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jspringator's avatar
jspringator
Explorer
Dec 27, 2015

Wind push P-32; Sumo Springs or Super Springs?

I've installed new Bilsteins, Trac Bar, SS bell cranks and arms, Roadmaster Reflex steering stabilizer, SS front springs, Timbren front stabilizers, and polyurethane bushings on front and rear sway bars and alignment to Henderson recommendations.. With the exception of the new bushings, the rear is stock.

I'm getting a SEVERE wind push from passing traffic. It seems to be worse at lower speeds (60) than (65-70). Of course that could be because I'm getting passed less and the speed differential is less when I am passed.

When driving with no traffic, the setup is perfect, but the wind from passing vehicles destabilize the rear making the rig hard to handle.

It looks like I have 2 options to stiffen up the rear; Sumo Springs and Super Springs helper springs. It looks like helwig makes a helper spring that is roughly equivalent to the Super Spring helper springs. I can't find an upgraded sway bar.

Does anyone have any experience with this issue on a short wheelbase P-32? I'm in the Tampa area for the holidays and would like to get the device installed for the return trip.

38 Replies

  • Front: 4,640
    Rear: 8140
    Plate tire pressure is 65 PSI front and rear. Tire size 225/70/19.5, LR F. From what I see, I'm way under weight for this pressure. As I understand it, I shouldn't use lower than plate pressure, but the build sheet from Workhorse does spec 60 psi in the rear. Might lowering it to 60 psi in the rear help?

    I have a stock rear sway bar with new polyurethane bushings. I have a Davis Trac bar (rear) made by Roadmaster. I looked at the rear springs, and they don't have an arch to them, whatever that means.

    I think I'm going to get a set of Sumo Springs and see where that leaves me. If there is an improvement, then I can order new springs and get them installed when I get home, and keep the Sumo Springs. If that doesn't help, look at a Steer Safe. I'm guessing I will end up with one eventually.
  • I had my rear springs replaced last year. The originals were sagging. The new ones made a big difference.
  • I had a steer safe on my P30 and it won't do anything for being pushed around. A rear trac bar would be the best thing to try as long as all of your suspension checks out.
  • What kind of air pressure are you carrying in the tires?
    Have you weight your coach?
    Do you have a rear sway bar?
  • I like steer safe. Don't hear or see much about it. I had it on my 34' 1989 Pace Arrow. It did such a great job I put it on my present MH. It worked so well on the Pace Arrow I used to kid other RVers that I could go back and make a sandwich without it leaving the lane.:B I would call safe steer and talk to the guy. It takes over 400 pounds pressure to turn the front wheels. Some of the others on the market advertize their pressure to turn the wheels is about 170 pounds.
  • Just a few miles from my campsite here in Hillsborough River State Park I saw a guy with exactly the same motorhome as mine. He was talking about how much he loved the handling on his. As far as I could tell, the only thing he had that I didn't was a Steer Safe. I've got a feeling my rear springs have a sag. I'm going to measure the clearance between the top of the pumpkin and the frame later today. Since I just bought it, I don't know what it has hauled.

    I'm not ready to give up. I just bought it. The water tank is empty. It is in the rear of the coach. Maybe I should fill it.
  • You have a light coach and are going to get pushed around.
    I have the same issue with my 95 Ford class A chassis. I even feel SUVs going by. You just learn to drive through it.

    Richard
  • I had a P30 with the same issues and did everything you did plus more. I fixed it by getting rid of it and getting a diesel pusher.