Motion Control

[DLane]

I have made a number of postings concerning Motorhome stability and as I learn new things, I sometimes like to see what experience other people have had on these subjects.

I have been looking into 3rd party products that can help stabilize a DP with air suspension. Some of these products like Steer Safe help directly with steering control. But another product I recently learned about is the "Super Steer Motion Control". It is installed in the suspension air lines to each air bag and prevents quick changes in air pressure in the air bags. This is supposed to dramatically improve side-to-side rocking when pulling out of a driveway as well as lean from relatively quick turns or road conditions like wind gusts as I understand it. I was told that it is a good solution to stabilize the rear end where there isn't a lot of room on a DP to add additional stabilizer bars etc.

The motion control product is also supposed to help reduce bounce when driving over a dip on the highway or hitting the brakes hard when maneuvering in tight spots for example. I have personally experienced the violent rocking side-to-side on occasion as well as front end bouncing. I have thought this would be due to improper shocks, but I'm not sure that is the case on my coach since I have Bilstein shocks that are supposedly engineered for the Spartan chasis I have.

I am having the suspension checked under warranty in a few weeks, but am considering adding these motion control devices if the suspension components check out OK.

Has anyone had any experience with this product or a simlar one?

[Harry B]

There has been a lot posted about them. Check under MCU and you will find a lot of info.
This link is probably the most extensive one.Super Steer Motion Control Units - WOW!

I have them on my suspension and I consider it one of best improvements I have made.

[GaryKD]

Hi DLane,
I installed the Motion Control units on my coach. For me, they are one of the few products that works better than advertised. Just driving down the road, there is no difference. If for any reason the air bags would normally loose air (sideways push, undulation in the road or low speed turn, etc) the steadiness of the coach (lack of roll) is dramatic. They are worth every penny spent. They will be on every coach I have. Go to http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=10503 to see one of my units installed. If you do this yourself (like me). It is two trips under the coach. The first trip is to measure the outside diameter of the air line to the air bags. One needs to measure both front and rear lines, they may be different sizes (like my coach). If one set of air lines is 3/4" outside diameter, you'll need to purchase adapters for that set of units. The second trip is to install the units. It is an easy DIY project. Take plenty of cleaning solution and rags with you to clean the air line before installing the units.

[RVDude]

HWH Active Air Suspension Control Systems

[bthomforde]

We used to have a Journey on a Freightliner chassis, had the installed at Precision Frame in Minnesota, they made a huge improvement, I'd highly recommend them, the motion controls and Precision Frame.

[Party Barge]

I purchased and installed the super steer motion control valves. I was suprised how small they were at first ( 1/4 line, about the size of a roll of dimes/ 1/2 line, the size of a roll of quarters). It took me a couple of afternoons to find the lines and make sure the rv was supported for safety and drained all the air from the system. Installation took about 1/2 hour for all four units.

I had used 3-T shock mounts, which are still on the coach, but the motion contol valves in addition have really made a difference on the roll of the coach on curves.

I am very happy with the investment.

RAB

[porscheracer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Party Barge I had used 3-T shock mounts, which are still on the coach, but the motion contol valves in addition have really made a difference on the roll of the coach on curves.

Maybe the motion control valves will help keep the TTT shock mounts from ripping out of the rear subframe, which is what they did on our '05 Vectra. Ours was supposedly not the first one they had repaired at Gaffney, at a cost of ~$2000.

[Craig P.]

Another vote for the Super Steer MCU's. My coach now handles like a big BMW instead of a big tug boat!