Not loving the wind

[shepserv]

Bought a 2012 Southwind about 6 months ago. Have noticed it more top heavy than other m/hs I have owned. Wind seems to give it a fit on the highway. Anyone else noticed this? Of course the dealer never mentioned this and I didnt notice it when test driving.

Roger Shepherd

[jfran304]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shepserv Bought a 2012 Southwind about 6 months ago. Have noticed it more top heavy than other m/hs I have owned. Wind seems to give it a fit on the highway. Anyone else noticed this? Of course the dealer never mentioned this and I didnt notice it when test driving. Roger Shepherd

Roger,

I've found on windy days it helps to travel with the fresh water tank full. Your gas mileage won't change that much and the more weight that is lower on the chassis will help stabilize it.

Jon

[wa8yxm]

The following mods affect handling

Sway Bar.. This controls the side to side rocking of the motor home, Now it likely has one but a heavier one may well help..

Pan Hard Bar, also called a Trac Bar, controls the tendence of the body to "Wag" over the chassis (Side to side wiggle, like the tail of a happy puppy).

Steering Stablizer, Tends to keep the rig pointed straight ahead, My preferred is the Blue Ox True center due to the remote adjustment (From the driver's seat) as opposed to having to crawl under with tools to adjust it. Just push a button, for less than 30 seconds.

[The General]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shepserv Bought a 2012 Southwind about 6 months ago. Have noticed it more top heavy than other m/hs I have owned. Wind seems to give it a fit on the highway. Anyone else noticed this? Of course the dealer never mentioned this and I didnt notice it when test driving. Roger Shepherd

Hi Roger,

In addition to what my colleagues have stated; check the tire psi.
I like to keep 90# in all tires and have little or no sway except on windy days. Your SW is built higher off the ground then some, due to the power platform which allows larger basement storage compartments and high ceilings which is also a good feature.

[Mr_D]

Here's the WIKI on a panhard bar.

And here's a bunch of pictures of them being built and installed. These are car panhard bars but it gives you the idea if you decide to build you own.

[Arch Hoagland]

As The general mentioned....check your tire pressure. Weigh your rig and then set the pressure accordingly. High tire pressure will cause some poor handling.

I will fill all my tanks if I'm forced to drive in a windy situation. The weight down does does indeed help.

[TXiceman]

It is probably no more top heavy than the others. It may need to have a heavier set of anti-roll bars installed to stop the side to side sway or roll.

Ken