Community Forums

trebot · 03-19-2018, 06:50 PM

I've heard a Track Bar will help the instability created when being passed by 18 wheelers. What other things can be done to lessen the "Draft Effect"?

BFlinn181 · 03-19-2018, 07:01 PM

What kind of Class A do you have? What chassis? Many chassis don't need a track bar; shocks, torsion bars, and other things can stiffen an RV to prevent 'instability' with passing trucks or side winds.

hotdog2 · 03-19-2018, 09:03 PM

Timbren or Sumo springs will do the job. Also a big advocate of Saf-T-Plus. Both did wonders for my unit plus adding the safety factor, money well spent.

FIRE UP · 03-19-2018, 09:05 PM

And,
Are you talking about semi's coming at you and passing you or, just passing you? We have an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT and, it's by far not the heaviest diesel coach out there but, it's heavy enough. And, depending on certain conditions, we too will get just a tad be jossled around by on-coming semis. So, what I've learned is, when one is coming at me and is about to pass me, I simply move over to the right, about a foot. The extra distance creates a buffer zone that, allows for way less effect on our coach.

So much so that, I don't feel any effects at all. Then, when he/she's passed, I just move back over to the standard position in the lane. To me, it's no big deal to correct like that, if the results are what I'm experiencing. But, that's me. Others might do what the OP is maybe thinking about, adding equipment that might help with stability.
Scott

triplewide · 03-20-2018, 01:42 AM

If you have an F53 chassis, I did the following in the order shown:

1. Weighed coach and set tire pressure to the PSI recommended for that load.

2. Performed "cheap handling fix"

3. Added rear track bar

4. Added steering stabilizer

Best to do one change at a time, you may find all four steps are not needed to meet your expectations.

Many people install Sumo springs also and like the results.

Everyone's perception of handling issues is different, for me it was push from trucks passing me while going in the same direction.

Video of my F53 after chassis mods:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqBKV-BHkj0

sandwip · 03-20-2018, 06:41 PM

I'm with triplewide. CHF and rear track bar took care of 70% of the push, followed with front track bar, as my older unit didn't have one, which took out another 20%. I then added Firestone rear air bags, mostly for clearance issues in and out of my driveway and some fuel stops. End result is now a two finger drive in almost all conditions. I am using about 40lbs in the bags for gusty side winds, it helps (controlled from cab) I am on F53 with a lot of overhang at 36 feet. Before mods it was a white knuckle drive in anything but ideal conditions.

drbwilson · 03-21-2018, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplewide

If you have an F53 chassis, I did the following in the order shown:

1. Weighed coach and set tire pressure to the PSI recommended for that load.

2. Performed "cheap handling fix"

3. Added rear track bar

4. Added steering stabilizer

Best to do one change at a time, you may find all four steps are not needed to meet your expectations.

Many people install Sumo springs also and like the results.

Everyone's perception of handling issues is different, for me it was push from trucks passing me while going in the same direction.

Video of my F53 after chassis mods:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqBKV-BHkj0

Great info. Thank you.

will stevens · 03-21-2018, 05:19 PM

I have noticed the trucks that have the side lower aero skirts have much less wind effect on my coach. Quite noticeable when i am behind them as well as when they pass me. I am guessing the side skirts help channel the air in a straight and cleaner pattern.

asuperheat · 03-21-2018, 06:26 PM

A track bar will help if you don't have one, Air bags or sumo springs will help. Also if you have not already check your bushings on your sway bar. If they are OK you could even upgrade them to a better/stiffer bushing.

Tony Lee · 03-21-2018, 07:50 PM

Best way is to maintain awareness of the vehicles around you and learn to compensate for the deviation caused as other vehicles pass you. It isn't as severe as it might seem. Best place to learn that skill is down in Baja on two lane roads with 10' lanes (or less when there are broken edges). When a big truck comes towards you, if you don't automatically compensate, you are very likely to wipe out on the back corner as you get dragged across.

Chevelle427 · 03-22-2018, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandwip

I'm with triplewide. CHF and rear track bar took care of 70% of the push, followed with front track bar, as my older unit didn't have one, which took out another 20%. I then added Firestone rear air bags, mostly for clearance issues in and out of my driveway and some fuel stops. End result is now a two finger drive in almost all conditions. I am using about 40lbs in the bags for gusty side winds, it helps (controlled from cab) I am on F53 with a lot of overhang at 36 feet. Before mods it was a white knuckle drive in anything but ideal conditions.

Thanks
F53 36 foot BOUNDER with a tag axle