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goufgators's avatar
goufgators
Explorer
Apr 22, 2019

Yes, another 'wandering' rant...er ... post...

Probably the most discussed topic on this forum and likely others is that of the notorious steering wander on Ford F-53 chassis’. Judging from the number of requests for advice on remedying the problem, it seems to be close to a universal problem. My 2017 Winnebago, Sunstar with less than 4K miles is not an exception. Why I did not recognize this problem when test driving it is a mystery. I was probably too engrossed with gadgetry in the coach such as a flat screen that comes up out a counter area, electric sun shade that coves the windshield, bed that comes down over the front seats, air mattress in sofa and other items that are mostly to guarantee a sale…well, you get the idea. I have done practically everything that has been recommended on this Forum such as: Front-end alignment, weighing the coach then airing up in accordance with Goodyear’s PSI chart, installed steering stabilizer, installed rear trac bar and had caster adjusted to (I believe) 6 or 7 degrees positive. Thinking about next having toe in adjusted to Ford’s max 3/32. All of these things have been recommended by, I believe, well meaning members of this forum and there has been a bit of improvement but remains a difficult, tiring drive. I’m thinking now about having a Steer Safe installed but wondering can one be installed when there is already a steering stabilizer? Also, I’m still open to suggestions (actually pleading for) …maybe something you did to correct this problem on your coach short of trading it in for a diesel pusher (admittedly, I’ve given that some fleeting thoughts) ?.
Class A

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  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2019
    goufgators wrote:
    dodge guy wrote:
    goufgators wrote:
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    When you had the coach weighed did you shift items within the coach so that the front axle was close to the MAXIMUM allowable axle weight? A light front end will wander, even if the tire air pressure is set according to the weight.
    Thanks for reply. No, did not shift anything around.


    Yes, it’s the same as a trailer. You want more weight or the same on the front axle as the rear! I just bought a 2012 and it too was all over the road. A 3 hour drive home was a chore. I found out the coach has Hellwig sway bars, Sumo springs and a blue ox true center steering stabilizer. It also has 2 year old Michelin’s all around. I found the tow was out. 5/8 toed out. I reset it to 3/16 toed in. I haven’t driven it since because I have been getting it ready. I’m going to try and get it out this weekend for a drive!


    Good luck! If you find the 'magic wand' solution, please let me know.


    Will do. Don’t know about the magic wand, but hopefully I fixed the problem.
    With my Excursion and trailer, it took a couple years to get it all dialed in, but in the end I got that setup rock solid and could drive upwards of 14 hours straight and not be beat up from driving. I’ll get this RV setup to drive perfect, it’s just going to take a bit, because you can’t drive it everyday to get a feel for things!
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2019
    It's amazing how the long over hang and short wheel base gets the blame for handling.
    I drive what might be considered a worst case scenario for wheel base and over hang. 1995 33' F53 coach, 190" wheel base & 13' overhang.
    It handles very well with having the toe in set correctly, a front pan hard bar and quality tires. I still work part time in the front end business and am very picky about how a vehicle drives.
    Toe in can be easily and correctly set with a tape measure. Jack up the coach, scribe the tires and measure front and rear. Do the math and make the adjustment. I've never had a tape measure get out of calibration. GRIN
    If your F53 doesn't drive well, your front end shop has not done their job.
    Time to go to Henderson's Line Up.

    Richard
  • zigzagrv's avatar
    zigzagrv
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    A couple questions: what is the length of your motorhome and chassis and what are your tire pressures?
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    Take a look at the length (and weight) of the coach hanging out behind the rear axle. That right there will be the tail that wags the dog. When I was researching Class A gassers I found the cheaper coaches had shorter wheelbases than the more expensive models and, therefore, had more weight hanging out back to affect handling. Here's one of many stories on it: LINK
  • goufgators's avatar
    goufgators
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    dodge guy wrote:
    goufgators wrote:
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    When you had the coach weighed did you shift items within the coach so that the front axle was close to the MAXIMUM allowable axle weight? A light front end will wander, even if the tire air pressure is set according to the weight.
    Thanks for reply. No, did not shift anything around.


    Yes, it’s the same as a trailer. You want more weight or the same on the front axle as the rear! I just bought a 2012 and it too was all over the road. A 3 hour drive home was a chore. I found out the coach has Hellwig sway bars, Sumo springs and a blue ox true center steering stabilizer. It also has 2 year old Michelin’s all around. I found the tow was out. 5/8 toed out. I reset it to 3/16 toed in. I haven’t driven it since because I have been getting it ready. I’m going to try and get it out this weekend for a drive!


    Good luck! If you find the 'magic wand' solution, please let me know.
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    Have you done the sway bar link relocation "quick fix"? If not, google it.
    They say it makes a great difference in the handling of the coach.
  • zigzagrv's avatar
    zigzagrv
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    I bought the mh in my sig used and the only condition of the sale was that the front tires be replaced and front end alignment be done. That was in 2007. I have not experienced the wander and/or other suspension related problems reported by many on this forum. The only other things I did to the suspension was replace the shocks (Bilstein) and replaced the sway bar bushings with poly urethane bushings. The only complaint I have is that the steering wheel does not return to center after making a turn, which I have become accustomed to. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. This is after 50k+ miles.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2019
    goufgators wrote:
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    When you had the coach weighed did you shift items within the coach so that the front axle was close to the MAXIMUM allowable axle weight? A light front end will wander, even if the tire air pressure is set according to the weight.
    Thanks for reply. No, did not shift anything around.


    Yes, it’s the same as a trailer. You want more weight or the same on the front axle as the rear! I just bought a 2012 and it too was all over the road. A 3 hour drive home was a chore. I found out the coach has Hellwig sway bars, Sumo springs and a blue ox true center steering stabilizer. It also has 2 year old Michelin’s all around. I found the tow was out. 5/8 toed out. I reset it to 3/16 toed in. I haven’t driven it since because I have been getting it ready. I’m going to try and get it out this weekend for a drive!
  • goufgators's avatar
    goufgators
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2019
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    When you had the coach weighed did you shift items within the coach so that the front axle was close to the MAXIMUM allowable axle weight? A light front end will wander, even if the tire air pressure is set according to the weight.
    Thanks for reply. No, did not shift anything around.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 22, 2019
    When you had the coach weighed did you shift items within the coach so that the front axle was close to the MAXIMUM allowable axle weight? A light front end will wander, even if the tire air pressure is set according to the weight.

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