How to remove W20 Steering Wheel?

[laplatarosa]

Does anyone know how hard it is to remove the steering wheel from my W20 Chassis?

We have a Winnebago Sightseer 35N on a W20 chassis. We will be living in the MH for about 3 months this winter. The MH will be stationary all of that time. If I could remove the steering wheel I could then rotate the drivers seat for additional seating.

How does the "name plate/horn" come off?

How hard is it to remove the Steering wheel?

How hard is it to re-install in the correct location?

Is the horn a problem to re-connect?

What special tools are required?

Thanks!

[abarkl]

You might want to reconsider and install a smaller wheel instead. Leaving in an emergency situation could take considerably more time if you had to locate the correct tools and reinstall the steering wheel.

I replaced the Workhorse 15" wheel on my W22 with a 18" aftermarket wheel from Ron the Bus Nut. I bought a cheap puller and 20 minutes later it was on. I can no longer rotate my driver's seat but the ease that the larger wheel adds to driving is well worth the trade off.

You are welcome to my 15" wheel for the cost of USPS flat rate shipping if you think it would solve your problem.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laplatarosa DThe MH will be stationary all of that time. If I could remove the steering wheel I could then rotate the drivers seat for additional seating.

I know Winnebago products. You can indeed rotate your seat without removing the steering wheel you currently own.

I can also provide you with a step by step procedure so that you can make that happen. It's not all that hard and you can do it.

[laplatarosa]

Thanks for the replies.

abarkl. I understand the worry about a quick getaway, but since the MH will be sitting for 3 months I'm sure a quick getaway will not ever be possible. Too much stuff attached and stored under the MH. Also DW says that is what insurance is for! She says "Grab the dogs and go!"

Driver, I'm listening. I can get the seat rotated 180 degrees by bringing the back rest forward before rotating, but the final position for the seat is not comfortable at all.

It looks to me that if the steering wheel were removed, then the seat would rotate 360 and the back would recline enough to sit comfortably.

Thanks again.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laplatarosa Driver, I'm listening. I can get the seat rotated 180 degrees by bringing the back rest forward before rotating, but the final position for the seat is not comfortable at all.

laplatarosa, OK we had not established that in your OP. I have an Adventurer, I raise the steering wheel up as far as it will go, run the seat as far back or forward on the track (I have an electric seat) and then I recline the seat back.

It's comfortable enough for me however your comfort zone maybe different. I have had as many as 12 people sitting in my rig for dinner and we watched a movie "Jeff Dunham's Spark of Insanity" Fitting isn't it?

2 people served while everyone else stayed seated. A smaller steering wheel may give a couple of more inches but it isn't going to be significant. Maybe you need to visit your local Summit Racing Shop for a quick dismount steering wheel?

I'd turn the seat, recline it and that would be it! Complainers should take a number!

[laplatarosa]

Driver, Thanks for the input. I've continue to play with the seat. I did realize I could move the seat all the way forward after I got it rotated and now I'd say I'm close to being comfortable. I'd still like to pursue taking the steering wheel off.

Any idea how much a quick release steering wheel might cost? Is it something I could install myself? What about the horn?

Thanks.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laplatarosa Any idea how much a quick release steering wheel might cost? Is it something I could install myself? What about the horn?

Here's a bunch of stuff about Quick Release Steering Wheels.

Now you're on your own from here .....

About the horn ..... "If you mess with the bull ... ya get the horns!"

I don't see a problem with it - they probably got all that stuff figured out. Have fun!

[rvten]

When I had a 2001 Adventurer 35U. I replaced the kiddy car wheel with the bigger wheel. I found the MH handling was better with the larger steering wheel.

The front seats in our MH were only used for storage when parked. Only needed to turn half way around. But could turn all the way when slide was out.

Just pop the rubber cover off the old wheel. Take the nut off the colum and use a wheel puller to remove the wheel. You may have to tap gently with a hammer to get it started.

[Clay L]

My 35N has the living room slide right behind the drivers seat and Winnebago set the seat pedestal forward to make it less likely that the slide would contact the seat when it is brought in if the seat was all the way back from the dash.

I can get my seat most of the way around by putting the wheel up and the seat back forward but if I tried to sit in it my chin would just about be on my knees.

[oemtech]

I believe the Grant Steering Wheels make a adapter that allows you to remove the steering wheel quickly Grant Steering Wheel Security

[laplatarosa]

Thanks all,

I really did not want to go to a lot of expense. I was thinking that if I got it off once and back on once a year that would be fairly easy.

rvten, I'll give your directions a try. I do not have a wheel puller. Any suggestions as to a substitute I might try?

Thanks.

[laplatarosa]

Clay L,

If you rotate your seat then pull it all the way forward on the rails you might be able to actually be able to sit in it.

Thanks,

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by laplatarosa I do not have a wheel puller. Any suggestions as to a substitute I might try?

laplatarosa, There is no substitute for a steering wheel puller. You will not be able to move the steering wheel without it. NAPA or your local parts store will have those in stock. Get the least expensive one .... it doesn't cost all that much OR you may be able to go and rent one.

[laplatarosa]

Well, I pulled the steering wheel. Piece of cake!

Went to Auto Zone to rent Harmonic Balancer/Steering Wheel Puller. Ended up just buying one ($18.00).

Worked great. Did need to substitute longer 1/4 - 20 bolts for puller. All I had was 5" bolts, but worked fine. I'll try to find some 5 1/2" for next time.

With the wheel removed and the slide out, the driver's seat now becomes a nice place to sit. Total time maybe 5 minutes. I'm sure I'll get faster now that I know all the tools needed.

Thanks again for everyone's input.