Reducing "Tractor Trailer Push" E-350 Class C
Hey Guys: 'Ol "Twenty Questions" here again! Are there suspension "add-ons" one can install to reduce that feeling of being pushed off the road by Tractor Trailers coming up beside you? Or how abo...
Forum Discussion
I've put 35,000+ miles on our 24' E-350 Class C over the last 3+ years. Our Nexus is one of the largest 24' C's out there at 101" wide and 11'4" high with a full 7' of headroom throughout the coach. I've never had a problem with trucks passing even in windy conditions. Up to 35 mph relaxed one handed steering is the norm.
Several factors make this possible starting with the proper tire inflation based upon the load they are carrying. I run my 11,500# GVWR with Michelin LTX M/S 2's at 65 psi on the rears and 60 on the fronts. Over inflating the fronts will reduce your contact patch reducing control.
Also, as noted above correct alignment is crucial. I can literally let go of the wheel{yes, I keep my hand hovering close by}, on just about any interstate or 2 lane highway and the coach will track straight as an arrow every time. After 25,000+ miles on my Michelin's they look almost new with absolutely no un even wear.
Proper loading of the coach, specifically keeping excess weight off of the rear will help. A trip to the scale fully loaded as you normally travel will tell the tale. If the front end is too light the steering will be loose.
After 30,000 miles the original shocks were shot. I didn't realize how bad they had gotten until I replaced them with a set of heavy duty Bilstein's... Wow! What a difference. Since I normally run at or near my GVWR{lots of tools and toys}, and often tow my Harley {bike and trailer weigh 900#}, the folks at Bilstein recommended the heavy duty models and the ride quality is off the chart.
To the OP I recommend several things before you start spending the kids college fund on after market junk... keeping mind that replacing shocks is just sensible maintenance and if you must spend some serious dollars start with quality shocks like Bilstein or Koni.
Get your rig weighed and adjust as necessary to balance your load. Air up your tires based upon the manufacturers load/inflation tables {ignore any sticker found in the coach}, based upon the proper load that each tire is actually carrying and last, get your alignment checked and corrected as needed.
The key is not to be surprised when an 18 wheeler comes roaring by at 80, and out here in the southwest they do that all the time. Watch your left mirror and anticipate their passing. If you are startled by their initial bow wave chances are you may over react making corrections that are not necessary. Properly set up your coach should be able to continue tracking in your lane
as the trucks pass with minimal, if any, correction/steering input by the driver. Works for me.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV
:C
Several factors make this possible starting with the proper tire inflation based upon the load they are carrying. I run my 11,500# GVWR with Michelin LTX M/S 2's at 65 psi on the rears and 60 on the fronts. Over inflating the fronts will reduce your contact patch reducing control.
Also, as noted above correct alignment is crucial. I can literally let go of the wheel{yes, I keep my hand hovering close by}, on just about any interstate or 2 lane highway and the coach will track straight as an arrow every time. After 25,000+ miles on my Michelin's they look almost new with absolutely no un even wear.
Proper loading of the coach, specifically keeping excess weight off of the rear will help. A trip to the scale fully loaded as you normally travel will tell the tale. If the front end is too light the steering will be loose.
After 30,000 miles the original shocks were shot. I didn't realize how bad they had gotten until I replaced them with a set of heavy duty Bilstein's... Wow! What a difference. Since I normally run at or near my GVWR{lots of tools and toys}, and often tow my Harley {bike and trailer weigh 900#}, the folks at Bilstein recommended the heavy duty models and the ride quality is off the chart.
To the OP I recommend several things before you start spending the kids college fund on after market junk... keeping mind that replacing shocks is just sensible maintenance and if you must spend some serious dollars start with quality shocks like Bilstein or Koni.
Get your rig weighed and adjust as necessary to balance your load. Air up your tires based upon the manufacturers load/inflation tables {ignore any sticker found in the coach}, based upon the proper load that each tire is actually carrying and last, get your alignment checked and corrected as needed.
The key is not to be surprised when an 18 wheeler comes roaring by at 80, and out here in the southwest they do that all the time. Watch your left mirror and anticipate their passing. If you are startled by their initial bow wave chances are you may over react making corrections that are not necessary. Properly set up your coach should be able to continue tracking in your lane
as the trucks pass with minimal, if any, correction/steering input by the driver. Works for me.
As always.... Opinions and YMMV
:C
