SDI E-Clik Stabilizer Reviews: Real RV Owner Experiences & Performance Guide

What's Going On

you're asking about real-world experiences with the SDi E-Clik system for F-53 chassis motorhomes, and I can share some valuable insights from RV owners who've made this upgrade. The E-Clik is a sophisticated shift point controller designed specifically for Allison transmissions and is not compatible with Ford TorqShift transmissions used in F-53 chassis. F-53 motorhomes require different transmission control solutions. Most owners who've installed it report dramatically improved driving experience, especially when climbing hills or dealing with constant hunting between gears that's common with the factory programming on F-53 chassis.

The system has been gaining popularity because it addresses one of the biggest complaints about driving Class A motorhomes - the transmission's tendency to shift at inappropriate times. While I can't help you find someone in south-central Pennsylvania to demonstrate it personally, I can give you detailed feedback from installations I've worked on and owner reports I've gathered over the years.

Why This Happens

Common causes of transmission shifting issues with the F-53 chassis include how Ford programmed the original transmission control module. Ford designed this chassis primarily for commercial applications like delivery trucks and emergency vehicles, not for the unique demands of a heavy motorhome that might weigh 30,000+ pounds and have very different aerodynamic characteristics. The factory programming often causes the transmission to upshift too early when climbing grades, then downshift abruptly when it realizes it doesn't have enough power, creating that annoying hunting behavior.

The E-Clik system replaces this programming with algorithms specifically designed for RV applications. It takes into account factors like throttle position, vehicle speed, engine load, and grade to make more intelligent shift decisions. The system also includes features like grade braking, where it will hold lower gears on downhills to provide engine braking, and hill start assist to prevent rollback when starting on an incline.

What makes this particularly relevant for F-53 chassis owners is that these motorhomes typically have the Caterpillar C7 or Cummins ISL engines paired with Ford TorqShift 5R110W transmissions. The combination works well mechanically, but the shift programming was never optimized for the RV lifestyle of mountain driving and varying load conditions.

Getting Ready

WARNING: Always disconnect the battery and follow proper electrical safety procedures when working with transmission control systems. Verify manufacturer warranty compatibility before installation.

If you're considering the E-Clik system, you'll want to understand what the installation involves and what to expect cost-wise. The system typically costs in the range specified by the manufacturer for the correct part for your model (verify with dealer), plus installation if you're not doing it yourself. Most RV service centers require several hours of labor for installation. Since F-53 chassis uses Ford TorqShift transmissions, E-Clik systems are not applicable. Alternative transmission controllers designed for Ford TorqShift transmissions should be considered instead.

Before installation, you should document your current driving experience - note specific situations where your transmission hunts or shifts poorly, fuel mileage numbers, and any particular routes where you have problems. This gives you a baseline for comparison after installation. The system comes with a small display unit that mounts in your cab, so you'll need to decide where to locate it where it's easily visible but not intrusive. Most owners mount it on the dashboard or in the overhead console area.

You should also understand that there's a learning period with the E-Clik system. It has multiple driving modes, and you'll want to experiment with different settings to find what works best for your driving style and typical routes. The system includes an economy mode, tow mode, and performance mode, each with different shift characteristics.

Walking Through the Fix

E-Clik systems cannot be installed on F-53 chassis as they are designed exclusively for Allison transmissions. F-53 chassis uses Ford TorqShift transmissions which require compatible aftermarket controllers from other manufacturers. However, you'll need to run wiring from the transmission area to the cab for the display unit, which is where most of the installation time goes.

Many owners report noticeable improvements in shift quality, but the real benefits become apparent after driving various types of terrain. On flat highway driving, you'll often notice smoother, less frequent shifting and sometimes improved fuel economy. The improvement tends to be most noticeable on hills - instead of the transmission constantly hunting between gears on moderate grades, the E-Clik will typically hold the appropriate gear until you reach the crest, then smoothly upshift.

The grade braking feature is particularly appreciated by owners who do mountain driving. When you lift off the throttle on a downgrade, the system will hold a lower gear to provide engine braking, reducing wear on your service brakes. You can adjust the aggressiveness of this feature through the cab display. Many owners also report that the transmission runs cooler because it's not constantly shifting under load.

After installation, plan to spend time learning the different modes and settings. The economy mode prioritizes fuel efficiency and will upshift earlier, while performance mode holds gears longer for better acceleration. Most owners find they use economy mode for flat highway driving and switch to performance or tow mode in mountains or when dealing with headwinds.

Beyond DIY Territory

WARNING: Improper installation can cause transmission damage or unsafe vehicle operation. Professional installation is recommended for complex electrical systems.

While the E-Clik installation isn't extremely complex, there are several reasons you might want professional installation. The wiring run from the transmission to the cab can be tricky depending on your motorhome's layout, and you'll want to ensure the display wiring is properly secured and doesn't interfere with any steering or brake components. For F-53 chassis owners seeking transmission control improvements, consult with manufacturers who produce controllers specifically designed for Ford TorqShift transmissions.

If you experience any issues after installation, such as harsh shifting, delayed engagement, or fault codes, you'll want a shop familiar with the system to diagnose problems. Some issues can be resolved through reprogramming, while others might indicate installation problems or compatibility issues with aftermarket modifications to your drivetrain.

For finding someone in your area with experience, I'd recommend contacting SDi directly - they maintain a list of authorized dealers and can often put you in touch with nearby customers who've had positive experiences. Many RV rallies and shows also feature owners who are happy to demonstrate aftermarket modifications like the E-Clik system. For F-53 chassis owners, research transmission controllers specifically designed for Ford TorqShift transmissions to achieve similar driving improvements.