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Old 05-22-2012, 07:07 PM   #1
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2012 Fleetwood Discovery Steering Question

I've noticed that our virtually new 2012 Discovery 36J coach tends to wander, seemingly excessively. There is a need for constant steering input, even without wind gusts, to the point that it's irritating.

I understand that it will never handle like my old Porsche or Corvette - but it seems that there should not be a couple of inches of steering "slop" in the wheel. Has anyone else noticed this? Solutions? Take it to Freightliner?
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Old 05-22-2012, 07:15 PM   #2
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Maybe this will help.

Bell Crank for Freightliner XC and Magnum Chassis
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Old 05-22-2012, 07:25 PM   #3
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Is this your first coach? A truck chassis has no center point like a car or light truck. I traded up from a 36 gasser ( I know yours is a diesel) to a 38 diesel 5 years ago and found the ride and handling to be 100% better. I still added a tru-center. Before the tru-center the coach required active participation in steering. After, I often feel it has car like characteristics. Others have added that and other types of steering stabilizers for the issue that you have raised. I do not work for tru-center.
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Old 05-22-2012, 07:50 PM   #4
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On a coach that new, I'd get it 4 corner weighed and then adjust tire pressure accordingly. Too much air in the tires can make a coach feel loose.
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Old 05-23-2012, 07:32 AM   #5
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With a DP the shorter the length the more prone to wander. Pushers pretty much have the same rear overhang, the engine, trans and radiator are the same length on a 40' as a 36'. It's the wheelbase that suffers. The wheight hanging off the back swing around more because the distance is decreased between the axles. That said I would make sure the ride height is correct and tire pressure matches the load. Not much else to do except add gadgets and gizmos. Good luck
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Old 05-23-2012, 08:47 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jfran304 View Post
Thanks for the tip! I'll look into it. Our Discovery has the Freightliner Power Bridge chassis - not sure if it's compatible with the bell crank mod.
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Old 05-23-2012, 08:51 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcurt23 View Post
Is this your first coach? A truck chassis has no center point like a car or light truck. I traded up from a 36 gasser ( I know yours is a diesel) to a 38 diesel 5 years ago and found the ride and handling to be 100% better. I still added a tru-center. Before the tru-center the coach required active participation in steering. After, I often feel it has car like characteristics. Others have added that and other types of steering stabilizers for the issue that you have raised. I do not work for tru-center.
Thanks for the information! Our first DP coach, but had a class C years ago. Love the ride compared to the class C. Very quiet and relaxing...except for the "wander issue". I'll check into the Tru-Center!
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Old 05-23-2012, 08:57 AM   #8
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On a coach that new, I'd get it 4 corner weighed and then adjust tire pressure accordingly. Too much air in the tires can make a coach feel loose.
We dropped off the coach at the dealer yesterday - they're going to do exactly what you mentioned. We're hoping that makes a difference! Thanks!
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Old 05-23-2012, 09:02 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by henderson View Post
With a DP the shorter the length the more prone to wander. Pushers pretty much have the same rear overhang, the engine, trans and radiator are the same length on a 40' as a 36'. It's the wheelbase that suffers. The weight hanging off the back swing around more because the distance is decreased between the axles. That said I would make sure the ride height is correct and tire pressure matches the load. Not much else to do except add gadgets and gizmos. Good luck
Thanks! Yeah, it's tough to overcome the laws of physics. We're having the tire pressures re-checked today, along with ride height, and will see what happens. Time to start researching gadgets and gizmos too....
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Old 05-23-2012, 02:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcurt23 View Post
Is this your first coach? A truck chassis has no center point like a car or light truck. I traded up from a 36 gasser ( I know yours is a diesel) to a 38 diesel 5 years ago and found the ride and handling to be 100% better. I still added a tru-center. Before the tru-center the coach required active participation in steering. After, I often feel it has car like characteristics. Others have added that and other types of steering stabilizers for the issue that you have raised. I do not work for tru-center.
Just wondering, where did you mount the control/activation switch for the Tru-Center? I'm checking to see if there is a version available for our coach. Blue Ox is researching it and will get in touch soon. I might have the dealer install it since they have the coach in for service.
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Old 05-23-2012, 05:41 PM   #11
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Joe something I've found to be true is we all tend to over compensate with the wheel. If you feel you're wandering just slowly correct it no quick movements unless to avoid a collision LOL. I've taught my 25 year old son to drive our rig just that way and he's much more comfortable (so am I)
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Old 05-23-2012, 06:47 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by henderson View Post
Joe something I've found to be true is we all tend to over compensate with the wheel. If you feel you're wandering just slowly correct it no quick movements unless to avoid a collision LOL. I've taught my 25 year old son to drive our rig just that way and he's much more comfortable (so am I)
Good point! Another other thing I've finally convinced myself to do is to look down the road about 1000+ feet so that I don't react as quickly as I otherwise may when making steering input corrections. That seems to have helped a bit too. Thanks!
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Old 05-24-2012, 09:47 AM   #13
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Good point! Another other thing I've finally convinced myself to do is to look down the road about 1000+ feet so that I don't react as quickly as I otherwise may when making steering input corrections. That seems to have helped a bit too. Thanks!
Joe looking farther down the road is a definite help. With all the solutions you've been given your cruising enjoyment should certainly increase. Good Luck safe travels. Mike
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Old 05-24-2012, 01:41 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pagosajoe View Post
Thanks for the information! Our first DP coach, but had a class C years ago. Love the ride compared to the class C. Very quiet and relaxing...except for the "wander issue". I'll check into the Tru-Center!
Colonel,

There was a thread earlier about Tru-Center steering units having a problem with some kind of control box.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/truce...ics-79623.html

Good Luck,
Jon
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