Recommended Anti-Sway Bar, Steering Stabilizer, and Air Bags for 2018 Thor ACE 30.3

Question

Question:

I have a 2018 Thor ACE 30.3 on a 2017 Ford F53 chassis. My toad is a 2021 Wrangler Rubicon. I am looking to improve the ride and handling and I am thinking about a steering stabilizer, front and read anti sway and airbags. What do you recommend?

asked by: Brad S

0

Expert Reply:

You're already on the right track with everything you looked at. Your 2018 Thor ACE 30.3 has a GVWR of 18,000 lbs so I recommend the following:

-Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer w/ Custom Brackets for Class A Motorhomes # RM33RR

-Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar - 1-1/2" Diameter # RM-1139-146

-Roadmaster Front Anti-Sway Bar - 1-3/4" Diameter # RM-1139-148

If you want to add air bags you can using the # AL88240 for the front and # AL57344 for the rear. However, I recommend using SumoSprings instead. The SumoSprings will give you the same kind of support without the need to maintain them and adjust the air pressure. You would need the # SSF-170-40-2 for the front and # SSR-187-40-1 for the rear. Either option is going to give you a nice comfortable setup when combined with the anti-sway bars and steering stabilizer.

I have attached some installation videos below for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

0

Brad S.

4/17/2024

Thank you for your quick reply. A couple of follow up questions- do the Air Lift LoadLifters come with an air compressor? If not, what do you recommend? If I'm going to purchase and install a compressor, I'd like to have one compressor to do the Air Lift as well as to fill tires as needed or would I need a separate compressor for the tires?

Robin H.

4/17/2024

@BradS those do not come with an air compressor. Since you also want to fill up your tires I would use the Firestone Air Command Extreme Duty Air Compressor # F46VV since it comes with a tank. This is a dual path system so you could set one path to control the front and another to control the rear air bags. You will likely need additional tubing # F9416 and two additional tees # F3025-1 to get it all setup. It is hard to say exactly how much/many depending on where you install it and how you choose to run the lines.

Brad S.

4/17/2024

@RobinH Do you recomend/have another compressor that's equivalent? The Firestone is out of stock.

Robin H.

4/17/2024

@BradS if you're fine with just smartphone control and no remote then you could use the # F49VV which is in stock. Air Lift has the # AL27DQ which will also work.

Brad S.

4/17/2024

Robin, I am sorry to keep bothering you with questions! This should be the last- the Airlift AL27DQ has the ability to operate two sets (pairs) of air springs? Front and rear? Thanks again for all your help. Brad

Robin H.

4/18/2024

@BradS yes it is also a dual path system. So typically the dual path allows you to adjust two rear air bags individually for side to side leveling. When you have front and rear air bags you can add in the extra tee on each end so it will adjust the front as a pair and the rear as a pair.

Answer 1

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The SumoSprings Maxim Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle #SSR-183-54-1 can be installed without removing the wheels on your 2014 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36LA, but it will be more complicated because of restriction working room. I've attached a…

view full answer...

Answer 3

For your 2024 Ford F-53, I recommend checking out the Timbren Front Suspension Enhancement System #TFFF53B for the front, and the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFRF53A for the rear. These kits do not require drilling, will replace your…

view full answer...

Answer 4

When comparing the ride quality between the Timbren #TFFF53B and SumoSpring #SSF-172-40-2 I recommend going with the SumoSprings. Although Timbren is a very solid product, the SumoSprings have been proven to have more of a forgiving support over the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The Timbren #TFRF53A and SumoSprings #SSR-187-40-1 are very similar, which often makes it difficult to decide which is best. Both work independently to help compensate for off-center loads and reduce body roll when swerving and turning corners. They…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Yes, the Timbren front suspension kit part #TFFF53B is a fit for your 2020 Fleetwood Bounder 35k with a 22k capacity. For the rear kit then you'd want the part #TFRF53A.

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hi Bob; since there is less stability at the rear of your 2013 Thor ACE 30.1 the rear anti-sway bar will have the greatest impact. The correct part for your motorhome is the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar #RM-1139-146. It sounds like you plan on…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Sean, congrats on the new motorhome. I checked with our vendors and I could only find rear air bag kits for a 2024 Ford F-53 chassis. No has a set of front ones. My only solution for the front end would be the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hello David, thanks for reaching out. In these cases generally what I advise is try the sway bars first, then add the steering stabilizer if needed. You can do all 3 at once but typically the sway bars would give you the most noticeable results. A…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Your 2017 Thor Hurricane 29M is built on a Ford F53 chassis. For the Sumosprings, I recommend the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs - 2 Piece - Front Axle #SSF-170-40-2 and the SumoSprings Maxim Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle #SSR-187-40-1.…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For the front anti-sway bar on your 2018 Forest River FR3 30DS with an F-53 chassis you need the Roadmaster part #RM-1139-148. The rear anti-sway bar is the Roadmaster part #RM-1139-149. You do need to check to ensure there is enough factory u-bolt…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hi Scott! There is a way to fine tune your Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer #RM33RR. I included a link that you will want to scroll down to step 9 to see what you can do, but basically there are jam nuts you can adjust that can do much…

view full answer...