Play in steering wheel = nerve wracking!

In compiling a list, don't forget this one

Weigh Coach and Adjust Tire Pressures Accordingly

Cost $10 for CAT scale if you can't find a free one.

The only thing I have to offer about my setup and Rons list is that, insofar as sway is concerned, my chassis tracks/follows the rear axel as if it had a beefed up rear sway bar. This is very noticeable when ever I mount an uneven driveway or road surface. But, as far as I know (I am the second owner), all I have that is not OEM is rear air bags.

Nevadastars wrote:
Judging by a few of your comments, my statement about "calm weather" must have came across the wrong way. I have not driven it with the new alignment in anything except 30 mph crosswinds. So, I have no idea what it will be like now, compared to what it was in calm conditions

I do plan on eventually installing larger sway bars and Bilstein shocks, no matter the eventual road or weather conditions. Also, will most likely be installing the Safe-t-plus. I have no intentions of putting my self or family in an unsafe coach, which is the purpose of this thread and will install everything I can to make it as safe and comfortable to drive as possible.

Ah! I understand. Sorry I misunderstood you. I am glad to read where you are going with this information......no more "convincing" needed. :)

Judging by a few of your comments, my statement about "calm weather" must have came across the wrong way. I have not driven it with the new alignment in anything except 30 mph crosswinds. So, I have no idea what it will be like now, compared to what it was in calm conditions

I do plan on eventually installing larger sway bars and Bilstein shocks, no matter the eventual road or weather conditions. Also, will most likely be installing the Safe-t-plus. I have no intentions of putting my self or family in an unsafe coach, which is the purpose of this thread and will install everything I can to make it as safe and comfortable to drive as possible.

For me, driving conditions are much more often poor instead of ideal. Therefore I would not consider how the rig handles when conditions are ideal. All that would do is cloud my decision.

How often are conditions ideal for you? How often do you drive your rig on a new freshly paved "straight & flat" road with no other lanes of passing trucks with their wind influence? Interstate highways have passing trucks, country/scenic roads cause lean with every curve in the road, tired road surfaces are common and rarely flat enough, and open areas often have wind pushing the rig in various directions other than forward.

One other point we really don't talk about is that a well handling rig has reduced stopping distance that is also well under the driver's control, especially effective on scenic byways and such. Drive a rig that handles like a drunken sailor on a winding mountain byway and slam on the brakes while taking on a curve in the road. Then do the same with that rig with all the suspension upgrades discussed, having all 6 wheels firmly planted on the ground maintaining weight distribution. The difference is quite remarkable.

If you won't invest for the sake of handling for driver comfort, then consider it for your loved ones safety. For this reason alone, I feel these upgrades should be included "By Law" in every motor home package sold by chassis manufactures like Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, and now Chrysler with the Promaster.

BTW, we have a Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer on our rig and I like what it does for handling. As seen here we also have Roadmaster heavy duty stabilizer bars, but the lower cost Hellwig bars are also a very good choice. If I knew back in 2007 what I know today, I would have saved myself a big pile of money.

Ron, all those items are on my to-do list except alignment of course. Depending how it steers now in calm weather, I may even consider a Safe-T-Plus steering control. The guy at the alignment shop highly recommended it.

At risk of repeating myself....

Each improvement is incremental. Your rig will handle it's best once you have addressed all weaknesses.

1) wheel alignment
2) heavy duty rear sway/stabilizer bar
3) heavy duty front sway/stabilizer bar
4) heavy duty shock absorbers
5) heavy duty steering stabilizer

Understand the original front stabilizer bar, steering stabilizer, and shock absorbers are the exact same parts Ford installs on their generic E250 van. How effective are they going to be on a motor home that weighs 3 to 4 times as much, has dual rear wheels, a wheel base adjusted by outfitters, has a huge wind-catching profile, and is top heavy?

Sounds promising. We look forward to a final, GOOD, outcome!

Picked it up from the alignment shop with the new sleeves installed. They ended up getting +5.13 degrees on the left and +5.79 on the right side. The original specs were 3.23 and 4.21 degrees positive.

Unfortunately, the 70 mile drive home on I-80 and 50 had very strong side winds, typical this time of year in the high desert. But it definitely seems better. Still seems to have a bit of steering wheel play, but is more responsive to input. I will get it out the next nice day and see how it does without 30 mph winds. Thanks to everyone that contributed positively to this thread.

Ok guys, my mechanic checked it out, and all steering components are fine. It was worth the $35 they charged to find out positively before I took it someone I don't know. So, I called the RV alignment shop in Reno and set up an appointment for next Tuesday. I asked the guy if they could install adjustable caster/camber sleeves and he said no problem. Although, they may not have what I need in stock, but they can get whatever ones are needed.