Rear Sway Bar and SumoSpring Kit for 2011 Itasca Cambria to Improve Handling

Question

Question:

I own a 2011 Itasca Cambria 31 ft. on a Ford E-450 Super Duty with the Ford V-10 Work Horse engine. 34,000 miles. VIN # 1FDXE4FS7BDA54306. Im the new second owner. The steering is a bit mushie for lack of a better word. I had a very well known RV dealership put on the Road Master Direct Center Steering Stabilizer that I purchased. As soon as I got it out of their shop the steering was way worse than before with a terrific pull to the left while driving. Took it back and they made some adjustment that removed 75 of the mushie driving and centered up the driving by 90. Ive never felt totally comfortable that they really knew how to install that product and dont even feel comfortable taking it back a 3rd time. Im thinking of replacing that product and switch to the appropriate model Bilstein Steering Stabilizer. It has a lot of good youtube clips out there and it reads like I can most likely install that myself. I have reasonable household handyman kinda skills and tools. Which would be the correct model? Also, Im thinking of installing some of those Sumo helper springs while Im under there. Front set for sure...rear set maybe?? Which model do you suggest?

asked by: David H

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Expert Reply:

Hey David, actually what is going to make the biggest improvement in handling and stability for your 2011 Itasca is an upgraded rear sway bar with the part # RM-1139-175. I know that's not what you asked about but for motorhomes where most of the weight is out back the rear sway bars make a huge improvement. You won't see much of a difference going to a different steering stabilizer.

This is also true for SumoSprings. A rear set like the part # SSR-118-54 with the rear bar will make a huge improvement.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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David

3/28/2024

Good morning Jameson, Thanks for your speedy reply. This is all good news. I previously purchased the upgraded front and rear sway bars (still in the boxes) from you about 4 or 5 months ago....maybe Nov. 2023. Just been swamped at the office. Since I am getting ready to do the work I just wanted to see about the Sumo Springs and get it all installed the same weekend (me and my neighbor's help). I certainly don't want to spend anymore than I have to but I think I will add Both the front and rear Sumo Spring sets at the same time. So, that being said, you just sent me the link for the rear Sumo Springs....please send me the link for the matched set of Front Sumo Springs so I can order them both at the same time and have them on-hand and install them along with the front and rear sway bars all on the same weekend !! Note: I still don't like the feel of the Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer when I'm on the road so I want to switch to another product....would you say that the Bilstein Steering Stabilizer 24-174534 is a good substitution or do you recommend another Make/Model? Lastly, can you recommend a couple of youtube video clips for visual installation instructions? Thanks again !! David Hollis

Jameson C.

3/28/2024

@David So the front SumoSpring kit you'd need is the part # SSF-111-54. With everything else going on you will have a really great handling setup. I wouldn't say any of the other brands of steering stabilizers would work better than the Exact Center but I think with the other changes you are going to make I believe the performance of the steering will be what you are looking for.

David

4/1/2024

@JamesonC Goof morning Jameson, Thanks again for all the advise. I just ordered the new front (SSF-111-54) and rear (SSR-118-54) SumoSpring kits for my 2011 Itasca 31 ft. RV - Ford E-450. I will not replace the Road Master Exact Center until after I replace the new Front and rear Sway bars and the front and rear SumoSprings. Now.....just one last request: Would you be able to send me a copy of the installations instructions (or a link to the original installation instructions) for the Road Master Exact Center steering stabilizer ? While I'm under there I would like to feel comfortable that it was installed correctly by the local RV dealership. I mentioned before that they messed it up on the first installation but it's "better" after they took it back into their shop and "re-installed" it. I'd just like to feel comfortable that it looks correct and they used the appropriate parts and it at least look's like the photos and installation instructions. Thanks so much. David

Jameson C.

4/1/2024

@David Here's a link to the instructions from Roadmaster's site for the part # RM47MR: https://www.roadmasterinc.com/content/pdfinst/ECB8.pdf

David H.

4/1/2024

Tow Bar One last question (for tonight), This is the tow bar I'm looking at. The old 91 YJ weights in at something less than 3, 000 pounds. What is your opinion ?! Curt Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs Item # C19745

Jameson C.

4/2/2024

@DavidH That's not my all time favorite tow bar but if you are looking for something priced low and don't mind modifying the bumper of your Wrangler it will get the job done at a fraction of the price as other options. What you don't get with this setup is non-binding arms which make disconnecting quite a bit easier.

David

6/18/2024

Good afternoon Jameson, I purchased the Curt Adjustable Tow Bar some time ago and am really getting ready to do some installations over the next 30 days....new front and rear sway bar....new front and rear sumo spring and new front and rear bumpers on my '91 YJ so I can install the new tow bar. Even though I most likely can not return the Curt Tow Bar - what are a couple of somewhat "better" tow bars if I was just going to buy a new one and just "eat" the Curt ? Also, I've never been real happy with the Roadmaster Exact Center....what about the Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer in it's place ?? One last request (for now)....I was able to find Installation Instructions for all the parts except the Front Roadmaster anti-sway bar I purchased (and am finally getting ready to install with the help of a friend) As always.....thanks so much for your time David H.

Jameson C.

6/18/2024

@David Going with a Blue Ox tow bar like the part # BX7420 and a Blue Ox base plate kit like the part # BX1137 would be a great option on your 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ. Much better than a Curt universal setup but the cost is a lot more. The Exact Center is supposed to be the replacement for the Reflex steering stabilizers so I wouldn't assume the Reflex would be an improvement over what you have now. I don't see a front sway bar in your recent orders so I am not sure what bar you have to track down the instructions.

Rear Sway Bar and SumoSpring Kit for 2011 Itasca Cambria to Improve Handling

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