Community Forums

Trvl1 · 04-26-2013, 07:58 PM

other than the CHF. I'm looking to improve drivability and handling in the wind and reduce the affects of the push we get when semi's pass. And also the protection afforded in the case of a front tire blowout. I'm leaning toward having the Blue Ox Tru-Center steering stabilizer and TigerTrak rear track bar installed. My question - are there better choices? Other options that are better for these issue? Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Thanks

Arizona Lizards · 04-26-2013, 08:49 PM

We had Steer Safe on our old 1996 Covington, and just ordered the same for the ACE. It really helped the Covington in the wind and when being passed by the big rigs.

judy3972 · 04-27-2013, 07:48 AM

We had the Steer Safe installed. The push from semi's is almost a non issue, and this is from someone who is a new MH driver. Our MH handles like a Van now.

As to wind it's the heigth of the MH and wind speed that is the issue IMHO.

Gormleys · 04-28-2013, 08:27 AM

Can't speak to the steering stabilizer as all we have done is the CHF to our ACE 29.2. It, along with the 5-Star Tune, have made a world of difference. Let's see how many replies you get...

pk-pair · 04-29-2013, 11:57 AM

You may want to consider adding a trak bar to the front if yo haven't already. I've discovered that the 16k F-53 platform used in 2013 does not include a front track bar (unless explicitly ordered by the coach maker), whereas 18k and above F-53 platforms do (there may be exceptions). As far as track bars go, given the short overall length of the ACE models, I'm thinking that a front trak bar has more potential for possible benefit if added 1st. I've just purchased the blue ox front trak bar and will be adding it shortly. When complete, I'll have the front end aligned as well as apparently they do NOT align the front end prior to shipment from Thor. I'm seeking to improve the handling as are you. I too have done the CHF on my 2013 ACE 29.2 and have obtained the better drivability and handling behavior. If the above works out as expected, and I decide I want to do more, I'll move to a steering stabilizer before considering a trak bar for the rear. Will post my thoughts when complete.

DegoRed · 04-30-2013, 05:39 AM

Went with the Saft-T-Plus stabilizer for ours, have not done a road trip since the addition, so can't speak to how much of a difference it has made as of yet.

Trvl1 · 04-30-2013, 06:23 AM

Thanks for the thoughts so far. pk-pair and degored keep me posted on your results.

pk-pair · 05-15-2013, 03:36 PM

Sorry for the delay. Finally had the front end aligned and trak bar is installed in front. Maybe 100 miles driven at this point. A significant difference in handling. Was told the alignment was out of spec in toe and slightly in the other axis as well. Steering feels much better now that both the above are complete. Headed to NC from FL next week for about 10 days, so I'll use that trip for an overall assessment on whether to add steering stabilizer as next step. At this point, I'm feeling better about the way it handles.

Trvl1 · 05-16-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk-pair

Sorry for the delay. Finally had the front end aligned and trak bar is installed in front. Maybe 100 miles driven at this point. A significant difference in handling. Was told the alignment was out of spec in toe and slightly in the other axis as well. Steering feels much better now that both the above are complete. Headed to NC from FL next week for about 10 days, so I'll use that trip for an overall assessment on whether to add steering stabilizer as next step. At this point, I'm feeling better about the way it handles.

Where did you take it for the alignment? I'm in a rural area of west central Illinois and can't seem to find anywhere who will/can do the alignment on a class A. What type of shop did yours?

Hermosa · 05-16-2013, 12:57 PM

I think the Sate - T - Plus is a great upgrade to have, and plan to add it myself this summer when I can find time.

pk-pair · 05-16-2013, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trek5

Where did you take it for the alignment? I'm in a rural area of west central Illinois and can't seem to find anywhere who will/can do the alignment on a class A. What type of shop did yours?

I live in Orlando. Had originally planned to take it to JOSAM (a truck frame and wheel alignment specialist located here in Orlando), but due to time constraints I had a local Ford dealer that services the F53 chassis do it instead since I had a warranty issue on the cruise control needing repair (replaced two defective brake switches that were preventing the cruise from engaging).

DegoRed · 06-22-2013, 06:50 AM

Now have enough seat time in with the Saf-T-Plus stabilizer to report back. This is definitely a worthy investment. MH is much easier to drive, before, had to make sure always had both hands on wheel and 65mph was max speed. Now, can easily drive with one hand on wheel and can drive up to 75mph comfortably.