F53 chassis hanling in the wind
We have a, new to us, Winnebago Vista 26 on the F53 chassis. Have done the cheap handling fix, wheel alignment and tire pressure checks. On any kind of a windy day or truck passing the coach is a bear...
Forum Discussion
Checking the specifications for a Winnebago Vista 26 it's appears to be built on the smallest of the F53 chassis the 16K lbs model. On heavier models a front trac bar is standard feature but on the 16K it is optional. As such the first thing to do is verify if Winnebago selected the option. The bar, at least on my chassis, is behind the axle and connects to the axle on the driver's side and to the frame on the passenger side. If you don't have one add it as your first step to improving the chassis performance.
My 31' coach is built on the 18K chassis with a Ford front trac bar, CHF, airbags at each axle and 1/3 of the house is behind the rear axle. Makes for a very big lever the wind can use to push the coach around. Wind push was felt but manageable most of the time. The airbags were of limited value with regards to wind push but I didn't install them to limit wind push. What made the difference was a rear trac bar. My copilot wasn't comfortable with the push which was my reason for the addition. Coach is now very stable in moderate steady winds and passing trucks.
Do the front axle first if needed and drive the coach for a thousand miles of so in all conditions and determine if you need to add a rear bar. Make changes incrementally. Trac bars are not difficult to install if you have the mobility to get under the coach. If not a mobile mechanic might be a better option rather than a RV service center. A commercial truck service center can do the work.
My 31' coach is built on the 18K chassis with a Ford front trac bar, CHF, airbags at each axle and 1/3 of the house is behind the rear axle. Makes for a very big lever the wind can use to push the coach around. Wind push was felt but manageable most of the time. The airbags were of limited value with regards to wind push but I didn't install them to limit wind push. What made the difference was a rear trac bar. My copilot wasn't comfortable with the push which was my reason for the addition. Coach is now very stable in moderate steady winds and passing trucks.
Do the front axle first if needed and drive the coach for a thousand miles of so in all conditions and determine if you need to add a rear bar. Make changes incrementally. Trac bars are not difficult to install if you have the mobility to get under the coach. If not a mobile mechanic might be a better option rather than a RV service center. A commercial truck service center can do the work.
