RV feels loose in front end

It appears that the front end is the weak spot for Ford based motorhomes. Ours only had 16000 miles on it and the front ball joints were loose. Next time ours are replaced I will have the kind installed that allow greasing. Not as confident of long term wear on the sealed kind. We also make sure those places that have zerk fittings on the front end get a squirt each time the oil is changed.

As previously suggested have a reputable location check the front end for worn components. I would do that before investing in a lot of handling modifications.

Our 26 foot Aspect drives and handles very well, it does have the rear air bags that are kept at 35 to 45lbs. The design of the Ford front end does cause it to be effected by road irregularities.....but not to the point that it causes drivability issues. We are much more relaxed driving this motorhome than our previous one.

artguys wrote:
If your'e intent on getting the alignment get the readings before you agree to go ahead with the corrections. Anything on the negative side of 0 for a caster reading could cause the described issue...but keep in mind Ford builds a great deal of positive caster into their trucks. It's been that way since the inception of the modern day use of king pins.

For example, when the caster bushings (Ingalls 594) on our E450 were set at neutral the caster was measured at +3.3 to +3.5. Handling improved greatly by getting an extra +2.0 to be +5.3 to +5.5.

Another example our Honda Civic, which has a fixed non adjustable caster, measures about +6.9 degrees.

Since power steering came along high +caster is the norm. The only reason you would want lesseer +caster would be for easier handing in city driving. IMO.

Thanks everyone for all the replys and input. Lots of info to think about.

If your'e intent on getting the alignment get the readings before you agree to go ahead with the corrections. Anything on the negative side of 0 for a caster reading could cause the described issue...but keep in mind Ford builds a great deal of positive caster into their trucks. It's been that way since the inception of the modern day use of king pins.

I doubt it's in need of a alignment...especially when it comes to an ill handling vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers Do Not make cars or trucks that just go out of alignment. Save your money...a steering dampener will tighten things up but I would first have the ball joints checked...classic example of what your'e describing. If that's no help it could be track bar bushings or other unsprung parts.

If you dont have air bags in the rear, get some. We just purchased a winnebago aspect and it had no air in the rear bags, wandered a bit in front was a handful at time. Finally got to put air in the rear bags and its significantly better handling. As noted before weight to the rear will cause the front to be light and the bags help set the weight back on the front. Cheap investment about $300 if you install about $500 if a shop does.

I had the upper and lower ball joints replaced. This is the alignment report. If the OP is towing a toad then tail wag caused by the toad or tow dolly can make the front end appear worse than it is. If towing, test drive the MH without towing to rule out tail wag causing the problem.

I saw somewhere (maybe around here) that with a Ford E series van, steering issues are something like 20% about toe-in and 80% about caster.

Your 2006 is really easy to add caster to. It's just a big offset bushing that drops right in. I bet pretty much any alignment shop that does trucks could take care of you.

On my 1983 you have to remove the radius arm, drill a hole, fit an adjustment plate and re-assemble. BLAH! At least the plates are cheap. I got a set for $14 off of ebay.

Hope it all works out for you quick and easy.

Jose

You don't need Lazy Days for that kind of work. Adjacent to Lazy Days is Gator Ford who might be worth a call. They're into trucks.

East of Tampa, out Adamo Drive, Columbus Drive, East Broadway, etc. there are MANY truck service places. Many have "Spring" in their name but many of those do suspension work and I believe alignments. I call that part of Tampa "Truck Town."

BTW, I agree with proper air pressure, load distribution, and all that. But I should add that the E-Series is rough on front suspension parts. Even with what you'd consider low miles, it's entirely possible that
1. Suspension Parts (Ball Joints, maybe Axle and Radius Bushings) and/or
2. Steering Parte (Tie Rod Ends, Center link, etc.)
could be worn out.

EDIT: Should add that IF:
Toe is OUT (negative)
Caster is LOW (mid-range or less positive)
Tires are Overinflated
Front Axle is Under-Loaded
THEN the RV will wander, and the first two will make it feel like the steering is loose. Worn parts will too, of course.


If you have it aligned DO have the shop set Caster to the high positive end of the range, NOT mid-range. It may take special bushings to accomplish that. If a shop can't discuss and maybe show you "offset bushings" go elsewhere.

I believe the Toe should be Zero (straight ahead) to slightly Positive (toe IN) also. I consider that to be as important as the Caster setting, but it's easier to achieve. Many shops will set only the Toe on a Twin-I-Beam Ford front end. You don't want that. Hence my comment about "offset bushings." You want all the primary angles checked and set. Set Caster High, keep Camber in range, and set Toe slightly IN.

How is it loaded?
Do you have a toad on a dolly?
More weight on the rear end than you should have?