Community Forums

mikeyrph · 04-26-2010, 11:58 PM

I have a 2002 Dutchstar. I just returned from my first outing. I had a hard time with the wind, 18 wheelers, drop offs and all of these caused what I hear tell is tail wagging. It reminded me more of being on ice. Scared me to death. The motorhome has a Safe-T-Plus already on board. Obviously that did not help me that much. My question is should I keep the Safe-T-plus and ad a roadmaster suspension rear anti-sway bars to it? or get rid of the Safe-T-Plus and add a steer safe stabilizer? or put on the steer safe and the rear anti-sway bars? or add the steer safe to the Safe-T-Plus? or any combination there in. I'm very confused and we are about to embark on a cross country trip in about a month so I need to do something about this swaying, tail wagging situation pretty quick before I go on the road again. I cant take another trip like this last one and the next one is a lot farther than the 250 mile trip I just returned from.
HELP

Route 66 · 04-27-2010, 05:31 AM

What chassis do you have?

GaryKD · 04-27-2010, 08:00 AM

Hi Mike,
From the picture it looks like you have a diesel pusher, with air suspension. Consider the following:
1. Have a two axle alignment done to ensure the two axles are working together.
2. Make sure ride height is correct.
3. Make sure the tire PSI is correct for the weight being carried.
4. Is there a track bar on the rear axle? If not consider installing one.
5. An anti-sway bar is also something to consider. I have the Roadmaster.
6. Air bag restrictors are also something to consider. Go to http://www.hendersonslineup.com/prod...uspension.html and read about the motion control units. Of all the after market items I've added this did more to help control the coach than any of the other products.

I have completed all of the above. In addition, like you, I have a steering stabilizer on the steer axle. My coach now has acceptable handling.

mikeyrph · 04-27-2010, 08:31 PM

I have a freightliner chassis

"007" · 04-28-2010, 04:09 PM

Mike you may want to post your concerns in the Freightliner Chassis forum I'm sure other FL owners can help you.

mikeyrph · 04-30-2010, 09:41 AM

I called freightliner and they told me they have no idea if a steering sabilizer or a anti sway bar would help. They said I need to go to a frone end repair shop. Constant run around from the dealer and freightliner about this situation. I had to put new tires on the MV when I bought it and the dealer had the ba__ __ s to tell me that it was the new tires causing the problem because I didnt call him and tell him that it was doing it with the old tires on. I told him that it was doing it but I knew that the new tires were going on the next day and I figured that that would fix the problem. Then he said "well you know this is a used unit and not a new MV" Guess who's face got red and steam was coming from his head. I have a 2500 mile trip planned at the end of May and I have to do something I cant drive the MV like it is. Oh yea, he then told me that he could probably drive the MV with one finger and that I was over sterring and that was the problem. That activated more fumes and at that point I think I was sweating like mad. But any way, Thanks for all the help and comments, and reccomendations guys, I just wanted to give an update and share with everyone how I've been getting the run around and playing the blame game.

Dgold2 · 04-30-2010, 01:46 PM

Mike,

Get a good all wheel alignment. Ask at the truck-stops locally to see who in that area is good. Also, if it is a straight front axle Freightliner, make the shop go a little strong on the front toe-in. I believe the spec. is 0-1/8" toe-in, but I went between 3/16-1/4" to give it that positive feel of center.

Another thing that the Freightliner is notorious for is the OEM Bell-Crank wearing prematurely. On my 02 Freightliner XC, I only had 13K on it and it would literally dart from one location to the next. I replaced the Bell-Crank with one of Henderson's, and along with the front-end changes, it drives like a dream. BTW, the bell-crank had several tight spots that could not be turned by hand, and that was adding to the darting feeling I was getting.

Hope this help! Good Luck my friend!
Dgold2