Community Forums

Rom · 06-15-2010, 11:10 PM

I have been planning on having a steering dampener (Steer Safe, Safe-T-Plus, etc) installed on my coach. I asked one shop if they install Steer Safe and he told me that he'd recommend a Koni Steering Dampener and that he had installed thousands on trucks and MH's. I've asked about this in another forum and it seems like nobody heard about it. I'm surprised since the other Koni product (FSD's) are much well known.

I then approached Camping World shop personnel about Steer Safe and I was told that it's not appropriate for my coach (too heavy for it) and instead recommended Safe-T-Plus.

What's the forum members take on these advices? I'm somewhat perplexed because doing some research on the forums did not provide any clear reasoning why the other one is better or more suitable for my coach.

Please enlighten me on this matter. Thanks in advance for your time.

wnytaxman · 06-16-2010, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom

I have been planning on having a steering dampener (Steer Safe, Safe-T-Plus, etc) installed on my coach. I asked one shop if they install Steer Safe and he told me that he'd recommend a Koni Steering Dampener and that he had installed thousands on trucks and MH's. I've asked about this in another forum and it seems like nobody heard about it. I'm surprised since the other Koni product (FSD's) are much well known.

I then approached Camping World shop personnel about Steer Safe and I was told that it's not appropriate for my coach (too heavy for it) and instead recommended Safe-T-Plus.

What's the forum members take on these advices? I'm somewhat perplexed because doing some research on the forums did not provide any clear reasoning why the other one is better or more suitable for my coach.

Please enlighten me on this matter. Thanks in advance for your time.

Like you I was unsure of which way to go to help with the handling of our coach. I looked seriously at Steer Safe and Safe-T-Plus. I didn't look at Tru-Center, but I understand that it is out there and well received. I also posted on a couple of forums to get the reaction as to satisfaction with each product. Overall, most seemed to gravitate to the Safe-T-Plus. That is what we had installed on our rig. It is more money than the Steer Safe, but I think it is worth it based on my reading. The Tru-Center seems to be the top end of this type of product, but again I didn't really get a good chance to research it. Also be aware that some refer to a "trim kit" for the Safe-T-Plus. According to my dealer if you install the trim kit, it will void your warranty.

I hope this helps.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-16-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

I then approached Camping World shop personnel about Steer Safe and I was told that it's not appropriate for my coach (too heavy for it) and instead recommended Safe-T-Plus.

Too heavy? Surely he could not have meant actual weight - it's probably lighter than the Safe-T-Plus! Could he have meant too much pressure applied to the steer mechanism? Or maybe he was just selling his favorite product?

I'm not a fan of either product, but I think the CW guy was blowing smoke at you.

RickO · 06-16-2010, 07:34 AM

I agree with Gary that there was some smoke in the air.

I chose the Safe T Plus and love it. However, while I researched the different models it seemed to me that nearly everone really liked whatever brand they had installed. I guess it's gratitude for the help provided in keeping our coaches between the lines.

I sure don't understand the comment on the trim kit voiding your warranty either. What warranty? The trim kit is high on my wish list and I may have it installed at the upcoming rally in Louisville since Henderson's Line Up is going to have a pretty good presence there. FYI, the trim kit lets you adjust your steering damper while in motion much like a pilot "trims" an airplane in flight.

smlranger · 06-16-2010, 08:03 AM

I would highly recommend the Blue Ox Tru Center. I now have the Safe T Plus and it seems to work fine but when I had a Tru Center, it was really nice to be able to adjust the center of steering on the fly. This was helpful when there was a high crown on the road and in cross winds.

I had one of the first generation Tru Centers that got recalled. The wait for the subsequent model was too long for me (1 1/2 years) so I replaced it with the Safe T Steer.

wa8yxm · 06-16-2010, 08:52 AM

Well, not to fly in the face of tradition but to me there are but two types of steering stablizers.

1: The kind where if they adjustment you estimate the amount of adjustment eneded and crawl under with wrench and hammer and adjust

2: Blue Ox True-center that SMLRANGER recommended (Consider this a 2nd) Where if it needs adjustment you press the button for a few (no more than 30) Seconds and adjust.. The manual says pull over (And for good reason) but I've done it on the fly as it were.. Very nice

Why would you want/need to re-adjust?

The unit is set up, initially for a fairly flat road, I've been on high dome roads where the rig wished to pull onto the shoulder, even with the True-Center. I've also been in conditions where I had a steady cross wind that wanted to blow me one way or the other... With the True Center I can ask IT to compensate at the touch of a button.. And did.

Sadly my True Center is a pre-2006 unit and thus is awaiting return to Blue Ox for updating (They made some changes in the 2005-2007 years and the new ones do not have the problem that I have)

I got an RMA and expect the repair (Since it is a safety recall) For free.

Gary - K7GLD · 06-16-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rom

I have been planning on having a steering dampener (Steer Safe, Safe-T-Plus, etc) installed on my coach. I asked one shop if they install Steer Safe and he told me that he'd recommend a Koni Steering Dampener and that he had installed thousands on trucks and MH's. I've asked about this in another forum and it seems like nobody heard about it. I'm surprised since the other Koni product (FSD's) are much well known.

.

When we recently bought our '88 27 foot Winnie MH, all the OEM shocks and steering stabilizer were (naturally!) shot. I replaced everything with heavy duty Bilsteins - and all the former wallowing and erratic steering issues (also naturally!) disappeared. I suppose that more sophisticated steering setups bring stability up another notch - but not sure the actual cost is needed if all else in the steering and suspension is in proper shape...

Rom · 06-16-2010, 01:01 PM

Thank you all for the enlightenment and comments - do agree that maybe the CW person was just trying to push their favorite product (it's also more expensive). But anyways, I might go with Safe-T-Plus, I should have scrolled more downwards last night when I posted. There's another thread going with Safe-T-Plus as the main subject.

Wayneey · 06-23-2010, 06:09 PM

Along with a set of Koni shocks I had a Safe-T-Plus installed at Brazel's about 124 miles ago and so far, I'm very pleased with these additions.

The 2007 W-24 chassis (and probably the W-20's and W-22's also although I don't know this for a fact) had a newly designed power steering system to address a noisy power steering pump and increase the power assist. The result is power steering with a lot of assist at the expense of little to no road feel/feedback and, at least in my opinion, almost constant steering correction.

The Safe-T-Plus keeps the steering wheel 'quiet' such that I can take my hands off the steering wheel and the coach will continue to track. No way could I have done that before. And of course, there's the added safety factor in the event of a blow out. Combined with the increased comfort provided by the Koni shocks, I'm looking forward to some way improved driving in the future!

Wayne

rv rick · 06-24-2010, 08:56 PM

I installed a Tru Center about 3,000 miles ago and really like it. It is wonderful to hold the wheel while in a cross wind, click the set button, and have the coach track straight. Works exactly as advertised. It also helps dampen movement when a ruck passes, etc. A great addition to our coach

Batwings · 08-17-2010, 07:59 PM

ROM
I did exactly what you plan to do. I installed what I call the 4 pack (TruTrac, Safe-T-Plus, Koni FSD and Super Steer) on my 2006 W22 Adventurer. It was worth every penny. Go for it, you won't regret it.

Papa_Jim · 08-17-2010, 09:46 PM

I phoned Steer Safe with the # from my front axle, and they sent me their steering stabilizer. It's a no brainer to install. Just make sure the wheels are aimed straight ahead.

The Steer Safe works as advertised. I'm very pleased with the handling of our coach now.

Batwings · 08-18-2010, 01:31 PM

Hi jimkate, Here’s just a simple piece of advice for adjusting the Steer Safe. Even if you think the wheels are pointing straight you still might need to tweak the damper. It helps if you have a partner; drive the coach in an empty parking lot with your hands off the wheel. If the Steer safe is doing its job, the coach will stay true to line for at least a hundred feet. If not, take control of the wheel and drive it straight, here’s where your helper comes in. Stop the coach without turning the wheel and have your helper check how far off center the Steer Safe is. You can now make a counter adjustment (after shutting off the engine). Keep in mind that road crown, weight distribution and speed also come into play. It took several tweaks on mine to get the coach to run true but it sure was worth the time and effort.

Papa_Jim · 08-18-2010, 08:01 PM

The day I installed the Steer Safe on my coach must have been a real lucky day. I used a tape measure to check the driver's wheel position in relation to the frame, making sure that the wheel was aimed perfectly straight ahead in relation to the frame. Then I installed the Steer Safe units.

The results?

1. Well, while driving forward, when I turn the wheel, then let go, the wheel will practically bring itself back to straight forward position. It never did that before. Before I had to turn the wheel to turn, and turn the wheel back to center again.

2. I hardly notice wheel ruts in the road any more. Before it was a real chore trying to control the coach 'walking' those ruts.

3. I hardly notice wind gusts and air pressures caused by passing semi trucks. Before those rigs would shove me all over the road.

4. I hardly notice the wind at all. Before, any wind would be enough to make me pull off the road and wait it out. Now I find myself driving in very strong wind, and not even noticing it.

5. I don't feel road crowns, side winds, on the steering wheel at all any more. The wheel sits true at center, and I don't notice any pressure at any time to have to hold it from pulling one way or another. I don't know how that's possible, but it is.

For me, the Steer Safe simply works as advertised. I don't know how it compares to other brands out there. I just know that it works.

I had reached the point with my coach that I was going to park it. I could not drive it. It walked the ruts, shot all over the road with wind gusts, and coming anywhere near close to a semi truck was an terrifying event to be avoided at all costs.

Now, I just drive. Often with a coffee cup in one hand.