TruCenter

[Traps90]

We're looking at getting an Itasca Ellipse 40cd next spring.

I heard about on some of these forums about installing the TruCenter or something eauivalent on a lot of the coaches out there,

Was just curious if it's really necessary or is it really worthwhile having. Kind of asking cause if so I would get it installed by the same shop that would be setting up the Towed with Blue Ox and SMI Airforce brake setup

Thanks Trap

[jfran304]

Trap,

They are kind of like insurance. I had a Safe T Plus steering assist installed for safety reasons. They are supposed to offer you better control in case of a blow out or if you run off the shoulder of the road.

Steering Controls for RV's, Trucks, Buses | Safe-T-Plus Steering Control

Jon

[faye]

we have the tru center and my husband just loves it, it helps with steering in cross winds and helps steer if there is a blow-out of tires...also helps when large trucks are passing. we think it was a worthwhile addition.

[RVThere]

When its working, the TruCenter is great. Seeing that recent post about the RV that had a blowout on I-95 and crashed truly enforces the decision to get some added help to control that situation.

You may want to search for my post on some of the problems I had with the TruCenter.

[Our Time]

Had the Tru Center installed last month and have 2000 miles on it. Absolutely love it. I didn't have any handling issues before we bought it, but now it drives like a dream. No wandering on the road, easily adjust to wind or road curvature. Main reason we installed it was because of front tire failure. Well worth the money so far.

[JoeT]

I have the TruCenter on my Phaeton. I like it and feel safer with it. Being able to adjust the steering center on the fly is a nice feature and relieves driver stress.

[wa8yxm]

I installed a Tru-Center (That very item) in 2006.. Did not notice much difference when I drove home from the install but...

First of the year we took a trip.. And when I got to Las Vegas it was a relief to park the MH and drive the towed car.

End of the year (After installing Tru-Center and a Trac Bar) I drove to Vegas (From Michigan) again... Same MH, Same Towed,, MAN was that towed harder to drive.

Last summer my Tru-Center failed (Froze up on me) and I had to remove it and ship it back to Pender. A job that is way easier than it sounds by the way.

I really noticed the difference in the handling of the motor home.. BIG difference. Was very happy when they got the replacement to me and I bolted it back in.

[RickO]

I had a Safe T Plus installed on my 07 Ellipse to help with road wander and for safety margin. I love it but want to add the trim kit so it can be adjusted on the fly to account for changing driving conditions.

Use the search feature here on the forum to do homework on both units. As already mentioned, there have been a lot of problems with solenoid issues on the Tru Center.

Good Luck...

Rick

[Traps90]

Thanks for the replies and info everyone, guess I still have more research to do.

I thought Blue Ox was a well respected company that had quaility products.


Trap

[wa8yxm]

As with all companies some of Blue-Ox's products are very good (Contendes for best made) some are not.

I mentioned that I replaced my original 4 year old Tru-Center with a new one last summer.. The new one, to my somewhat practiced eye, is much better built..

Oh, and the solenoid problems that someone mentioned.. these were SUE's far as I know (Stupid User Errors) And, thanks to me, they have been dealt with as well.

In the fall of 2006, I stopped in to Blue Ox and chatted with some folks there.. They explained those solenoid issues... The coil was not designed for continous operation so if you sat on the switch for like five minutes trying to get it centered.. You burned it out.

They were trying to figure out a way to prevent that.

I suggested they simply put a timer in the line that cut it off after 30 seconds (the recommended max operating time per the manual)

Guess what was in the box along with my brand new Tru-Center.

Yup, said timer.

[GaryKD]

Hi Traps90,
I've had a steering stabilizer on every coach I've owned. The key to success is to get the Tru-Center product. This is because the driver can re-center the steering on the fly. I have the Howard Precision Steering System (no longer available). This is the first steering stabilizer I've had with the ability to re-center the steering on the fly. What a wonderful feature.

I will always have a steering stabilizer and it will always have the ability for the driver to recenter the steering on the fly, depending on driving conditions.

[JoeT]

I bought my TruCenter in December of 2009. It had the timer.

[RVThere]

Hey wa8yxm,

Before you say the solenoid problems are Stupid User Errors, check the picture below. The welds cracked on the solenoid bracket and the new model now has strap bracket that goes around the solenoid.

Don't drink the Kool-Aid that Blue Ox has been feeding to people regarding the solenoids burning out. They've had bad internal components and they're just now creating a permanent fix.

[Outlaw45]

i thought safe t plus was the better unit?

Outlaw