Ford F-53 Chassis Overview
The Ford F53 is the most popular chassis built for the gas Class A motorhomes. Current models feature a 7.3L V8 gas engine, often referred to as the “Godzilla” engine. From 1998-2020, Ford built the F53 chassis with the 6.8L Triton V10 engine, which was an improvement from the older style chassis with a 7.5L V8 engine they used on earlier chassis model years. Available in multiple GVWR classes ranging from 16,000 to 26,000 pounds, the F53 is designed to accommodate various motorhome sizes and floorplans. Despite its popularity, the F53 comes with many common handling issues due to its rigid suspension design and the high center of gravity. Drivers frequently report excessive body roll when cornering or changing lanes, steering wander or a “loose” feeling in the wheel, requiring constant correction to stay in the lane, push and pull from wind or passing trucks due to the large, flat side profile and movement in the rear suspension, and harsh ride quality over uneven roads, caused by stiff leaf springs and minimal shock absorption.
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Ford F53 V8
In late 2020/early 2021, Ford released their latest chassis version with the 7.3L V8 engine. In addition to the engine change, Ford also increased the factory diameter of the front and rear sway bars for improved sway control and handling. Click the image below for upgrade options!
Ford F53 V10
Available from 1998-2020, the Ford F53 with the 6.8L V10 engine is one of the most common gas coaches on the road. Despite its popularity, F53 V10 owners often experience handling challenges like body roll, wander, and harsh ride. Click the image below for upgrade options!
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Stock Ford F53 Test
Suspension components work together as a system. F-53 motorhomes are big, heavy vehicles. When you install more aggressive anti-sway bars, which act like springs, they want to snap back to their neutral position after a body-lean event. When you dramatically reduce that side-to-side rocking motion, you'll notice some porpoising. That’s why we recommend upgrading to the Koni FSD shocks that we offer to compliment our [anti-]sway bar kits.”
Cheap Handling Fix
As you search Google looking for RV information you may have run across the “Cheap Handling Fix” term while surfing the internet. In simple terms, it’s where a person crawls under a Ford Motorhome and moves the front anti-sway bar bolts attached to the end-links. The thought behind this is to try and create a stiffer mounting setup in hopes to provide more sway resistance for the front of the coach.
Understanding Your GVWR
In this informative video, we dive into the world of motorhomes, with a special focus on the often-overlooked yet crucial factor: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). As a motorhome owner or RV enthusiast, it's essential to understand the importance of GVWR and how it impacts your vehicle's performance, handling, and safety. Join us as we break down the concept of GVWR, explain its significance, and provide practical tips to ensure you stay within your motorhome's weight limits.