B190 Enthusiasts

No problem.

Have the shocks been replaced? They're 17 years old and probably worn out (even with low miles), so it's a good starting point. I would recommend that before trying anything else.

Off topic: Would you mind sending me the Ford and Airstream VINs for your rig? I'm especially interested in yours because it's a 2000, so a very late model.

Sure Skater.

The vin # is 1FDSS34S7XHA94322. The TX registration classifies it as a AIRS, E350 THOR,1999 / Motor Home, but the title has it as an AIRS B-190 2000.

Cheers
SheilaG

Sheila G wrote:The vin # is 1FDSS34S7XHA94322. The TX registration classifies it as a AIRS, E350 THOR,1999 / Motor Home, but the title has it as an AIRS B-190 2000.

Thanks. If you don't mind, would you please send me the Airstream VIN as well? It's usually mounted on the radiator support under the hood. Thanks!

Sorry I'm just getting back to you Skater; I've been in and out all day. I didn't know there was another vin #. I don't think the person who sold it to me knew either. The number is 1B9KGVA20YJ301379. Do you know if there are any other 2000s out there? I'm really curious to know.

I understand that when driving one needs to feel a sense of security and until I added the Monroe heavy duty shocks front and back and replaced the front sway bar and rear sway bar...it was going to be a challenge to drive without being always on guard. As mentioned four things also helped to the point that I drive B and hardly ever worry anymore. 1) I chose to take out the small bed mattress up top lightening the load up top. 2) replaced the other mattress with a nice new and hopefully lighter one(smells much better) 3) filled the fresh water tank up at least halfway which gave more driving stability. 4) when I travel I put all luggage weight/supplies over the rear wheel base.
That is frustrating that the rear sway bar will not fit on you rig.
Good Luck and hope these ideas help.

Thanks Mountaindent,

I'm going to take her to an RV shop and see if they can some how fit the rear sway bar. My friend was unable to do it because of the water tank. If the RV shop can get it installed then I plan to add a front sway bar and new shocks. I will also take your advice about distributing weight on the inside. If there's no way the rear sway bar can be installed, I'm going to have to give up and try to sell her. I so hate to do that. I've looked at tons of other campervans and nothing comes close to my little Ellie. She may be an elephant, but she's my baby.

Cheers.
SheilaG

Hopefully a shop can get it installed for you. I have had my '90 B for about 3 months now and have probably put close to 900 miles on her. I enjoy driving it and have not had any experience w/white knuckle moments. I noticed that I have Bilenstein shocks but nothing aftermarket concerning sway bars. Good luck !

Thanks Choptop. That gives me some hope. One of my sons has driven her besides me and he is really insisting I get the sway bars, but it sounds like maybe I can get by with just new shocks. Did you drive over any mountains?

Sheila G wrote:Sorry I'm just getting back to you Skater; I've been in and out all day. I didn't know there was another vin #. I don't think the person who sold it to me knew either. The number is 1B9KGVA20YJ301379. Do you know if there are any other 2000s out there? I'm really curious to know.

Since this is off-topic for this thread, I'll respond in this thread.

[quote="Sheila G"]Thanks Choptop. That gives me some hope. One of my sons has driven her besides me and he is really insisting I get the sway bars, but it sounds like maybe I can get by with just new shocks. Did you drive over any mountains?[/quote

No mountains yet, next year.

Shocks get you 40% more comfortable, front sway 20%, rear sway another 20% and the Safe-T-Plus stearing assist make the beast tame. Without it going through the smoky mountains in the winter was mayhem. Now, a nice ride for the size of the rig. To add, get a wireless tire tracker to monitor pressure and temps of the tires. VERY helpful.

Good idea, thanks !!

JMO Shocks should be a priority over anti sway bars they are a normal wear idem which affects every thing from breaking to body roll even tire wear. Even ball joints berrings & bushings will have a shorter lifespan with bad shocks.
If I remember correctly it was a little over $500 for KYB's and I think Monroe's are about the same price.

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This isn’t really spelled out, but a rear sway bar can not be installed on a 97-99 B190 without heavy modification to the fresh water tank

Just saw this and updating. I have a 1999 and Hellwig rear sway bar went on without any modifications to the rig’s tanks or any other standard equipment.