Road handling issues
I have a 2013 Coachmen Encounter TZF, basically 38 feet. I can hardly keep it on the road in the wind and when a semi passes me it shoves me all over the place. I am about ready to sell it, between ...
Forum Discussion
When I purchased my brand new RV I took it and had the front end aligned. They thought I was crazy wanting to get a brand new RV aligned. When I returned to pick up my rig they were amazed. My front end alignment was way out. They had to add wedges to the front end to get it aligned.
When your coach was built the chassis was aligned at the factory. The coach manufacturer adds a lot of weight to the chassis but they do not re-align the chassis.
I would start there.
X3
Another possibility is weight distribution. Check here for RV weight information on the FMCA forum.
After I had my rig aligned I weighed each corner of my coach. Front drivers tire, front passenger tire, driver’s side rear duals, and passenger side real duals. When I loaded my storage bays I put the light stuff over the heavy wheels and the heavy stuff over the light wheels with the goal of distributing my weight as evenly as possible.
After loading your coach, try weighing each corner once again. Add your weights to find the total weight or your rig and check your loaded weight against the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your coach. Some coaches are nearly overloaded with just a passenger and a driver. I believe your GVWR is posted next to the driver’s seat by law. On older coaches it was hidden in the closet. If your coach is overloaded decide what can be left at home.
Next, you can go to your tire manufacturers web site and find their tables for tire pressure versus load. Use the weights from the four corners of you coach after loading all the gear you intend to carry to see what your proper tire inflation should be. An under inflated tire can make an RV very hard to control. And an over inflated tire can also make for a rough ride and control problems.
Nothing here should cost very much. I believe my alignment was around $150.00 but that was in 2006. Here in Washington State I can weigh my coach at a truck weigh station when it is closed for no cost.
If this doesn’t help then you can think about adding trac bars and a steering dampener. This step is where you start spending money.
Good luck and safe travels.
JD
When your coach was built the chassis was aligned at the factory. The coach manufacturer adds a lot of weight to the chassis but they do not re-align the chassis.
I would start there.
X3
Another possibility is weight distribution. Check here for RV weight information on the FMCA forum.
After I had my rig aligned I weighed each corner of my coach. Front drivers tire, front passenger tire, driver’s side rear duals, and passenger side real duals. When I loaded my storage bays I put the light stuff over the heavy wheels and the heavy stuff over the light wheels with the goal of distributing my weight as evenly as possible.
After loading your coach, try weighing each corner once again. Add your weights to find the total weight or your rig and check your loaded weight against the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your coach. Some coaches are nearly overloaded with just a passenger and a driver. I believe your GVWR is posted next to the driver’s seat by law. On older coaches it was hidden in the closet. If your coach is overloaded decide what can be left at home.
Next, you can go to your tire manufacturers web site and find their tables for tire pressure versus load. Use the weights from the four corners of you coach after loading all the gear you intend to carry to see what your proper tire inflation should be. An under inflated tire can make an RV very hard to control. And an over inflated tire can also make for a rough ride and control problems.
Nothing here should cost very much. I believe my alignment was around $150.00 but that was in 2006. Here in Washington State I can weigh my coach at a truck weigh station when it is closed for no cost.
If this doesn’t help then you can think about adding trac bars and a steering dampener. This step is where you start spending money.
Good luck and safe travels.
JD
