Community Forums

Butte64 · 04-05-2017, 05:49 AM

What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Safe-t-Plus versus a Tru-Center steering stabilizer on an Aspire with IFS on Spartan chassis? I know the Tru-Center is more expensive and has the button for setting the center but I don't think the extra cost is worth it, plus would be distracting with having to constantly reset it in gusty wind conditions.

MRUSA14 · 04-05-2017, 05:56 AM

I had a Tru-Center on my previous coach. The centering feature is fabulous and is not distracting at all. A momentary push of one button takes the side force away when you are driving. Very useful. There was nothing I didn't like about driving with it on the highway.

The bad news however is that it wasn't durable and fell apart after a couple years of use. Blu-Ox replaced it for me but the replacement also fell apart after a couple years and Blue-Ox would not replace the second one, so I gave up on it. I considered buying one for my Entegra but given the problems I had previously, I decided not to.

Matt D · 04-05-2017, 02:12 PM

Jerry, unlike our Phaeton (that I made numerous suspension mods to), I feel absolutely no need to on the Aspire.

About the only thing I might contemplate down the road, would be Koni shocks in front.

Your coach will come with Michelins, which I feel are better than Goodyears, on the steer axle.

I know you've driven an Aspire, but I would encourage you to drive your Aspire before you commit to any changes. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our Aspire drives so much nicer than our Phaeton did, and I feel our Phaeton was one of the better handling Phaetons out there.

Getting the Entegra, with the tag, IFS, and good tires will be a winning combination.

-Matt

44Rche · 04-05-2017, 04:05 PM

We picked up our 2017 Aspire and drove it straight to Safe-T-Plus. On the drive to GA for the installation, wheels went onto the shoulder of the highway several times (first time driving a Class A) and really felt the pull to the shoulder. After safe t plus installed, I felt little if any pull to the shoulder (tested it on purpose). Much smoother and straighter ride in my opinion with much less pull when on the shoulder. We've driven about 350 miles with it installed and would highly recommend it to other 2017 Aspire owners.

I asked the installer (the guy that trains dealers on installation) about adding a trim device and he said unequivocally that he would not recommend it on my Spartan chassis... Something to do with not enough room.

Jose67 · 04-05-2017, 04:25 PM

I installed both the Safe-T-Plus and Trim Kit on my Aspire. All I can say is that it WORKS! That being said my Aspire is a 16,000# solid axle design.

Butte64 · 04-05-2017, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Jerry, unlike our Phaeton (that I made numerous suspension mods to), I feel absolutely no need to on the Aspire.

About the only thing I might contemplate down the road, would be Koni shocks in front.

Your coach will come with Michelins, which I feel are better than Goodyears, on the steer axle.

I know you've driven an Aspire, but I would encourage you to drive your Aspire before you commit to any changes. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our Aspire drives so much nicer than our Phaeton did, and I feel our Phaeton was one of the better handling Phaetons out there.

Getting the Entegra, with the tag, IFS, and good tires will be a winning combination.

-Matt

Thanks Matt. It is not for me. My girlfriend wants it, mostly for blowout safety.

Butte64 · 04-07-2017, 06:31 AM

So a SafeT Plus was installed and works very nice so far. But the power steering noise that Linda complained about that others did not pay any attention is now much worse. Power steering fluid is at mid-level on dipstick so I don't think it is lack of fluid. Has anyone else experienced significant power steering noice when turning? This is on 2017 Aspire, K2 chassis.

Matt D · 04-07-2017, 07:36 AM

Jerry, has she spoken to Spartan?

-Matt

Neverhome2 · 04-07-2017, 07:42 AM

Our 2017 Insignia is built on the old Aspire K2 Mountain Master chassis with a solid front axle. It steers and handles like a dream without the addition of any aftermarket additions.

I drove 18 wheelers most of my working life which all had solid front axles and were rock steady on the road. This begs my question: Why does anyone need to put extra devices on their steering?

Matt D · 04-07-2017, 07:56 AM

Larry, I believe most people are buying the Safe-T-Plus largely as a preventive measure against a steer axle blowout.

I think a side benefit is resistance to minor influences while driving.

Personally, I don't like adding things to the steering system, unless absolutely warranted. Right now, the example I'm thinking of was our lifted Jeep with 33" tires that needed a sterling stabilizer.

Our Aspire doesn't have the same requirement.

I think many people who are new to driving larger vehicles work to reduce the steering effort to that which they are most familiar, a passenger vehicle.

Our Aspire has a higher steering effort, but it does what you tell it.

This difference in feel is similar to the difference between light General Aviation aircraft, and Commercial airliners.

In GA, the typical control input forces are very light, almost delicate.

In contrast, a 737 has a higher control effort.

I think this difference is similar to that between a passenger vehicle and a large RV. The higher control forces are compounded by the high cube shape causing a greater reaction to crosswinds.

-Matt

Neverhome2 · 04-07-2017, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the reply Matt. You are right that people new to motorhome driving have nothing to reference but their automobiles but I agree the forces of wind are greatly exacerbated by the sheer size of the MH. I have driven our Insignia in some 40-50 mile per hour crosswinds and it performed remarkably well.

We love it!

Ron @ HHI · 04-08-2017, 06:45 AM

I HAVE ONE FOR SALE. see http://www.irv2.com/rvclassifieds/sh...?product=10445

Matt D · 04-08-2017, 07:14 AM

Ron, please check your mail.

Thanks,

-Matt

Butte64 · 04-08-2017, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Jerry, has she spoken to Spartan?

-Matt

Not yet, heading to LazyDays Monday.
Meanwhile I have added AW46 hydraulic oil to the he reservoir twice for a total of over a quart to get it full so I'm pretty sure there is a leak, just have not found any dripping. Maybe only leaks when driving and steering.