Forum Discussion

norisezp's avatar
norisezp
Explorer
Mar 25, 2019

W22 steering wander

I am a newbie. So, if there are already posts on this topic, I'll shut this one down and join one of those discussions. However, multiple searches yielded nothing about this.

I have a 2003 Southwind 36T on a W22 chassis. On a recent long trip, I got VERY fatigued trying to keep the thing in my lane. The steering had to be jiggled all the time to do so. This level of concentration severely limited the time I could spend driving to a couple of hours, about 150 miles. I cannot believe that this is right. Does anyone have suggestions on making this better?
  • Ours too is bone stock and I have no problem with any wander. I keep our tires inflated to 95 all around but that may be different for everyone as far as weight goes. Also as mentioned be sure not to overload the rear and take to much weight off the front axle within reason. Another trick if you're are new to driving a motor home is to look further down the road rather than looking down right in front of you. It for some reason gives you a better perception of keeping the rig straight and narrow down the road. Good luck and hope the issue get's resolved.
  • I have the same W22 chassis on my 2004 Monaco LaPalma 36DBD and mine is rock solid. I have no aftermarket add on's

    I run 90 lb in all 6 tires which is 5lb over the recommended pressure.

    I suggest you make sure your tires are not over inflated which will cause it to wander and to have a front end alignment.

    What speed were you going and how much wind were you encountering?
  • Thanks, all, for the responses. I think that I will get the unit weighed, then proceed from there. Until, of course, the problem goes away or I run out of things to try.
  • Steering linkage, alignment, wheel bearings, tire issues could be the problem. Have a good front-end shop take a look.
  • I would guess that your tires are over inflated. Although having your coach weighed and inflating the tires to the load specs is the best remedy, a quick fix would be to check the manufacturers recommended tire inflation levels posted on the plate on the inside of your drivers door at the bottom.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    First as someone said Get it weighted and inflate tires per load. may be different wheel to wheel. 2nd alignment

    Now.. there are 3 issues with many Motor homes.
    SWAY Not normally an issue with Workhorse this is side to side Swaying or Rocking. like fans at a rock concert holding up their BIC's during "We are the world".

    An improved sway bar can help but WORKHORSE did not skimp on the sway bars.

    WAG.. LEAF SPRING suspension (Which workhorse has on all 4 corners) allows the body to move side to side over the axle.. Now if one end moves right and the other left you THINK you are drifting so you compensate.. Then the ends swap and you now think you are drifting the other way and compensate and.. Well .. It is very tiring.

    TRAC BARS. also known as PAN HARD bars.. Stop this dead in its tracks. 100% effective if you put on two of 'em one front one rear. (I just did front)

    Finally steering stablizers like the Blue Ox Tru-Center (Which I have) or the Safe-T-Steer (which did not offer a "Remote recenter" option when I got my Blue OX.. that option I recommend) help to keep you "on the straight and narrow" as it were. and since your RV is 6" larger than most anything else you may ever drive.. the road is NARROW (The only other vehicle allowed on main roads that wide is a flat bed tow truck and yes.. I drove one once).
  • I would add a steering stabilizer, there are a couple good ones out there. You might check the front and rear track bars. Would also
    Find the Southwind forum,they should have some great info. Remember that you are driving a big box down the road.
  • The first thing you need to get done is to have your coach weighed. Then you adjust your tire air pressure according to your weight when loaded for travel. Most coaches will handle better if the front end is loaded close to the maximum axle weight. A lightly loaded front axle will tend to wander.
    Naturally you also need to have the suspension checked for loose/worn components.