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Old 04-22-2021, 04:50 PM   #1
evh5150
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Default BT5210 Suspension Upgrades

I recently bit the bullet and had some suspension upgrades installed on my E350 Ford chassis.
As experienced I found the suspension to be harsh and the steering to suffer from "bump steer" (fighting to keep the steering wheel straight when you hit a bump or a pothole or expansion joint.)
I had the following installed in order of most importance:
1.0 Roadmaster RSSC steering damper
2.0 Bilstein Comfort front and rear shocks
3.0 Roadmaster rear sway bar
4.0 Roadmaster front sway bar
The results were very impressive to date, making for a much improved fatigue and white knuckles free driving experience, especially when a tractor trailer blows past you!
Not a lot of long term miles as of yet , but driving a couple extra hours per day should be pretty easy henceforth when I hit the road on a new adventure
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Old 04-23-2021, 08:14 AM   #2
dpitchai
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How much did this cost?

I find my 2021 5210 lot more bumpier than my Honda CRV. I am not sure if my comparison is fair.
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Old 04-23-2021, 08:47 AM   #3
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I have a 2021 as well.
The components came in at $1682 and labor to install everything was $1000
You might want to start with the shocks and steering stabilizer . That should solve the ride quality for the most part.
The shocks were $456 and the steering stabilizer with kit was $356.
Labor was $270 for both to be installed.

Shock p/n's Bilstein front 33-187563. rear 33-176840
Roadmaster steering stabilizer p/n RSSC
Mtg kit : RBK24
Shop around. Prices vary greatly..mostly shipping impacts
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Old 04-27-2021, 01:57 PM   #4
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Thank you!
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Old 05-03-2021, 06:15 PM   #5
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I think you hit all the key points I did with mine. The only thing I added was new Michelin tires and 100 psi and hit the road.
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Old 06-09-2021, 12:38 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by evh5150 View Post
I have a 2021 as well.
The components came in at $1682 and labor to install everything was $1000
You might want to start with the shocks and steering stabilizer . That should solve the ride quality for the most part.
The shocks were $456 and the steering stabilizer with kit was $356.
Labor was $270 for both to be installed.

Shock p/n's Bilstein front 33-187563. rear 33-176840
Roadmaster steering stabilizer p/n RSSC
Mtg kit : RBK24
Shop around. Prices vary greatly..mostly shipping impacts
I finally bought the parts you suggested and they arrived. Trying to find a truck servicer who can install them. Most of them are full busy for next 2 to 3 weeks and asking me to call them afterwards.
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Old 06-09-2021, 01:58 PM   #7
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I feel your pain.
My first attempt was with a shop that advertises doing RV upgrades. The lady at the desk said that their RV guy was out today but he will contact me. Never called. I am glad he didn't!
Found a great shop though. He asked me to order the parts . Ultimately I had mine done in early April before the rush.
Be sure you register your steering stabilizer online with Roadmaster once installed.
Oddly Bilstein required no online warranty registration..but be sure to keep your receipts...but this stuff is heavy duty so I see no issues.
After you put about 1000 miles on your rig have the shop recheck the torque of all the fasteners . My shop insisted I come back in at that time...free of charge.
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Old 06-10-2021, 03:42 PM   #8
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Thanks for the information!
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Old 06-11-2021, 03:08 PM   #9
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Do we need to buy mounting bracket for Roadmaster steering stabilizer p/n RSSC?

Mounting bracket: https://www.amazon.com/Roadmaster-RB...1LOIXSHS&psc=1
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Old 06-11-2021, 04:12 PM   #10
evh5150
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Yes you will need the mounting bracket kit.
See my posting that details all the part numbers
It is RBK24 . The Amazon link you had posted is not the correct one (RBK22)
You need the one for the 2021 Ford E350 chassis
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Old 06-11-2021, 05:09 PM   #11
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Thanks again, ordered the right mounting kit. ��
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Old 06-28-2021, 12:45 PM   #12
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I gave my unit to a local Truck Service Center and below is what they said.

1. On the shocks, they said rear one had issues, threads not fitting etc, and they had to cut extra threads to make it work. Front shocks had no issues.

Item purchased: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2. On the steering stabilizer, they are saying it does not fit the 2021 BT 5210 at all.

Item purchased:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am going to call Roadmaster RSSA to figure out which is correct part for the rig.

I am wondering if the service guys properly fixed the rear shocks.

Any help is appreciated!
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Old 06-28-2021, 01:44 PM   #13
evh5150
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Surprised you are having issues!
Front and rear Bilsteins went on my 5210 without issues. Actually the rear shocks went on easily. The fronts took longer as it is difficult to access the top nut due to the Ford design of the inner fender.
The front steering stabilizer is RSSC as per Roadmaster
Are you certain you received the RSSC stabilizer and not the RSSA stabilizer which is for an A class RV?
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Old 06-28-2021, 01:51 PM   #14
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Just looked at your Amazon link for the stabilizer. It references the RSSA stabilizer. Not correct. However the RBK24 install kit is correct for your rig.
Hope this helps!
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Old 06-28-2021, 02:29 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by evh5150 View Post
Just looked at your Amazon link for the stabilizer. It references the RSSA stabilizer. Not correct. However the RBK24 install kit is correct for your rig.
Hope this helps!
Ah damn... I got wrong part then. I will get the correct one. Thanks again!
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Old 06-30-2021, 01:47 PM   #16
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Hi All...

Need another suggestion. The rear of RV (extension coming down below hitch) is scraping through the driveway pretty strongly. Like many complained here, the unit (2021 BT 5210) clearly is heavier on the rear and lighter on the front. I see a big gap between the front tyre and fender.

What is the easiest (hopefully cheaper too) solution to either raise the rear or lower the front or both, without compromising the ride quality? My driveway is getting damaged every single time, I take out or take in the unit.
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Old 07-20-2021, 01:54 PM   #17
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I took my unit to springs shop in Indy, and they add two leaf in the rear. Costed 750$ for parts and labour. The change is impressive. The rear is visibly raised, and I also feel the ride much better, with good steering handling and weight distribution. Probably the extra leafs improved the rear suspension as well. This also solved the rear scraping my drive way.

I previously added Bilstein shocks. I ordered RSSC steering stabilizer, but the order is yet to arrive. I now feel, I do not have to rush to put the steering stabilizer immediately. I can wait for few months and later add it.

Thank you all for the tips.
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