Wandering Coach

[Slojoe72]

Just wondering how I can improve the handling of my ride. 1999 holiday rambler, 40' 350 cummins diesel pusher 36000 miles.
So while driving it just seems like I'm always chasing it, not terrible but always feel like I'm steering it. So here's the issue .... I bought it to tow my race car trailer with. So I have a 32' enclosed trailer attached. Soooo when I'm towing and chasing the motorhome, the trailer seems to all over the place.
Wonder about shocks... Suspention bushings.... Alignment?? Something?

[Ava]

My 94 Bounder DP has a steering stabilizer shock on the front axle. I think it is called Safety Steer. It will hold the steering wheel straight and helps keep the rig from wondering. It also keeps control in case of a flat tire up front. That may be something to look at.

[rgatijnet1]

You also could have too much play in the steering box. This can be adjusted on most vehicles but it is something that should be left to a professional.
If it is worn idler arm or tie rod ends, replacement is the only fix. Lift the front wheels off the ground and see if you can feel any looseness.

[lanerd]

Is this your first large mh? If yes, and with all due respect, it may be you that is causing this problem. First time large mh drivers tend to over correct during normal driving by looking at the road too close to the front of the mh. Looking further out (like you do in your car) will eliminate the wandering.

If you are an experienced large mh driver, then I would guess that the steering and suspension on the front of the motor home needs some expert adjusting. Being 17 years old, a lot of things could be worn and in need of replacing and/or adjusting.

Ron

[Slojoe72]

Yes yes wandering. Thanks for the spelling lesson. It happens with no trailer, kinda wanders from side to side in the lane and I feel like I'm always steering it.
Then when the trailer is hooked its transferred to the trailer and its swaying all over.
All orignal shocks, but I did put new tires on and replaced the 10 suspension bushings in rear.
1999 holiday rambler, 40' with 350 cummins pusher.

[DownTheAvenue]

The coach is wondering if it is wandering.

How does the coach handle without the trailer attached? If OK, then the problem is obviously related to the trailer, if the same, then it is obviously related to the coach.

Until you perform a test with an without the trailer, you may be focusing on something that does not need attention.

[Executive45]

I 'wonder' if SloJoe means 'wander'...:W:W:W.....Dennis

First thing is weigh your coach, 4 corners. Then hook up the trailer and weigh the entire setup. Determine your tongue weight and start from there. Your rig is not setup correctly but without these numbers we're all just guessing. Your problem may not be with the coach at all but with the trailer...Dennis

[et2]

Larger percentage of towed trailer weight needs to be in front of the wheels when loaded. Are you within the weight on the MH hitch? If not, are you using a weight distribution hitch with sway control? Even if not a trailer that long should have a weight distribution hitch with sway control damper IMHO.

Next are you within the weight specifications for your MH towing? Front axle weights, rear axle weights when loaded? Shocks old? Steering damper old? Tire pressures correct for loaded weights?

Lots to look at. But you need to be serious about finding out if you're within weight limits and loading, both trailer and MH.


What type of motorhome are you pulling with? Year, make & model?

[Slojoe72]

I though a lot about the trailer loading. But it does it empty.... Then it's just magnified because coach is wondering back and forth
which jerks trailer around.

[Slojoe72]

I though a lot about the trailer loading. But it does it empty.... Then it's just magnified because coach is wondering back and forth
which jerks trailer around.

[Tom_Barb]

Slojoe72 wrote:
Just wondering how I can improve the handling of my ride. 1999 holiday rambler, 40' 350 cummins diesel pusher 36000 miles.
So while driving it just seems like I'm always chasing it, not terrible but always feel like I'm steering it. So here's the issue .... I bought it to tow my race car trailer with. So I have a 32' enclosed trailer attached. Soooo when I'm towing and chasing the motorhome, the trailer seems to all over the place.
Wonder about shocks... Suspention bushings.... Alignment?? Something?

Trailer loading might be causing it. be certain you have the center of gravity forward of the axels, and at least 10% of the total trailer weight on the hitch.

Or move up to a Newmar with comfort drive 🙂

[YC_1]

Read these threads

[rgatijnet1]

Too light on the front axle of the coach, when loaded, can cause it to wander all over the road.

[Harvard]

Too little positive caster can result in wandering.