We're all tired of reading about 'wandering' problems....

[goufgators]

Please forgive me for another post about steering 'wander'. We have a new 2017 Winnebago class A that has the dreaded wandering problem (don't they all...maybe except the very high end units). First, I had the front end aligned...no affect; then weighed and psi adjusted...no affect; then steering stabilizer installed...thankfully some positive affect but still some wandering particularly on windy days. I know it'll never steer like a Lincoln or Cadillac but would like for it to be a bit less of a constant strain on the driver (me). I'm willing to have another after market add-on if it would result in some positive result as did the steering stabilizer. Been thinking that a rear trac bar might be the next step to take. Would appreciate any comments from you 'experienced' drivers. Thanks!

[georgelesley]

We added a rear trac bar and I did the CHF on both ends. Tried a steering stabilizer but DW and I did not like it. So took it off and had a bit of positive caster added it helped the wander along with the other changes. Ford hotline said adding caster was no problem. 15000 miles after all these changes and tires show no unusual wear and it drives like a different machine. I would suggest doing the CHF first, it costs virtually nothing except the extender brackets you will likely need for the front. They can be made for little or purchased for $50.

I would also add the rear trac bar next. Add positive caster if needed. In my experience front end alignment is likely not the problem, but should be checked as a precaution.

[irishtom29]

My 34’ long Tiffin 32SA gasser has factory installed Sumo springs but an otherwise stock suspension and tracks and handles well. Perhaps this can be attributed to the 24,000 pound chassis, unusual in a 34 foot gasser, and the 228” wheelbase, the longest available in a 34 footer. Indeed, some 34 foot gassers use a 208” wheelbase and have a tragically long rear overhang. In any event I’ve no need to modify the suspension or steering.

[Bill_S_1]

I didn't see it mentioned in this thread, so before adding a bunch of aftermarket stuff, this is what worked for my 2002 Horizon 36'. First thing was to have the coach loaded as typical for your trips, and then have ride height set correctly. This is an important adjustment, and it must be exact. Freightliner has the specs for your particular coach. Call their tech support in Gaffney for the spec sheet.

I installed a Henderson BallBearing bellcrank for the steering arm, as the oem had a rough spot near the center.

Then I had a 4 wheel laser alignment performed, not just a front end alignment. Turned out the rear axle was out of alignment with the frame and the front. The alignment was done at a Freightliner Oasis facility, but can also be done at the factory in Gaffney.

Tires should be balanced (I had front spin-balanced; rears with the balance beads), and tire pressures set for a safe margin above what's needed, and install a TPMS, so you know if one is losing air.

With this work done, it drives beautifully; no wander at all. And this is a 36' rig, not a 40 or 42. Simple and effective improvements. However, I've now had my coach for 15 years, and still no issues.

[Yellowboat_]

When I ordered our 2016 Ford F53 Winnebago Sightseer I had the dealer add a Safe-T-Steer, Roadmaster rear sway bar, and a Roadmaster trac bar.

My coach is 34 feet long and it came with 22 inch tires.

It drives much better than my 2005 F53 with 19.5 inch tires.

I'm not sure if the tires make a difference but driving the 2016 is much easier than the 2005. For the most part I don't feel a push from 18 wheelers. I get a little push from box trucks. Driving in wind isn't bad up to a gusty 35mph. It tracks well going down the road. One hand driving is an option but I usually use two. White knuckle driving in construction zones is greatly reduced.

Free things or inexpensive things that may help.

A lot of people swear by the Cheap Handling Fix.

Weigh coach on each corner and overall.

Set your tire pressure to the load on your front and rear axles.

Make sure that weight (cargo) is distributed. You don't want the front axle too lightly loaded.

Next, if you still have a problem, add a trac bar. A trac bar will help tail wagging when a truck passes or when driving in windy conditions.

Lastly, consider a sway bar. A sway bar helps to control roll when the MH is pitching side to side. For example when pulling into a gas station with uneven pavement.

[two_travelers]

We have a 2015 Winnebago Vista 26H. Purchased it used and it came with steering stabilizer. Was a handful in the wind and with passing trucks. Thanks to knowledge found on this forum, I decided to get a rear trac bar installed. This made a huge difference in handling when being passed by a truck. Also helped on windy days. Did the CHF as well.

[tropical36]

goufgators wrote:
Please forgive me for another post about steering 'wander'. We have a new 2017 Winnebago class A that has the dreaded wandering problem (don't they all...maybe except the very high end units). First, I had the front end aligned...no affect; then weighed and psi adjusted...no affect; then steering stabilizer installed...thankfully some positive affect but still some wandering particularly on windy days. I know it'll never steer like a Lincoln or Cadillac but would like for it to be a bit less of a constant strain on the driver (me). I'm willing to have another after market add-on if it would result in some positive result as did the steering stabilizer. Been thinking that a rear trac bar might be the next step to take. Would appreciate any comments from you 'experienced' drivers. Thanks!

I for one, just don't get it.
We had an old P30 Pace Arrow that did fine.
Then a 98 National Tropical with a tag axle, that took just one finger for keeping it between the lines, trucks or no trucks Took it across 3 states with a 50mph crosswind, in fact and so bad, that we had to keep the slides in when parked.
Now with the present and larger DP, without a tag, there's not a lot of difference going down the line, except it does ride and drive a lot nicer overall.
I think the key is in the sometimes long overhang, behind the wheels and with Ford or Chevy, the tail could be wagging the dog. In fact, some are utterly ridiculous and don't know how they even sold such a beast.

[goufgators]

wolfe10 wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)

2017 Ford F53 already has a front track bar/panhard rod.

Adding a rear one is a good idea.

Over looked this first time around. I will go ahead and order a rear trac bar. Thanks...

[wolfe10]

wa8yxm wrote:
A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)

2017 Ford F53 already has a front track bar/panhard rod.

Adding a rear one is a good idea.

[wa8yxm]

A trac bar fixed mine Two are even better (Front and rear)

[rgatijnet1]

I know that you said that you weighed the coach but have you tried shifting the load? Most coaches will handle better if the front axle is loaded close to the maximum allowable weight. If the front axle is too light, it will wander no matter what you do with alignment, etc.

[Twomed]

Tag axle...

Go Gators

[jplante4]

goufgators wrote:

blknomad wrote:
I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.

Thanks, but what is "the C.H.F."? And, is the trac bar front or rear?
Again, thanks for your reply.

Cheap Handling Fix

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[goufgators]

blknomad wrote:
I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.

Thanks, but what is "the C.H.F."? And, is the trac bar front or rear?
Again, thanks for your reply.

[blknomad]

I have a 2014 winney on a f-53 ford and the only thing I've done is the C.H.F. and built a trac bar. Do these 2 things and you will be amazed.

[JaxDad]

goufgators wrote:
Please forgive me for another post about steering 'wander'. We have a new 2017 Winnebago class A that has the dreaded wandering problem (don't they all...maybe except the very high end units).

....... weighed and psi adjusted...no affect.

Don’t forget that there are factors over which you have little if any control.

First and foremost, unlike a car, you are talking about a vehicle that has a sidewall area of probably 10’ x 30+’ or about 300 sq. feet. Adding to this problem is the chassis itself, in a DP the axles are basically at each end. In a gasser the rear axle is almost amidships. The leverage of a crosswind (natural or the ‘bow wave’ of a passing truck) on the rear ‘overhang’ means the coach wants to swivel on the rear axle.

Lowering the tire pressure to match the inflation tables instead of running the pressure on the placard in the drivers door jamb (or elsewhere) means the tires are more prone to sidewall flex. The sidewall flex adds considerably to the overall problem.