Best Suspension Upgrade for Reducing Sway on a 2002 Chinook Concourse E350 DRW

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Question:

I have a 2002 Chinook Concourse, E350SD with DRW and would like to install Timbren or SumoSprings to help control sway and roll on the RV. Do you have a recommendation? Thank you.

asked by: Jeff F

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Jeff, great question, and you’re definitely on the right. I know how tiring it can be when the RV feels like it’s leaning or getting pushed around, especially in wind or on curves.

The Timbren kit part # TFER35092LB is a solid upgrade if you’re dealing with rear sag or carrying consistent weight. It does a great job supporting the load and helping keep the rear end level, which improves body roll. One thing to keep in mind is that Timbrens can feel a bit firmer or rougher, especially when the RV is lighter, because they are made out of dense rubber and engage more firmly as the suspension compresses.

SumoSprings part # SSR-106-47-1 are a bit softer and stay in light contact with the suspension, so they usually provide a smoother, more comfortable ride while still helping with stability and reducing body roll. Both options will help with control, but they’re more focused on load support and ride quality than directly controlling sway.

Since your main goal is reducing that side to side sway feeling and body roll, the biggest improvement usually comes from upgrading the rear sway bar with Roadmaster sway bar part # 1139-178. A lot of Chinook owner's will start there and then add Timbrens or SumoSprings afterward to fine tune the ride and support.

The Roadmaster sway bar is specifically designed to control body roll. It ties the left and right sides of the suspension together, so when the vehicle leans, it actively resists that motion. That’s why the difference is usually much more noticeable compared to springs alone.

Where do you usually take your Chinook, windy interstates, mountain passes, or backroads?

expert reply by: Heather A

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Jeff F.

4/15/2026

Great information in your response. Thank you so much for the thorough evaluation. It exactly addressed my questions. I hope to make upgrades to the suspension to manage the rocking motion, front to rear, when driving south Texas roads that have extreme dips and humps. If you ever experience these characteristic conditions in Texas you will realize that it is something unique to the roads in that area. Side to side body roll is not as big a problem but the addition of a sway bar would definitely benefit a better ride. Thank you again for the valuable information.

Heather A.

4/15/2026

@JeffF Ahhh ok, I see what you mean now Jeff. For that type of movement, I would lean toward the SumoSprings for your setup since they have a softer, more progressive feel. That helps smooth out those dips and transitions instead of reacting more abruptly like a denser rubber spring can. They tend to do a better job taking the edge off that porpoising feeling on uneven roads. The Timbren system is still a solid option, especially if you’re carrying a lot of consistent weight abut it can feel a bit firmer when it engages, which isn’t always ideal for the kind of road conditions you’re describing. You're very welcome! let me know what you end up going with. I am still around!

Answer 1

I would avoid the Timbren #TFER35092LB and instead go with the SumoSprings for your 2013 Thor Four Winds 22E on the Ford E350 chassis: - SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SSR-130-47 The 1,500 lb weight capacity of the SumoSprings will be more…

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Answer 2

The weight rating for Timbrens like the part #TGMRCK25D that you referenced is the amount of additional suspension support they will provide the vehicle they are installed on. You should note that Timbrens do not actually increase the towing capacity…

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Answer 3

To get the best support for the suspension in your 2013 Thor Four Winds 22E motorhome, I recommend going with the higher-rated, 6,000 lb capacity Timbrens: - Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TFER35092LB Going with the 6k #TFER35092LB…

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Answer 4

We have just what you're looking for. For the front you can use the #SSF-112-40 and for the rear you'll want to use #SSR-122-40, which are confirmed fits on the 2002 E-350 4x4 chassis.

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Best Suspension Upgrade for Reducing Sway on a 2002 Chinook Concourse E350 DRW

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