As I read the class A posts, to learn for a future purchase, I see lots and lots of posts about doing mods to make the handling better. I have seen things about the CHF, adding stabilizer bars, and all kinds of stuff to relatively new MH's. Do you really have to spend thousands of dollars doing mods to make a new (or almost new MH) drive acceptably? I am not able to do those type mods myself, and know absolutely nothing about suspension and handling problems, so am concerned. How can the manufacturers sell a MH at over $100K, and not have a driveable vehicle. My $30K truck drives great, why can't they do it on a MH?

The problem only comes from new owners that want to attempt to duplicate the handling and ride of their automobile or pick-up. RV's are large vehicles with the aerodynamics of a brick. You can throw all kinds of money at any RV and it still will not handle like your car. You may be able to improve certain aspects of the way the vehicle handles but that is about it. Many people buy them, use them, adjust to the driving differences, and enjoy the RV experience, without any modifications at all. They are what they are.

rgatijnet1 hit the nail on the head.RVs have a much higher center of gravity, huge walls that are greatly affected by wind, and a softer suspension to keep the stuff inside safe/rattle free.The only change we have made was the CHF to stop the excess sway from passing trucks. Slowing down also lessens the sway, but most are unwilling to do that.As far as we are concerned, our bus drives extremely well considering its size, weight, and function. I mean, it is a house going down the road, not a two seater sports car. We have adjusted our driving accordingly.Your $30K truck isn't a house on wheels. If it was, it probably wouldn't drive as well as it does. People just need to change their expectations.

For sure motorhomsa have zero aerodynamics. You can feel passing cars and trucks because of the air they are pushing into you. Any little breeze from the side will cause over/understeer and see-sawing of the steering wheel. This has absolutely nothing to do with the suspension but the slab sides of the MH. The best way to minimize handling problems is to weigh your unit when full of carry ons and fuel. Go the website of the tire manufacturer of your tires and find the proper inflation levels. You will be amazed at how much better the handling is with properly inflated tires.

The top heavy MH tends to roll with the variations of our current highways (and what is said above about aerodynamics of a MH).Trackbars tie the frame to the axles to reduce the reaction to the body roll.Anti-sway bars try to reduce body roll during cornering and also assist with the uneven road surfaces to reduce body roll.Air bags in most cases provide a cushioned ride and also assist in keeping the coach level if one side becomes loaded more than the other.Steering controls such as Saf-T-Plus, etc. are designed to keep the steering centered and prevent sever steering reactions to blowouts, potholes, etc.My motorhome came with 3 of the 4 and I added the 4th for $550.

What Ron said is largely true. For years I thought my MH rode good because of the added Steer Safe that is suppose to keep the tires running straight. This is a $500 mod if you do it yourself. The MH had it on when I bought it so I just believed it helped. I drove home from OH to CT without it because of an accident and felt no difference in the handling of the MH. I still drove it with one hand even with passing trucks. I think weight distribution, tires being balanced, tires not out of round, a good front end alignment, and learning to drive the MH will be your cheapest mods.

handling/ride on new MH | Good Sam Community

dahkota
Explorer
Aug 10, 2015
rgatijnet1 hit the nail on the head.
RVs have a much higher center of gravity, huge walls that are greatly affected by wind, and a softer suspension to keep the stuff inside safe/rattle free.

The only change we have made was the CHF to stop the excess sway from passing trucks. Slowing down also lessens the sway, but most are unwilling to do that.
As far as we are concerned, our bus drives extremely well considering its size, weight, and function. I mean, it is a house going down the road, not a two seater sports car. We have adjusted our driving accordingly.

Your $30K truck isn't a house on wheels. If it was, it probably wouldn't drive as well as it does. People just need to change their expectations.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2015
The problem only comes from new owners that want to attempt to duplicate the handling and ride of their automobile or pick-up.
RV's are large vehicles with the aerodynamics of a brick. You can throw all kinds of money at any RV and it still will not handle like your car.
You may be able to improve certain aspects of the way the vehicle handles but that is about it. Many people buy them, use them, adjust to the driving differences, and enjoy the RV experience, without any modifications at all. They are what they are.

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