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Best Suspension Upgrades For 2007 Gulf Stream Independence 22,000 GVWR on Ford Chassis  

Updated 05/21/2024 | Published 05/18/2024

Question:

Hi. I have a 2007 Gulf Stream Independence Class A motorhome GVWR 22000 LB. I would like to help improve the handling in cross winds but have a few questions. I have also included a few pictures for reference if that helps. I currently have 1-1/2 inch sway bar on the front and 1-3/8 inch sway bar on the rear. would you recommend upgrading the sway bars to a larger size? If so, what would be your recommendation for both the front and rear? Also, would a steering stabilizer help as well? I currently do not have one installed. Would you recommend Summo springs? If so, what model number is best for my motorhome? Are there any other upgrades you would recommend that would help with handling?

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jaran,

Great questions, and regarding the anti-sway bars, I definitely recommend upgrading to a larger size. When it comes to anti-sway bars on motorhomes like your Gulf Stream, bigger is definitely better. The larger the diameter of bar, the higher the roll stiffness it gives you, and that's the most important aspect of handling sway.

The rear anti-sway bar is the best upgrade, followed by the front anti-sway bar, and then steering stabilizer for added control in the heavy crosswinds. So I highly recommend adding all three parts to your rig, and the correct fits for your 22,000 lb GVWR Gulf Stream on a Ford chassis are the following:

- Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-149

- Roadmaster Front Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-148

- Roadmaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer # RM42RR

The rear anti-sway bar has a 1-5/8" diameter while the front bar has a 1-3/4" diameter so these will be upgrades over what you currently have.

As for the SumoSprings, they can be beneficial for sure, but I'd start with the anti-sway bars and steering stabilizer, and if you feel like you want that bit of extra help for body roll, you can add it, but I'd personally wait and see. But if you do eventually want to, then go with the front and back SumoSprings, which are parts # SSR-187-54-1 and # SSF-171-40-2.

expert reply by:
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Kyle S
Jaran G. profile picture

Jaran G.

5/21/2024

Perfect...Thank you. For the rear anti-sway bar, do I need to get the extended u-bolt kit?

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Kyle S. profile picture

Kyle S.

5/21/2024

@JaranG Great question, but I can't say for sure. The rear anti-sway bar will add an extra 1/2 inch to the leaf spring U-bolts on the rear axle. So you need to have enough exposed U-bolt below the nut to accommodate the factory nut and washer once the 1/2 inch thick plate is installed above them. Basically just measure your U-bolts and if losing 1/2 inch still allows you to fully install the nut and washer, you do not need the longer U-bolts. But if you're close, I'd get them just to be safe, and your U-bolts will be either round or square so just be sure to get the right shape: - Round: Extended Round U-Bolt Kit for Roadmaster Anti-Sway Bars # RM-590050-10 - Square: Extended U-Bolt Kit for Roadmaster Anti-Sway Bar # RM-590050-00
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Instructions for SSF-171-40-2

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A Closer Look at the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar
A Closer Look at the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar - Video
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