Which is the best steering stabilizer to install on our new 2016 Vista LX 35F?

[OrangeXPM]

We just purchased a brand new 2016 Vista LX 35F. It is our 2nd RV. We traded in our older model 31 foot Sundancer. The Vista feels like a boat in comparison to what we are used to, so one of the first upgrades we want to make are stabilizers. Been watching a lot of uTube, but still don't know which brand will give us the best ride for our Vista. Opinions are welcome.

[jfran304]

We have had good luck with our Safe T Plus steering stabilizer.

Safe-T-Plus - The Steering Control Specialists | Helping motorists' vehicles steer safer, less, and with peace of mind.

Check this discussion out: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/stee...er-299164.html

Jon

[oldjoe]

Originally Posted by jfran304

We have had good luck with our Safe T Plus steering stabilizer.

Safe-T-Plus - The Steering Control Specialists | Helping motorists' vehicles steer safer, less, and with peace of mind.

Check this discussion out: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/stee...er-299164.html

Jon

Ditto - this is the second motorhome we have installed one on.

[OrangeXPM]

Thank you for your input regarding Safe-T stabilizer. I'd like to also hear from individuals who have installed Roadmaster, and maybe Blue Ox. Although I realize Blue Ox will be much more expensive because of their True Center feature. I'm wondering if that makes enough functional difference, to warrant bigger bucks? I'm thinking and wondering if the Safe-T & Roadmaster stabilizers are that much noticeably different, and that either would give me the effect I'm looking for?

[jfran304]

Do a search on the Tru-Center and the Roadmaster and you will find all kinds of information.

Try-Center used to have a problem with the control box deteriorating. I don't know if they still do.

I read a post not long ago where the Roadmaster fell apart and was dragging on the pavement.


Good luck,
Jon

[SuperGewl]

First congratulations on your new purchase.

You may want to take a look in the Sunstar Updates Thread to see some of the things that people have done to their MH.
Now as far as the question, which one. Well it's a wide open choice.
I installed A Roadmaster Rear Stabilizer and the Reflex Steering Stabilizer. I also installed Centramatic Wheel Balancers. This was all done after getting it weighed and then loading the coach up with our stuff and then getting it weighed again. Oh yeah that includes a full tank of Potable Water (ballast). Then making the adjustments to tire pressure as necessary, in pairs, front and rear. I also took mine on a road trip across country to really get loose.
Those 3 upgrades made a big difference in ride and handling. Don't get me wrong, it's not riding in a car but I can really tell the difference on various road surfaces.

[SuperGewl]

Some more info for you, take your time on draining the forward black tank. It's a slow process and make sure you use lots of water in that one when you flush.
Enjoy the new MH

[Wsufans]

Originally Posted by OrangeXPM

We just purchased a brand new 2016 Vista LX 35F. It is our 2nd RV. We traded in our older model 31 foot Sundancer. The Vista feels like a boat in comparison to what we are used to, so one of the first upgrades we want to make are stabilizers. Been watching a lot of uTube, but still don't know which brand will give us the best ride for our Vista. Opinions are welcome.

But maybe we should be asking why the manufactures using the F53 chassis don't press for these things up front. Note that Tiffin is installing Sumo springs on them more or less standard.

The engineers designing these things have to know full well how poorly these units handle and I would think that much of what many of us owners do constitutes a major improvement to the vehicle safety.

I have spent a fair amount of change with steering stabilizers and Sumo springs. They help a lot but in certain conditions they can be a handful. But when you consider the MSRP on these units a couple of $$ more to build a better handling coach out the door is a small percentage of the purchase price. Then look at the marketing potential.

I don't get it and maybe never will but.....

[mblake101]

I installed the Roadmaster on my 2014 35f and the improvement in handling and control was absolutely night and day. To quote Donald Trump' "it was YUGE"!!!

I am much less tense in challenging driving conditions and enjoy the drive so very much more.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Mike

Originally Posted by OrangeXPM

Thank you for your input regarding Safe-T stabilizer. I'd like to also hear from individuals who have installed Roadmaster, and maybe Blue Ox. Although I realize Blue Ox will be much more expensive because of their True Center feature. I'm wondering if that makes enough functional difference, to warrant bigger bucks? I'm thinking and wondering if the Safe-T & Roadmaster stabilizers are that much noticeably different, and that either would give me the effect I'm looking for?

[Jack3]

I installed the Roadmaster RSSA on my Winnabago Aspect, the change was exceptional. Highly recommended

[OrangeXPM]

Thanks to everyone who has shared their experience with the stabilizers and sway bars they've purchased. I've decided to install the Roadmaster stabilizer and sway bar. Many of you who've responded have reassured my confidence in the Roadmaster name. I agree with Wsufans comment that the manufacturers should install these as standard parts on the F53 chassis. Thank you jfran304 for pointing out that the TrueCenter had issues with the control box deteriorating. The Blue Ox is also the most expensive. Mblake101, I believe out install will be as YUGE on ours, like your 35F. And SuperGewl, I got to read up on Centeamatic. Your summary on your case study was very interesting. All in all, I do believe that my wife will be squirming less in her co-pilot's chair after August 18, 2016, when installed. She bought some colored pencils and a coloring book just in case. Thank you all.

[rvtrekers]

Originally Posted by OrangeXPM

I'd like to also hear from individuals who have installed Roadmaster

I installed my Roadmaster RSSA today. Installation was pretty straight forward except for differences between a youtube video and the instructions that came with the RSSA. I test drove it for ~ 12 miles total, combination of surface streets but about 8 miles interstate. Even though it was a limited drive I noticed an improvement. I even cruised at ~ 65 mph for a while in the right lane of I-280 with a decent wind and took both hands off the wheel for several seconds. Tracked true but again a very limited test. I will say I was one-handing it most of the drive. Rear trac bar next up! Next test will be about 180 RT when we head down to Monterey in two weeks. It will be on the typical bad California roads with considerable afternoon winds. I will report back.

[SuperGewl]

Originally Posted by rvtrekers

I installed my Roadmaster RSSA today. Installation was pretty straight forward except for differences between a youtube video and the instructions that came with the RSSA. I test drove it for ~ 12 miles total, combination of surface streets but about 8 miles interstate. Even though it was a limited drive I noticed an improvement. I even cruised at ~ 65 mph for a while in the right lane of I-280 with a decent wind and took both hands off the wheel for several seconds. Tracked true but again a very limited test. I will say I was one-handing it most of the drive. Rear trac bar next up! Next test will be about 180 RT when we head down to Monterey in two weeks. It will be on the typical bad California roads with considerable afternoon winds. I will report back.

The front should already have a Track Bar. I had the Roadmaster Anti Sway Bar installed and then a set of Centramatic Wheel Balancers. What a difference in ride and comfort. All I need now is another coast to coast trip to really see how it all works together.

[B Bob]

Why did you buy a brand new motorhome that does not steer like you want it to? Return it and tell them you want a motorhome that steers properly.

A steering stabilizer will not improve the "boat" feeling of your coach. What it does is protect you in case of a front tire blow out. And it spring loads your steering to center itself. Good handling is another issue. Our 14 year old motorhome with 135,000 miles on it handles extremely well and nothing like a boat.

[rvtrekers]

Originally Posted by SuperGewl

The front should already have a Track Bar. ... then a set of Centramatic Wheel Balancers.

Yep on the front trac bar and thanks for the tip on the Centramatic Wheel Balancers. Looks like an interesting concept. What would be the symptons I should look for to determine if they would be a good solution? Or are they more preventative?

I bought our motorhome knowing it was entry level and would not necessarily be the best ride so I would have an excuse to get the DW to agree to upgrade to a DP. Now I am concerned with all these available aftermarket tweeks my "poor handling excuse to justify a DP" might just evaporate.

[TerryJ]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the "Cheap Handling Fix" for the F53 chassis. I purchased a 2011 Vista F35 new and it handled pretty bad. It took me a year to finally do the CHF and it took less than an hour to do front and rear. I could not believe the difference it made in cornering and in the way it handled when passing or being passed by semi-trucks. Search IRV2 for a ton of info and how to do it. The best part is it won't cost you a penny. I've put 23,000 miles on my Vista since it was done and have had no problems and no regrets.

[rvtrekers]

Originally Posted by TerryJ

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the "Cheap Handling Fix" for the F53 chassis

Agreed. However, I did the CHF but then added a Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer to boot. IMO they each served a purpose independent of the other. IMO the CHF does not handle the wandering caused by ruts, crowned roads and potholes which can cause you to oversteer to correct. Combined, CHF and steering stabilizer, handling has really improved on my F53 chassis. Next up for me is a rear trac bar. Just need to land on whose I will purchase and install.

[bodycoach2]

We also have the 2016 35F. If you do get something installed, please follow up here with your experiences. For now, I haven't felt the need to upgrade, but if it is a significant difference, I might do it too.

[Ramzfan]

I am very happy with our Saf T Plus stabilizer. It has made driving in high winds and being passed by big rigs a lot more comfortable.

[Larry Mac01]

Besides steering stabilizer's, anyone adding front and rear
trac bars for additional support and control?