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rvtime2 · 10-14-2013, 07:00 PM

RV and Truck Parts and Service - Henderson's Line-Up

and/or

3Ts RV Products

TXiceman · 10-14-2013, 07:18 PM

Having been through the steering issue with an E450, the Saf-T-Plus is a patch and does not correct the problem. Our C had a steering dampener but that was not the problem. Like I noted, HD Bilstein shocks and HD anti-roll bars with urethane bushings.

But first load the coach like you travel, get it weighed and set the tire pressures accordingly. Now get the alignment done at a truck suspension shop....not a Ford shop.

No way would I trust the shop pushing the steering stabilizer (Saf-T-Plus)

Ken

rvten · 10-15-2013, 06:21 PM

Guess I am the only one. Who has not felt the need to change my steering damper.

Scan Guage speeds would be right on. Compared to the stock speed-o.

Capt Steve · 10-17-2013, 10:00 AM

It will take the Scan Gauge a few tanks, consistently filled to the same level, to get you accurate fuel consumption numbers. I agree the SG will be more accurate than the speedometer but you can always cross check it with the GPS. I always run with my SG set to display coolant and trans fluid temps along with average and real time mpg.

I keep reading about all of the handling problems with C's, especially the E-450's but have yet to experience anything but a great, smooth, total control ride. Our Nexus Phantom 23P is an E-350 and we are running right at 10,000# with a GVWR of 11,500#. I keep the Michelins at 60 psi and the ride is smooth and quiet.

rvtime2 · 10-17-2013, 11:10 AM

I plan to talk with a local RV shop I use that feels that shocks, maybe alignment, and sway bar should fix most of my problem. He thinks he can provide a more cost effective solution than what some have proposed so far that included air bags and steering stabilizer. i am glad there has been good results by some here using the shocks and bar. i appreciate the interchange of ideas here. I went for my second trip last week with our WB Access that is only 31' but we had side to side and front to back bounce and steering corrections required. Hope I can resolve most of it before next March when we go camping again.

baraff · 10-17-2013, 08:49 PM

Tire pressure has a lot to do with handling. I would strongly advise getting it weighed at full load and then consult the tire manufacturer's pressure chart for the correct tire pressure based on your axle weighs. I found that I could reduce air pressure by almost 10lbs and still be in the range for proper weight distribution. That made a HUGE difference in the handling. The standard 65lbs/front and 80/lbs rear is a worst case scenario. That's way too much pressure.

purduepete2 · 12-03-2013, 08:25 PM

RVTEN,
You're not the only one with an OEM steering damper, but I guess I'm the only one with the OEM anti sway bars and no rear airbags.
I went through all this stuff too and now my rig (2007 BT Cruiser Model 5291 - 30 ft triple slide on an E-450 chassis) and my rig handles like an SUV.

CMALBERTO,
Listen to the "Harvard" man! He knows what he is talking about!

I installed the adjustable Ignalls bushings ($29 each) myself that he suggested, had the alignment redone and the caster adjusted to the maximum.
On my rig that turned out to be (4.9) versus the (3.1) I had originally from the factory.
I could finally drive down the road one handed without constantly adjusting the steering and my rig tracked down the road like it was on rails.

I had other issues that also had to be addressed initially, that is my rig was rear axel overloaded from the factory. Ford told me the only fix was to increase the 9 pack rear spring package to an 11 spring package. So I complained to the manufacturer (Gulfstream) that "we" had a rear overloading problem and they agreed to take it back to the factory in Nappannee, IN. They had MorRyde rebuild the springs and that eliminated the problem of getting pushed around by the trucks. That also eliminated the need for a rear track bar. In fact I still have a brand new in the box never opened Blu-Ox rear track bar that I would like to sell for my cost ($450). It's made for E-450 chassis I believe 2003 to 2014.

Just sayin', do the cheap stuff first. Have it weighed, air the tires to the proper amount and have it aligned. If they can't adjust the caster to 5+ like the "Harvard" man says, then install the Ignalls adjustable bushings and have the caster readjusted to the maximum.

Good Luck!
Pete