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goufgators's avatar
goufgators
Explorer
May 18, 2018

We're all tired of reading about 'wandering' problems....

Please forgive me for another post about steering 'wander'. We have a new 2017 Winnebago class A that has the dreaded wandering problem (don't they all...maybe except the very high end units). First, I had the front end aligned...no affect; then weighed and psi adjusted...no affect; then steering stabilizer installed...thankfully some positive affect but still some wandering particularly on windy days. I know it'll never steer like a Lincoln or Cadillac but would like for it to be a bit less of a constant strain on the driver (me). I'm willing to have another after market add-on if it would result in some positive result as did the steering stabilizer. Been thinking that a rear trac bar might be the next step to take. Would appreciate any comments from you 'experienced' drivers. Thanks!
Class A

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  • goufgators's avatar
    goufgators
    Explorer
    May 18, 2018
    wolfe10 wrote:
    wa8yxm wrote:
    A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)


    2017 Ford F53 already has a front track bar/panhard rod.

    Adding a rear one is a good idea.


    Over looked this first time around. I will go ahead and order a rear trac bar. Thanks...
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    May 18, 2018
    wa8yxm wrote:
    A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)


    2017 Ford F53 already has a front track bar/panhard rod.

    Adding a rear one is a good idea.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2018
    A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2018
    I know that you said that you weighed the coach but have you tried shifting the load? Most coaches will handle better if the front axle is loaded close to the maximum allowable weight. If the front axle is too light, it will wander no matter what you do with alignment, etc.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    May 18, 2018
    goufgators wrote:
    blknomad wrote:
    I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.


    Thanks, but what is "the C.H.F."? And, is the trac bar front or rear?
    Again, thanks for your reply.


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  • goufgators's avatar
    goufgators
    Explorer
    May 18, 2018
    blknomad wrote:
    I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.


    Thanks, but what is "the C.H.F."? And, is the trac bar front or rear?
    Again, thanks for your reply.
  • blknomad's avatar
    blknomad
    Explorer
    May 18, 2018
    I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    May 18, 2018
    goufgators wrote:
    Please forgive me for another post about steering 'wander'. We have a new 2017 Winnebago class A that has the dreaded wandering problem (don't they all...maybe except the very high end units).

    ....... weighed and psi adjusted...no affect.


    Don’t forget that there are factors over which you have little if any control.

    First and foremost, unlike a car, you are talking about a vehicle that has a sidewall area of probably 10’ x 30+’ or about 300 sq. feet. Adding to this problem is the chassis itself, in a DP the axles are basically at each end. In a gasser the rear axle is almost amidships. The leverage of a crosswind (natural or the ‘bow wave’ of a passing truck) on the rear ‘overhang’ means the coach wants to swivel on the rear axle.

    Lowering the tire pressure to match the inflation tables instead of running the pressure on the placard in the drivers door jamb (or elsewhere) means the tires are more prone to sidewall flex. The sidewall flex adds considerably to the overall problem.
  • BigSkyBob's avatar
    BigSkyBob
    Explorer
    May 18, 2018
    Not sure if it's possible with your chassis, but installing something like X-bars on the trailing arms will result in much improved stability. When I installed a front Watts link on my rig the wandering dynamics completely disappeared. Again not sure if your chassis can accept these mods.

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