Wandering

[Rhmartinelli]

I just bought a used 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 30B workhorse chassis. As I drove it on the highway I struggled to keep it in one lane. I've read so much I'm now confused. The last advise was to replace my front tires and put on Michelin XZE.

Please help

Marty

[tatest]

In 2004 the Sightseer 30B was offered on 18,000 GVWR Ford or Workhorse chassis. I think the W-16 and W-18 had not yet been introduced, so it could be either F-53 with the smaller wheels or the heaviest GVWR on the P-chassis. Each has its own handling issues.

[wolfe10]

Mark,

I completely agree, the basics are THE place to start.

But, if this is a Workhorse P chassis, we need to include a mention of the OE front air bags, as many new owners are not aware of them and if not properly inflated have a really negative influence on handling (major changes in front end geometry). That is why I asked what chassis.

[427435]

I don't care what MH chassis the OP has. If the tire pressures aren't correct and the alignment is not correct, it will not handle well. Take care of the basics first------------then get back to us. Add-on hardware is not the basics.

[Jim]

First off do a four corner weighing of your rig. You can find scales ($5-$10) at truck stops. Or, many states allow you to use the truck scales when they are closed or not too busy.

Many commercial scales only weigh the axle, so it's tricky to get 4 corner weights.

But, it's important you have those figures before tackling your issue.

I had the same issue years ago, and it turned out to be nothing more than my front tires being worn and in poor condition. Mine aren't very wide (8R19.5), and they tend to track the channels in the road worn there by thousands of trucks. I'd inadvertently get in that groove and the front of the RV would wander back and forth in the channel. New tires fixed the problem.

After getting new fronts, I did get a 4 corner weighting and shifted some of my stuff around to balance it out a bit better.

[rgatijnet1]

Prior to Sept 2003 the W chassis had a 2" rectangular anti sway bar. After Sept 2003, they went to a 2.5" anti sway bar. Depending on the manufacturing date of the chassis on the OP's 2004 coach, it could have either the 2" or 2.5" anti sway bar.

[tropical36]

rgatijnet1 wrote:

tropical36 wrote:

wolfe10 wrote:
Marty,

Workhorse P or W chassis? They are very different.

Yep and the W chassis isn't equipped with sway bars, if I'm not mistaken. Doesn't seem to bother some people, but many have installed after market equipment and I think that Helwig might be one company with a kit.
First and before even looking into such things, one must be sure that what they have already is right with tires pressures and such, as already mentioned.
I'm thinking that 2003 might have been the end of the P chassis, so we're close here with what the OP might have and regardless for the year of the coach itself.

W chassis have sway bars and they are great because they are mounted steel to steel with no rubber bushings to deteriorate. They are the large square tubes right next the axles.

There's a W24 across the street that I need to take another look at and once they return home from their trip.

[LadyRVer]

I had the same mh, same model, Ford V-10, purchased new. Brought it back from dealer in GA
and first appt made was for Steer Safe. No further problems. Drove to Maine & back, drove out to TX and back. Just what worked for me.

[rgatijnet1]

tropical36 wrote:

wolfe10 wrote:
Marty,

Workhorse P or W chassis? They are very different.

Yep and the W chassis isn't equipped with sway bars, if I'm not mistaken. Doesn't seem to bother some people, but many have installed after market equipment and I think that Helwig might be one company with a kit.
First and before even looking into such things, one must be sure that what they have already is right with tires pressures and such, as already mentioned.
I'm thinking that 2003 might have been the end of the P chassis, so we're close here with what the OP might have and regardless for the year of the coach itself.

W chassis have sway bars and they are great because they are mounted steel to steel with no rubber bushings to deteriorate. They are the large square tubes right next the axles.

[tropical36]

wolfe10 wrote:
Marty,

Workhorse P or W chassis? They are very different.

Yep and the W chassis isn't equipped with sway bars, if I'm not mistaken. Doesn't seem to bother some people, but many have installed after market equipment and I think that Helwig might be one company with a kit.
First and before even looking into such things, one must be sure that what they have already is right with tires pressures and such, as already mentioned, but the brand of tires, would be the last thing that comes to mind.
I'm thinking that 2003 might have been the end of the P chassis, so we're close here with what the OP might have and regardless for the year of the coach itself.

[wolfe10]

Marty,

Workhorse P or W chassis? They are very different.

[Kayteg1]

Years ago I had the problem on 27' motorhome and bought wider wheels for it.
That was a manufacturer who did just that.
Going from 90psi in "bicycle size" tires to 50psi in wider wheels make whole World of difference.

[427435]

Proper tire pressure for the ACTUAL load is a starting point. Then get it aligned and be sure they set the caster at the upper limits.

[rgatijnet1]

Check your load distribution. Most coaches handle better if the front axle is loaded close to maximum axle capacity.
Empty coaches will handle different but usually a loaded coach handles better.
Next you want to insure that your tire pressure is correct. This can only be determined if you weigh your coach when it is full loaded for travel and with all occupants in their seats. The adjust your tire pressure according to the Tire maker's specs.
Then you need to look for worn suspension components like bad shocks, etc.