Community Forums

coycap · 06-20-2013, 04:10 PM

We have just taken our 30' 2004 ford F53 chassis, Safari Simba on our first short trip. When driving above 50 it is unstable. We had the tow in checked and it was within spec. We are considering a steering Stabilizer. Has any one had the same problem, if so what advise do you have for us.

450Donn · 06-20-2013, 04:15 PM

Did the shop check the entire front end for worn suspension components?
Have you weighed the rig to be sure the front end is not too light? How much overhand is there in the rear?

JMonroe · 06-20-2013, 04:16 PM

Have you checked tire pressures?

RWeigant · 06-20-2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coycap

We have just taken our 30' 2004 ford F53 chassis, Safari Simba on our first short trip. When driving above 50 it is unstable. We had the tow in checked and it was within spec. We are considering a steering Stabilizer. Has any one had the same problem, if so what advise do you have for us.

I didn't see your post before I added mine. Look at "Steering play update" above to see what I had done.

vsheetz · 06-20-2013, 05:17 PM

Do all the usual and ensure stock components are ok before adding any aftermarket components.

Weigh the coach - adjust as needed
Ensure tire pressures correct
Ensure tires are true and without issue
Check for worn suspension components - front and rear
Check alignment

If all the above is correct it should handle decently. Then evaluate the need for any improvements.

TXiceman · 06-20-2013, 05:45 PM

Is the fresh water aft of the rear axle? If you had it full, that can definitely cause the front end to go light and drive badly. Get weights, set air pressures and then get the front end aligned with the rig loaded for travel. Got to a truck suspension shop...not Ford.

Ken

Arch Hoagland · 06-20-2013, 06:25 PM

Excessive tire pressure can and will cause stability problems.

As noted above weigh your rig and set the tire pressure accordingly.

nodine · 06-21-2013, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coycap

We have just taken our 30' 2004 ford F53 chassis, Safari Simba on our first short trip. When driving above 50 it is unstable. We had the tow in checked and it was within spec. We are considering a steering Stabilizer. Has any one had the same problem, if so what advise do you have for us.

Before adding the steering stabilizer I would first consider a track bar or sway bars, especially if there is a lot of overhang out behind the rear axle. With a long overhang the wind will work the rear of the coach causing the "tail waging the dog" effect. This will require constant steering correction and becomes tiring. If you seem to get this when large trucks pass you then first go for sway bars and good quality shocks. As others have mentioned make sure you have the correct air pressure in the tires for the load they are caring. To little and the side walls will cause side to side motion and the tires will over heat. To much and the ride will suffer and the coach may wander. The steering stabilizers do help but I would put that third on the list behind sway bars and shocks.

Bob

clyon51 · 06-21-2013, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

Before adding the steering stabilizer I would first consider a track bar or sway bars, especially if there is a lot of overhang out behind the rear axle. With a long overhang the wind will work the rear of the coach causing the "tail waging the dog" effect. This will require constant steering correction and becomes tiring. If you seem to get this when large trucks pass you then first go for sway bars and good quality shocks.

To the OP. Your Ford F53 chassis has front and rear sway bars. At this point in your problem, I agree with others about what to do and check first. Once you have this corrected, you can improve the side to side roll/sway of the body caused by crosswinds, taking curves and passing trucks on the stock sway bars for zero cost. Do a search for "cheap handling fix" to learn more.