Community Forums

dnk · 05-23-2025, 06:19 PM

Just bought a 2017 Minnie Winnie 28Q. Very disappointed with the way it steers. I am constantly correcting from one side to the other with approximately one inch of movement before you get a reaction. It gets worse when towing a vehicle. This has a E-450 chassis, so I took it to locale ford dealer. After driving it he told me it was fine and better than most he has driven.
Has anyone else had this problem, and did you find a solution?
The dealer also told me there is no adjustment on steering gearbox, unless you replace it with an after market gbx.
Any help appreciated.
DNK

SafariBen · 05-23-2025, 06:47 PM

There are countless threads on here about poor handling which usually means poor steering on motorhomes. Weight distribution, alignment, tire pressure, suspension upgrades like track bars and anti sway bars are all attempted with varying results.

You can post a pic of the steering gear if you want. Play can be anywhere in the linkage also, not just the steering gear. 1" is not bad, there's more going on, but that might be a big improvement.

ChrisDParise · 05-23-2025, 07:05 PM

Find a shop that services cars and light trucks that also works on motorhomes, your E450 in particular. If they have a tall and long enough bay they probably do.

Maybe start out with a lube, oil and filter. That will get them underneath to look around. The E450 has grease zerk fittings they should be lubed at oil change time.

Ask them for an assessment on its handling and an overall inspection of the chassis and tires

As the new owner you're starting from scratch not knowing its former life and maintenance history.

As SafariBen pointed out above, could be one or multiple issues.

Should be fixable

dnk · 05-24-2025, 12:23 PM

Since I bought it I replaced all tires, and steering damper. Jacked front end and checked for any looseness. I will look for a truck repair shop and see if they can find anything.
Thanks for reply.

twinboat · 05-24-2025, 12:27 PM

You need a RV wheel alignment. A good shop will give you 5° caster, using aftermarket bushings. Most just go by Fords specs, which is for delivery vans.

Call around for a shop that knows about caster bushings for E350 and E450s.

dnk · 05-25-2025, 11:38 AM

Thanks for the info. I will be shopping around and now I have an idea what to ask.

Skip426 · 05-25-2025, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnk

This has a E-450 chassis, so I took it to locale ford dealer. After driving it he told me it was fine and better than most he has driven.

JMHO: if this is what you were told after just a road test ; and no check for worn parts ; you got the " We avoid working on motorhomes " run around .

Other members have given you the info for best way to deal with your issue .

Avoid returning to that Ford dealer .

Arch Hoagland · 05-25-2025, 12:42 PM

Over inflated tires will cause that problem especially on new tires.

What pressure are your tires set at and have you weighed your RV and set the pressure to the manufactures suggested pressure for that weight?

dnk · 05-25-2025, 06:53 PM

Have 80 lbs on rear and 70 lbs front. No I have not weighed it. Where do I find manufactures recommendations? New to motorhomes.

Arch Hoagland · 05-25-2025, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnk

Have 80 lbs on rear and 70 lbs front. No I have not weighed it. Where do I find manufactures recommendations? New to motorhomes.

What brand of tires are they?

ChrisDParise · 05-26-2025, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnk

Have 80 lbs on rear and 70 lbs front. No I have not weighed it. Where do I find manufactures recommendations? New to motorhomes.

Usually there's a placard pasted on the inside of a cabinet door with all your pressures, weight ratings. The caniet above the sink is where my Sunseeker card is. Mine also has instructions for manually retracting and extending the slideouts.

I set my duallys to 80 psi and fronts to 65 per the settings on the card and on the inside of the drivers door. 65 in the front has been great. Go with what your recommendations are but I think if I set my fronts to 70 it might get darty on the road at highway speed.

My take on steering my 31' E450 is it goes right where I point it and low and high speeds. There is a degree of steering wheel adjustment at high speeds but not much different than steering small to mid-size suvs in our house hold

AlanTerry · 05-26-2025, 07:19 AM

Get it weighed at at CAT scale. I would at least get an alignment then go from there. Could be worn shocks too.

dnk · 05-27-2025, 06:10 PM

Talked to 2 different shops today. 2nd. one recommended alignment first before any parts changes. Scheduled for next Thursday. Will see what it is like after they are done.
Appreciate the responses.

Bogus JK · 06-03-2025, 06:17 PM

I was told by several people that the steering on my MH was fine. It had every upgrade on the steering already, including Sumo springs, oversized stabilizers, upgraded track bars, and radius rods. Still had 4” of play in the steering wheel. The radius rods were a good thing as they took lots of noise and shaking out of the steering, but the play was still there. So I finally removed the steering gear box and got it rebuilt. About $700 spent (did the installation myself), and no more play. It’s about as tight as any other truck steering that has a reciprocating ball gearbox.