Steering ratio too tight,why?

[lwmuddy]

I love my W-22 and the 8.1, but why in the world did they put such a close ratio steering in a 38ft chassis?

I understand the reason for the "toy" steering wheel [you can drive with handcuffs on],but If you sneeze your changing lanes.
I've driven 40 ft buses for years and you could look at the sceanery once and awhile, but I can't enjoy it now because I have to stare ahead constantly. If my wife says "look at the girl in the Bakini I don't dare turn my head.

I understand this ratio in a car, but not in something so big.

Any thoughts or am I just paranoid? I have 19.5 tires.[Rollerskates]

[lwmuddy]

I love my W-22 and the 8.1, but why in the world did they put such a close ratio steering in a 38ft chassis?

I understand the reason for the "toy" steering wheel [you can drive with handcuffs on],but If you sneeze your changing lanes.
I've driven 40 ft buses for years and you could look at the sceanery once and awhile, but I can't enjoy it now because I have to stare ahead constantly. If my wife says "look at the girl in the Bakini I don't dare turn my head.

I understand this ratio in a car, but not in something so big.

Any thoughts or am I just paranoid? I have 19.5 tires.[Rollerskates]

[Photog]

I have the large steering wheel. I had some handling problems, but not as bad as you have described. My bigest complaint was porpoising.

I put on front and rear track bars, a safty-t-plus steering stabilizer and Koni shocks. Now the coach handles and rides like a dream.

Bill

[lwmuddy]

I too replaced the shocks with Bilsteins and added the safe-T-Plus cylinder and it made a big difference.
I want to add rear Trac-bars and sway bar as soon as money permits.The larger steering wheel may make a difference because on the ration to size.
Thanks alot.

[Art D]

I have P-30 chassis and have to agree. After 10,000 miles experience, all my scenery looking has to be pretty much straight ahead. Hey, after all, when you're driving something 8 1/2 feet wide in a 10-12' lane, there isn't much room for wandering!

[lwmuddy]

Art D:
10-12' wide lanes? You must be in Texas, where everything is Bigger.
Before the Steering Stabilizer was installed I was affraid I would be arrested for drunk driving.
Some moron put 19.5 tires of this one with those cheap, tin, wheel covers.
When the Price of Diesel drops to $1.75 I'll buy a Pusher with Bid Tires. Yeh, sure. That means never.
To save fuel we only travel when the wind is high and in the dirrection we want to go.
Good traveling to you.

[DonavonP]

I remember liking to look at girls in bikini's but I can't remember why.

My MH W22 22.5 tires drives real nice best I can recall.

[Paulin]

With such a long coach you might find help with the Henderson rear track bar and a Davis True Track on the front. They made alot of difference on my Southwind, but it is much shoter than yours.

Also, be sure to use the proper PSI in your tires. If over inflated the steering will be very sensitive. It is best to weigh all four coners and then set the PSI according to the tire manufacturers load chart.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by lwmuddy:
I love my W-22 and the 8.1, but why in the world did they put such a close ratio steering in a 38ft chassis? .... but If you sneeze your changing lanes.... but I can't enjoy it now because I have to stare ahead constantly. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>In my experience a great front alignment will make all the difference in the world toward addressing your problem. Not only will your motorhome go straight down the highway but if you do "skew" a little while looking at the bikini clad you will be able to recover quickly without over steering the thing.

Track bars are great BUT they won't do a thing for you unless the wheels are set to go straight. While you're at it have the alignment shop "zero" out the steering box so that your steering wheel will be set straight.

Track bars and steering dampers will work effectively to counter external forces applied to the chassis BUT you have to have a good FEA to start with.

Remember to make sure that you're close to your GVW before you have the alignement done because it does matter. Make sure your tire pressures are set for the weights of your axle. Get weighed first.

"You can fix it! We can help!"

[lwmuddy]

I have had the Alignment done and added Bilsteins and Safe-T-Plus, which made a big difference. It reduced the Truck Passing wonder to a minimum and the Bilsteins stopped the Porpoising.
Looking in the rearview mirror I don't detect any Dog Wagging. I will add the rear track bar, and the rear swaybar. This will help the rocking on dips like at a gas station.
After spending 30 years driving over the road tour buses with independant air suspension and leveling valves, I am expecting a little too much from an RV with leaf springs,19.5 tires and a toy steering wheel. I made a choice and must live with it.
Thanks all for your input.

[YosemiteBobR]

replace the steering wheel, especially if your used to a bigger one. It's pricy but it really makes a difference.

[Teach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by YosemiteBobR:
replace the steering wheel, especially if your used to a bigger one. It's pricy but it really makes a difference. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The bigger steering wheel does help with the "sneeze and change lanes" syndrome. I got mine through Ron The Bus Nut for $122 and with a steering wheel puller had it changed out in 20 minutes.

http://www.ronthebusnut.com/

Gary

[Tom N]

Get the Workhorse 18" leather wrapped steering wheel for $122!!! I have purchased from ronthebusnut.com and they ship quick are very reliable. No workhorse horn button with the wheel but they are only $8.88 additional and you can get a Prevost if you'd like.

http://www.ronthebusnut.com/detailDi...L1823-064.html