Blue Ox steering control

[jerichorick]

I seem to have lost this thread. The TruCenter is installed and, after 2 1/2 months, finally tested.

We left Prescott, AZ this morning on our way to Bryce Canyon. Just outside of Page on US 89T we had a micro-burst hit us. This was a great test of the TruCenter. I had it set for a strong cross wind and it was truly relieving the normal driving fatigue. When the burst of wind hit us the coach shook like a toy. I had not trouble keeping control and staying on my side of the road.

As the winds changed strength and direction I would give a little tap on the control button and the steering pull was gone!. The only surprise to me was it seemed that steering was a bit harder to steer from straight, but that could be just my imagination. Over all I am very pleased and impressed with this devise. I highly recommend the TruCenter. Easy to install and easy to use.

Rick Y

[RickO]

Originally Posted by jerichorick

I seem to have lost this thread. The TruCenter is installed and, after 2 1/2 months, finally tested.

We left Prescott, AZ this morning on our way to Bryce Canyon. Just outside of Page on US 89T we had a micro-burst hit us. This was a great test of the TruCenter. I had it set for a strong cross wind and it was truly relieving the normal driving fatigue. When the burst of wind hit us the coach shook like a toy. I had not trouble keeping control and staying on my side of the road.

As the winds changed strength and direction I would give a little tap on the control button and the steering pull was gone!. The only surprise to me was it seemed that steering was a bit harder to steer from straight, but that could be just my imagination. Over all I am very pleased and impressed with this devise. I highly recommend the TruCenter. Easy to install and easy to use.

Rick Y

Technology is a beautiful thing!

Rick

[jstdreamin]

Just installed the blue OX TrueCenter....love it!

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by jstdreamin

Just installed the blue OX TrueCenter....love it!

And so you should!

Our trip from the Seattle area to south coastal OR was so comfortable with the TruCenter assist. I feel it is a good and wise choice for a steering assist device. My opinion is totally unscientific of course. It just feels so darn good not to be 'steering' the coach any longer. Now I point and click the control button and relax as I guide the coach down the road.

Yes, trails are happy!

Rick Y

[spritz]

I thought (I know) that the Bell crank from Henderson's Super-steer helped control the over-steer or help in strong winds? That is what I have been looking at for our old PA MH.? Is that something you are talking about?
Not sure, Tim

[Dutch Star Don]

"spritz"......Henderson makes their own version of what was discussed in this post. Blue Ox Tru Center here in this post, Super Steer by Hendersons Hydraulic Steering Control - SuperSteer Trim Unit for Safe-T-Plus

[wa8yxm]

Have the Blue-Ox tru-center. It makes a difference, You do not now just how much unless you do what they tell you not to do and press the button while driving (WARNING: ever watch those movies or tv shows where a novice pilot has to be talked through landing a big airplane and when he takes it off auto-pilot bad things nearly happen...I BELIEVE IT)

If you are dealing with a side wind that is constant, the ability to "re-center" can be a real blessing.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by spritz

I thought (I know) that the Bell crank from Henderson's Super-steer helped control the over-steer or help in strong winds? That is what I have been looking at for our old PA MH.? Is that something you are talking about?
Not sure, Tim

We are driving billboards as far as wind is concerned and rocking horses as far as the road contour is concerned. We have all had that moment when we white knuckled for a time because of road or weather conditions. Many manufactures have many versions of steering assist products. They all work to some degree. The Blue Ox TruCenter is my choice. It with "I" beam front suspensions. I don't think it will work with independent front suspensions.

The principle is to add something that will reduce the road action out of the steering wheel without reducing drivers control. The TruCenter definitely does that. With the touch of a button you can greatly reduce steering pull effort to near zero. I did not realize just how much steering effort I was exerting over a long days drive until I started using this device. I am so much more relaxed at the end of a long driving day now as compared to before the device assist. The only noticeable change in steering is turns take a bit more effort. But road tracking is much easier to maintain. It is surprising how much work we do when navigating unassisted. I think this device has improved my driving skills.

Rick Y

[RickO]

Originally Posted by spritz

I thought (I know) that the Bell crank from Henderson's Super-steer helped control the over-steer or help in strong winds? That is what I have been looking at for our old PA MH.? Is that something you are talking about?
Not sure, Tim

As already pointed out, this discussion is mostly about steering stabilizers and their centering features. The SS bell crank is something different. I had one installed on my 40DP simply because it made sense to me after seeing the OEM and SS models side by side. Construction and operation was so much better on the SS.

Rick

[Dennis_K]

I installed a TruCenter about a year ago and used it over about 8000 miles. I found it to be more annoying than helpful. The road and wind conditions change way too often to be able to keep the unit "centered". I found that I was steering against the 260# force more than that force was helping my steering effort. I ended up removing it.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by RickO

As already pointed out, this discussion is mostly about steering stabilizers and their centering features. The SS bell crank is something different. I had one installed on my 40DP simply because it made sense to me after seeing the OEM and SS models side by side. Construction and operation was so much better on the SS.

Rick

So, Rick, with this experience in hand, does the bell crank upgrade do the same thing as all of these add-on stabilizers do? I know one common theme is blowout control. Is that addressed also?

Rick Y

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by Dennis_K

I installed a TruCenter about a year ago and used it over about 8000 miles. I found it to be more annoying than helpful. The road and wind conditions change way too often to be able to keep the unit "centered". I found that I was steering against the 260# force more than that force was helping my steering effort. I ended up removing it.

I am sorry that you didn't get satisfaction out of your TruCenter. I can't be more pleased. I mounted my switch on the footrest/cover on the left. I simply tap it with my foot when needed. I am very satisfied with the unit.

I hope you sold it on craigslist. Do you use another type now?

Rick Y

[RickO]

Originally Posted by jerichorick

So, Rick, with this experience in hand, does the bell crank upgrade do the same thing as all of these add-on stabilizers do? I know one common theme is blowout control. Is that addressed also?

Rick Y

I don't believe the bell crank makes any detectable difference in the driving experience at all and it certainly provides no blow out protection.

Seeing the difference between the SS bell crank and the OEM unit led me to replace mine for nothing more than general principals because the SS was clearly a superior device. I was already at Henderson's Line Up and had them do it along with a number of other changes.

If I were prioritizing my investments in the coach, I would put the bell crank well down on my list.

Rick

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by RickO

I don't believe the bell crank makes any detectable difference in the driving experience at all and it certainly provides no blow out protection.

Seeing the difference between the SS bell crank and the OEM unit led me to replace mine for nothing more than general principals because the SS was clearly a superior device. I was already at Henderson's Line Up and had them do it along with a number of other changes.

If I were prioritizing my investments in the coach, I would put the bell crank well down on my list.

Rick

Then it was a moment of convenience and not necessity. Have you ever heard of the OEM bell crank failing?