Newmar comfort drive steering

[cfyanes]

We've heard only good things about Newmar's comfort drive steering. Do any competitors have anything comparable? Any feedback on the ease of comfort drive would be great. Hope to buy something soon!
Thanks

[Renden]

What are you presently driving, cfyanes ?

Welcome to the Forum (Newmar)

["007"]

Welcome to the forum cfyanes.
Here is a link explaining Newmar Comfort Drive plus their web site.
Enjoy the forum and ask as many questions you want always looking for new Newmar members.

[Lug_Nut]

Here's my experience. Comfort Drive, A Steering Innovation

Peter

[akadeadeye]

We have a 2009 Newmar Allstar with Comfort Drive. I can attest that it does "learn" when in a cross wind or a road with too much crown. After a minute or so, when steering into a crosswind, it will learn how much it needs to compensate and you can literally let go of the wheel in the same crosswind and it will do its thing. Of course you would never let go of the wheel (although I have, to test it) but the point is that the computer is taking over 90% of your effort, thus relieving stress and tension in your arms and shoulders and neck.

Ours has a dial to choose the degree of "comfort" you want from 1 to 5. I usually use about 3 1/2 to 4 but using 1 in town is fine. You really can turn it with one finger and let go and the wheel will return to center. I don't recommend this however. It's just cool to know it will do it.

It is a feature that sets Newmar apart from others. I thought I read somewhere that Newell might have picked up similar technology.

I will be billing Newmar for this testimonial commercial.

Don

[Lug_Nut]

Yes, Newell does have it now, and it is the same as developed by TRW and as used on the Newmar DP's. So, you can get it on a 1.3 million dollar Newell or on a Newmar.

Peter

[hawgguy]

I bought a Ventana over a Ventana LE specifically for the CD.

[Route 66]

I have driven a Dutch Star with Comfort Drive and a bus with Column Drive.

Both were a vast improvement in steering and I'm sold on the system.

TRW developed and produces Column Drive. Newmar calls it Comfort Drive.

[jillie]

I really like the CD in our Ventana. Backing into a spot is so simple - just line it up, release the steering wheel and let the wheels straighten, then back in. It was suggested when we bought this coach that I start at #1 on the adjustment dial and work up as I got used to it, I suppose to avoid oversteering. I'm now up to #3 and liking the feel.

[KenSherwin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillie It was suggested when we bought this coach that I start at #1 on the adjustment dial and work up as I got used to it.

If it were mine, I would start with the adjustment at mid-position, then turn it up and down to find where I liked it, giving it just a few minutes between adjustments. When it's at the right place for you, you will know it and can dial back to that place by feel very repeatably. You should not have to "get used to it" at all. The whole point of the adjustment is for it to adjust to you, not the other way around.

Another thing to consider is what to do with the efforts adjustment in gusty crosswinds. Some people make it heavier to hold them on center better and some people make lighter for easier correcting for the gusts. Still others simply leave it where they like it. Which technique you use is completely up to you. That's why YOU have that control instead of some engineer at a nice stationary desk someplace.

Something else to realize is that the efforts adjustment has the most authority at highway speeds, less authority at in-town and cornering speeds and no authority at all when standing still.

Those who play with the efforts control typically set it heavier first thing in the morning and turn it lighter as the day wears on. They typically set it heavier when they first get the coach then make it lighter after the first day, lighter again after the first week, and still lighter after the first month.

Others find a place they like and never ever move it again.

And you know what? Every one of them is doing exactly what the designers intended. They are making it their own.

[Route 66]

Hi Ken!

For our newer members, Ken works for TRW and Comfort Drive is his project.

[Perry White]

How about making a retro-fit.

[KenSherwin]

That's up to Newmar.

[Route 66]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry White How about making a retro-fit.

I don't think it'll ever happen.

Those of us with pre-Comfort Drive coaches talked to anyone and everyone at Newmar and Spartan to no avail.

Neither company had any interest.