Chevy Chassis is out of control

[ericsmith32]

Frankly it doesn't seem any different than my grandparents E450 31ft but I'm getting tired of being pulled over! Pulled over outside of Jackson MS because the road suddenly started tossing the RV around and couldn't slow down quick enough (although the step was starting to come down so it was good timing). My wife got pulled over for the same but was the wind in KS. Starting to think it could be our age, grandpa never pulled over except speeding and he's worse than we are!

Planning on this in the following order.. Alignment.. Changing out the rear D Load Range with E's and pumping them up to 80lbs (front are already changed out)... Steering stabilizer up front .. and shocks last.

It does track straight and ride good for the most part but is easily influenced by wind and road conditions. And it does excessively bounce over the dips in the road. Typical RV's that I'm used to but has to be better. Thinking about a rear sway bar to but those are pricey for my budget. Anything I should look into?

[DownTheAvenue]

I have a Chevy 3500 Van converted into a class B motorhome. The handling left a lot to be desired. I changed the factory shocks to Bilsteins, and the change was dramatic. I would do that first.

[ericsmith32]

Not going to quote everyone that would get long...

If you look back alot of times the 3500 chassis was utilized on the 28ft non-slide models and below. Don't think I'm over on the chassis in general but a weight check is on my list to do.

Think I'll get the alignment just for the general front end check.

Just based on the Chevy box truck I was behind today in the same windy conditions I'm not sure anything would help in 20+ mph winds. Although I bet it would lessen the effects some.

I'll work on a few things and may post the results if it's not to far out. I would like to make it handle like a sports car but my wallet disagree's right now! Although I do plan on keeping it another 12 years so in the long run...

[tenbear]

I have an 05 MH on an 04 Chevy chassis. The only thing I have done is replace the Load Range D tires with E tires and increase the tire pressure by 5 psi. I have never had the problems you have described.

[tpi]

I'm not authority on the Chevy but on the Ford the sway bars and shocks were the biggest improvement. If your suspension is not worn or broken I'd bump the shocks up to first priority especially if the vehicle is bouncing down the road. Use HD shocks of some kind, preferably Koni or Bilstein.

[j-d]

It's easier for me to keep track of Ford cutaway chassis than Chevy:

There are so many more Fords
We have one
GM took theirs to/from Workhorse
Workhorse up-rated some of the 3500 chassis to equivalent GVWR as E450, on their own initiative and warranty responsibility
Then Chevy brought out 4500

So, Brother Ron, it's very possible this large Class C is in fact on "3500" but we don't know which flavor of same.

I'm confused just trying to express all that...

Eric,

If your tires are Load Range D, I agree those probably lack the capacity needed here. Front, sure. Rear, highly doubtful. It's actually kinda difficult to get actual "truck tires" ("LT" Light Truck designation, not "P" Passenger) that are NOT Range E.

Please go get it weighed. That'll tell you

If your tires are overloaded
What pressure to use based on actual scale information
Possible Front/Rear weight imbalances that lead to handling problems. Long explanation, but if wheelbase isn't long enough, it's easy to end up with too much weight on rear axle (even exceeding axle and tire ratings!) and inadequate weight on the front to firmly plant the front tires onto the road.

[ron_dittmer]

Eric,

Assuming nothing is worn or broken, the tires are "E" rated and have the right PSI, and your alignment is good, I feel the single biggest impact item you can add to improve handling under less than ideal driving conditions, is a heavy duty rear stabilizer bar. And fortunately they are generally easy to install yourself. Look into the affordable Helwig brand of stabilizer bars.

Your signature indicates you have a Chevy 3500 chassis that is over 28.5 feet long, and made of conventional construction. If that is all true, you might be running over-loaded which would be most influential. If I am not mistaken, a rig of that construction, size & length is typically built on a 4500. Look into your actual weight and weight distribution. If my suspicion is correct, you will want to add heavy duty everything from stabilizer bars, shocks, steering stabilizer, rear trac bar, and possibly higher rated springs.

[j-d]

Some of those Chevy chassis had problems with broken parts or welds on the idler arm bracket. Most front ends with steering boxes have a center link supported by the steering box's output lever, called Pitman Arm, on the driver side. The passenger side end is supported by the Idler Arm. All it does is provide support, but if it fails, the steering gets really sloppy. Ford E-Series doesn't happen to have one.

[ericsmith32]

4600 series on the Bilsteins? Have to change the tires out first they do have flat spots. Was going to experiment with the pressures. Jayco recommends 65 front 60 rear. Seems to like the 70psi on the front E's, but might be wearing the center too soon to tell. I've added 21 gallons and 2 batteries in the back so 60 might be too low.

Yes pulled over by the MS Highway Patrol. No issue's either time.. quick questioning and on our way.

[carringb]

The bouncing is inherent to the chassis. The OEM shocks are garbage. Bilsteins will help a lot. If its sitting on the front bump stops, some heavier springs would help the bounce.

[rvten]

When you said Got Pulled Over. I thought the cops stopped you.

[IAMICHABOD]

Having a 2005 Chevy Chassis like yours, I had some problems with the bouncing,that was taken care of by putting on a set of Bilsteins,that would be the first thing I would do,it also helped in the side to side roll,improving the handling in the wind.

Then I would check the alignment,had mine checked at 90000 and found that was in great shape,Chevy Chassis don't have the problems that plague the Fords,even my alignment shop agreed on that.

As for the 80 lbs in the tires,that seems to high,on my Michelin LTX M/S 2 I run 65psi front and 75psi rear,well within the specs for the weight on each axle,and it handles very well.

[ericsmith32]

I'll ask them but I jacked up the front end and couldn't detect any play in those areas. There was some around the center link though, not sure which piece was suspect.

[enblethen]

Have the alignment shop check the control arm bushing and ball joints.