the weight of axle to brace frame in turns and is engineered to avoid interference with most popular aftermarket add-ons and accessories. Please note the attached product review video and the installation of this rear anti-sway bar on a 2019 Fleetwood Bounder.

For further enhancements to your motorhome the next steps that I suggest is to consider adding helper springs such as the # SSR-187-54-1 for rear axle and the # SSF-173-40-2 for front. However, these first three items are what I always recommend be done first, then evaluate the level of improvement before identifying if anything further is needed/wanted. Most times additional suspension enhancements are not needed as these first three items of steering stabilizer, front and rear anti-sway bars show significant enough improvement. Occasionally addition of helper springs is a good option too but, I suggest evaluating that after installation of these items and getting some miles on the motorhome as opposed to paying for something that may not be needed if the other items resolve handling issues to your liking. However, I have included them in the list along with product review and installation videos just in case you wish to consider them now, or to refer back to later if you decide they are needed.

As for installation, you can see from the attached installation videos for each of these products they are relatively easy to install with basic shop tools. If yo do not choose to install yourself any reputable mechanic shop that you trust will have the ability to properly install.

I have attached videos of the items discussed here, I hope they are of value to you. Please let us know what other assistance we can provide. Happy Camping.

expert reply by: Michael R

1