Which SumoSprings Are Best for My Thor Freedom Elite 28FE on Ford E450 Chassis?

Updated 03/18/2026 | Published 03/12/2026

Products Featured in This Question

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2315)

$424.99

Roadmaster Hitch Spare Tire Mount with 2" Receiver Opening - 2" Hitches

(229)

$737.97

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Front Axle

(689)

$257.99

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2315)

$398.99

Question:

I just purchased a 2018 Thor Freedom Elite 28FE on a Ford E450 chassis. I would like your insights concerning which SumoSprings kit SSR-130-54 vs. SSR-130-47 I should purchase based on the following considerations: 1. when backing this motorhome up onto my parking pad I encounter an off-camber angle on the passenger side which causes the motorhome to lean to the passenger side until the rear wheels have cleared the off-camber angle. I would like to address the lean and look for a little more clearance anti-squat 2. I will be installing a spare tire carrier Roadmaster 195225, spare tire, motorcycle carrier and will carry a scooter. These items will total approximately 475 lbs vs the rated tongue weight of 500 lbs for the hitch. I am anticipating some squat when combined with a full fuel tank. So, bottom question is which SumoSprings kit would help with providing some extra support while backing up on the parking pad and also help handle the additional weight on the rear hitch without resulting in a harsh ride?

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

Hello Mark,

Based on what you described with the driveway angle and the additional weight you plan to carry on the hitch, I would recommend going with the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle # SSR-130-54.

The main difference between the two kits you mentioned is the density of the spring. The # SSR-130-54 is the higher-capacity version at 2,800 pounds compared to the # SSR-130-47 at 1,500 pounds, so it provides more support when the suspension compresses. In your case that extra support will help in two ways.

First, when you’re backing onto the parking pad and the passenger side drops into that off-camber section, the suspension on that side compresses quite a bit and that’s what causes the lean you’re seeing. The # SSR-130-54 will engage sooner and provide more resistance to that compression, which helps reduce how far the coach leans until the rear wheels clear the angle.

Second, with the spare tire carrier # RM-195225, tire, motorcycle carrier, and scooter adding up to roughly 475 lbs on the hitch, you’re very close to the hitch’s 500 lb rating. Because that weight sits behind the rear axle it tends to act like a lever and can create more squat than the actual number suggests. The # SSR-130-54 will do a better job supporting that added load and help maintain ride height, especially when the fuel tank is full.

Even though the # SSR-130-54 is the heavier-duty option, it still uses SumoSpring’s progressive compression design, so it won’t result in a harsh ride under normal driving. It mainly firms up as the suspension compresses under load.

If you wanted to sweeten up your ride quality even more, I would add them to the front as well with the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Front Axle # SSF-106-47. It’s honestly amazing how much of a difference adding the fronts can make.

Congrats on the new camper! Super exciting! Is this your first one? Once you get the SumoSprings installed where are you headed for the first trip? Where are you going, what are you seeing?

expert reply by: Kate F

SumoSprings Installed
(click to enlarge)

Mark M.

3/16/2026

Hi Kate, thanks for the quick and helpful response. I'll most likely go with the #SSR-130-54 based on your suggestion and your explanation of the progressive compression design. We owned a motorhome back in the 90s and have had trailers for the last 10 years. Now that I've retired we looking to travel to Mt. Rushmore and then several coastal trips this season. Thanks for all your help. Best Regards, Mark M.

Kate F.

3/17/2026

@MarkM Very cool, Mark, congratulations on your retirement! My dad did the same thing when he retired, and he is absolutely loving life out on the road. If you ever run into one of those unexpected “uh-oh” moments while traveling, just remember we have your back. We offer one-day shipping on most items, and our team is available seven days a week to help you find exactly what you need. Safe travels and enjoy every minute of it!

Greg

3/17/2026

2800 lb rating is the way to go especially IF you don’t have the added helper springs on the rear Sumo’s are comfortable when supporting the load Even if you have the helpers Sumo’s help the suspension with sharing the weight Maybe they will help with the off camber maybe not The combo we had after installing all the upgrades made our 31’ Jayco drive like a heavy pickup and a whole lot safer

Kate F.

3/17/2026

@Greg Thanks for the response Greg.

Jeremiah

3/17/2026

I added the SumoSprings to my 2021 motor home. The sway and bounce on an uneven road, dirt or paved was lessened to give me a much needed smoother drive.

Kate F.

3/17/2026

@Jeremiah I have heard from many people that the SumoSprings helped them get the color back to their white knuckles =)

Tom W.

3/17/2026

I installed the Sumo springs on both the front and rear of my 2025 BT Cruiser on a 2024 model year E450 chassis, which in both cases were fairly easy to install. The rears come with an optional extension to the base springs. I didn't use them as the ride is just fine without the extension. So far I am happy with the results. Smoother ride, less bounce, better control. While at it I added a beefier steering damper. The Cruiser now has a better ride than the Jeep Gladiator I'm pulling behind.

Kate F.

3/17/2026

@TomW Thanks for insight on the extension Tom, very useful.

Steven

3/17/2026

I put Sumo springs on our 2024 Thor chateau 24f . They helped with sway. But also I added large sway bars. Between the 2 the sway was much improved.

Kate F.

3/18/2026

@Steven SumoSprings with upgraded sway bars are the way to go Steven! Glad we had the right parts to get you dialed in just right. Thanks for the response.