Arvee Driver
Central Point, Oregon
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Joined: 12/06/2011
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We have had RVs since 1998. Before that, we tented, rented trailers and Class Cs and camped by pick up and by motorcycles. Eventually, we chose to not sleep on the ground any longer under a flapping tent in the wind and cold. Never looked back. As our lives changed, so did our RVs. We started with a Dodge Pickup and a Lance Camper. We had two Lances atop the Dodge diesel for 10 years. As our travels took us to longer distances, we traded for a 2008 GMC Dura Max and a 32 foot Hitch Hiker 5th wheel. We traveled about 40,000 miles in two years with that rig. Saw a 2007 Bounder Diesel Class A and we traded for that. Had that for just over a year and a half and wanted a shorter motor home so we traded for the Winnebago. We drove the Bounder for about 14,000 miles in that year and a half. We loved the ride of the Freightliner/Cat combination but were not truly happy with the quality control of Fleetwood on the RV part of the motor home. So with some research, we traded for the Winnebago. With careful attention to detail on the workmanship on the RV and reading on how the Ford chassis supported the RV, we bought the Winnebago 35P Adventurer on the Ford F53 Chassis with the V10. On the test drive prior to the sale, we knew the F53 would handle differently ( and it did) but seemed to be satisfactory. On our second trip the return home was on an interstate with lots of wind and rain along with heavy truck traffic. The handling of the F53 was horrible. It was not safe to drive...not by me any way!! We had to do something with the suspension of the motor home. It handled so badly that it felt as if the driver's seat were setting on a bowling ball. The sway was so bad and the counter steering to offset the sway was a constant battle...literally. If I could have taken the Winnebago back for a full refund, I would have. I was not a happy Winnebago/F53 owner. We found Henderson's Line Up in Grants Pass, Oregon. After their road performance test drive, it was suggested we have 2 sway bars, one rear track bar, 4 NEW shocks, and a steering assist installed. After the very recent purchase of the new rig, we were not financially nor mentally prepared for such a substantial outlay of funds for suspension parts. I was not happy with the Winnebago/Ford F53 combination at this point. Since I could not return the rig, we opted for the suspension upgrades! It made all the difference in the world to this motor home. After the upgrades were installed, the machine handled like it should have fresh from the factory ...especially at the costs of the Winnebago. We have put over 1000 miles on it since the upgrade and it is a pleasure to drive. We liked the RV portion of the motor home all along but was not happy AT ALL with the handling. In summary, in spite of our research and talking to folks along the way about gas Class A motor homes, we still ended up buying something that we were not happy with in the end. The folks at Henderson's were very experienced with our problem and had a fix for our situation. They were outstanding to work with!! I have told them the same thing. The Winnebago workmanship with the motor home is well done and we are happy with the RV portion. My question is why in the world would Winnebago and Ford produce such a machine that handled so horribly in a real world situation as with rain, moderate winds and heavy traffic, when aftermarket parts were available to make it a world class unit fresh from the factory? That I truly do not understand. What would I do differently? Well, I can't answer that because in spite of our research, we didn't see the handling issue on the horizon until we experienced it. I didn't know such a place as Henderson's existed or I would have talked to them first. I will say that we are now happy with the 2012 Winnebago Adventurer on the Ford F53 Chassis...but with the caveat that it cost us a lot more money that we had budgeted for.
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Mr.Mark
California/Tennessee
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Joined: 09/24/2006
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Arvee Driver, what did it cost to 'phix' the Ford F53 chassis? Just so people know what they have to deal with.
MM.
Mr.Mark 
2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42.2 ft., 4 slides, 425 hp clean-air Cummins diesel
2007 Honda CR-V EXL, 4WD, w/Nav and the M&G braking system
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Goldencrazy
madison wi
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Joined: 06/21/2007
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Many threads on this site about this topic. Some folks live with the ride and handling and others like you and me improve it. Henderson helped me long distance on my last. I have a 2012 and am in final stages of chassis overhaul. Just waiting on rear trac bar. Kelderman air ride has been installed and roadmaster reflex steering stabilizer. I know that had these things been an option I would have purchased them so it is a no brainer but I guess the industry relies on all of those who wouldn't as the standard. Good luck.
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Arvee Driver
Central Point, Oregon
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Joined: 12/06/2011
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Our costs to put our F53 in acceptable shape was $4,900.00 and change.
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deereone
NE
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Joined: 12/20/2005
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Being a Ford chassis owner for the third time, I suggest all Ford Chassis owners read this info on this site: Handling fix before spending any $$$'s on after market fixes. This is a no cost fix for most as most can make the fix themselves. And if for some reason after doing it you don't think the handling is better you can change it back to original and go buy all the after market products you wish.
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