Workhorse Stabilizers and rear track bar

[Popcorn Man]

I just noticed on the W Series specs. that there is a 2.5 inch stabilizer bar and rear track bar on the standard W Series chassie. Is that why they handle so well? Do folks put addtional bars on their coaches because they still have handling problems?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popcorn Man I just noticed on the W Series specs. that there is a 2.5 inch stabilizer bar and rear track bar on the standard W Series chassis. Is that why they handle so well? Do folks put additional bars on their coaches because they still have handling problems?

Did you buy your motorhome new or used. Yes there is a 2.5 inch stabilizer bar however the track bar could be after market.

Some years ago the SSC option chassis did come standard with a track bar.

In my experience the rear mounted track bar did yield a lot of benefit and improved the quality of the ride.

[wa8yxm]

I will admit this rig I'm in does not feel like a sway bar is needed.
Trac bar I did add. also a steering stablizer.. but no sway problems.

[Popcorn Man]

On the WO webpage re: The W Series they state that the rear track bar is standard on The W20, W22 & W24. I bought the RV used.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popcorn Man On the WO webpage re: The W Series they state that the rear track bar is standard on The W20, W22 & W24. I bought the RV used.

Please don't confuse a track bar with a stabilizer bar. There's a BIG difference.

[Popcorn Man]

DriVer, Thanks for info, but what is the difference. I know you can give me the answer. Thanks

[oemtech]

Here is a photo of the front 2.5 stabilizer bar.



Here is photo of the rear trac bar.

[JohnRR]

I know I'm going to show my ignorance here but what are the yellow things with springs on them for?

[oemtech]

Those are Steer Safe...

[JohnRR]

Thank you I looked at some bigger pictures of them. I have to admit I never knew something like that existed

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popcorn Man DriVer, Thanks for info, but what is the difference. I know you can give me the answer. Thanks

OK .. I'm glad you asked the question.

The stabilizer bar is only attached between the springs, a suspension component, and it works on moments. Whatever deflection in negative pounds (tons) is applied on one side of the 2.5" tube, the exact opposite is applied in positive pounds (tons) to the other side of the bar. The bar therefore dampens moments by trying to zero out the positive and negative moments which are forced onto the chassis in a roll condition.

A "Track Bar" on the other hand is connected from the suspension to the frame unlike the stabilizer bar. The task of the track bar is therefore to dampen yaw moments on the suspension or "sway". The track bar immobilizes the movements between the leaf sprung suspension and the chassis by keeping the relationship as true and as motion free as possible. Leaf springs will walk laterally somewhat as they are tied to the axle and this can be amplified once the rear of the RV begins wagging. The track bar holds the differential housing steady thereby eliminating the tail wagging the dog.

The sway or yaw moment is more apparent on long rear overhangs. Once fitted with a rear track bar, the driver may yet feel he front axle doing the same thing which is experienced as the driver making corrective steering inputs when descending a grade on a curve. Fitted with fore and aft track bars, a motorhome will typically track any road surface like it's on rails.

The other device that we talk about is the Safe-T-Plus (STP) {Steering Damper} which helps eliminate the effects of rut tracking and can be of help in the event of a blow-out. When installed on a front axle as a system the STP works from the bottom of the tires up to the driver while the track bar works from the top down. Both of these devices working together make for a stress free day's worth of driving. The STP is connected from the tie rod to a spring anchor. An internal spring in the device which is rated for several hundreds of pounds forces the tie rod to center itself. That said the STP does not increase steering effort.

[Popcorn Man]

DriVer & Dale, Many thanks for your responses. You guys are great at helping folks out with their problems. Hope to meet you at Bethpage Irv2 Rally in Sept.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popcorn Man DriVer & Dale, Many thanks for your responses. You guys are great at helping folks out with their problems. Hope to meet you at Bethpage Irv2 Rally in Sept.

I'll be there. I can't say as much about the other slacker.

[pkmesser]

Oemtech, thanks for the photo of the stabilizer bar, now I know what I kept banging my head on putting the SumoSprings on the front.

On this subject, the stabilizer bar is between the front springs. a normal sway bar is mounted between the axle and the frame of a vehicle. Which approach does the best job? I was a little surprised that Workhorse used this approach rather than a conventional swar bar, they must have a reason.