wandering coach

[Rich Pratt]

I recently purchased a 2004 Coachmen Santara on a W22. I've fixed the electical problems some of you have posted, so now onto the next challenge. The coach, 38', wanders while driving down the road or highway. On a Class C we owned, I installed a Trac Bar from SuperSteer and that reduced the problem. The problem is similiar but not the same as the C. It seems to be more in the steering than the " tail waging the dog ". I'm seeking advice from those who may have experienced the same problem and the remedies you took. Thanks

[Rich Pratt]

I recently purchased a 2004 Coachmen Santara on a W22. I've fixed the electical problems some of you have posted, so now onto the next challenge. The coach, 38', wanders while driving down the road or highway. On a Class C we owned, I installed a Trac Bar from SuperSteer and that reduced the problem. The problem is similiar but not the same as the C. It seems to be more in the steering than the " tail waging the dog ". I'm seeking advice from those who may have experienced the same problem and the remedies you took. Thanks

[bruceh]

You might have a look at the topic 'Front wheel bearing play'. This is the problem that I am currently working on.

What is you mileage?

[troth]

Are your shocks OEM? (Black monroes?)

Try doing an advanced search for "front stabilizer" and for "rear stabilizer" in the Workhorse forum. Also try looking here:

Oemy's Website

[edgray]

RICH PRATT: WELCOME to irv2.com WE are glad you joined and posted.

There may be many things at work regarding your wandering issue, so lets start with the easiest and least expensive. What are your tire pressures? ED

[Rich Pratt]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Website </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply to the helpful comments, but " things happen" once and a while. I should have mentioned earlier that I've done the tire pressure, 100lbs all around, front end alignment, weight distribution in the coach, and all the wheels pulled to check on the bearings, brakes, etc. The rig has 37k on it. Really appreciate all the comments

[Rich Pratt]

I forgot to add that the shocks are not black, but they are blue. I do not know the make

[edgray]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I should have mentioned earlier that I've done the tire pressure, 100lbs all around, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
NO PROBLEM, Rich-just trying to be helpful here. I'm not sure where you got the advice to use 100# all around, but IMO, that very well MAY be a big part of the problem. 100# will allow the 2 tires to carry 8,910 pounds on the steer axle, which is way over the GAWR of the W-22 chassis. Likewise, the 4 rear tires can carry 16,220 pounds at that inflation pressure, again beyond the GAWR. I suggest you get "as loaded for use" axle weight and adjust the pressure for the load you actually carry. If you are over-inflated (for the actual load) especially for the steering tires, that can contribute to the wandering problem you are trying to fix. It does not cost much to get scale weight and experiment with tire pressure before buying extra components. Good luck!

OBTW, if your shocks are blue and yellow, you've got Bilsteins, and they are factory original now. ED

[Rich Pratt]

Edgray,
Thanks for the info; the RV dealer from whom I purchased the coach told me to go 100lbs. It was the service tech that gave me the walkthru. I thought it was too much, but he sounded like he knew what he was talking about. I'll follow your recommendation and see what shakes out. The shocks are Blissteins, I checked about my last post.Should they be replaced and upgraded? Thanks for all the help

[oemtech]

Bilstein shocks are ok... just very firm.

Get you coach weighed... 4 corner weights are the best. But, front, rear and the whole coach will work.

[DSouthw524]

One thing that you did not mentionthat is a requirement for all new coaches is that you have a wheel alignment done after you load the coach with your normal items. Your owner's manual and the "walk through" person should have mentioned this.

I also highly recomend that you have the wheel weight donw and you will find by checking the recomendations at teh tire manufacturers site that your tires are maybe 20-30 pounds over inflated.

[John-D]

Re: Tire pressure.. 100PSI is likely the "Maximum load xxxx at 100PSI maximum pressure" stamped on the tires... NOTE that the pressure is proper only at the listed maximum load. Have the rig properly weighed by someone like www.rvsafety.org and inflate properly or your control will be reduced.

I have always felt the steering felt "loose". I added a blue ox true-center steering stablizer.. I did not notice it makeing much difference till I pushed the button to re-center, and man did I notice the change. This unit can be re-centered if you are on a high crown road, or have a steady cross wind, FROM THE DRIVER's SEAT. Others take wrench and hammer and crawl under.

Trac bars will help too..

And as others have posted have the front end gone over by a professional suspension person to check for problems like excessive play in bearings and joints.

[Rich Pratt]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I shall have the unit weighed again, check the alignment and see what happens. I prefer doing all this to spending money if I can avoid it. Thanks again, I'll keep you posted.