Community Forums

chaudo43941 · 07-08-2012, 11:06 AM

I am having a problem with my 34 foot 2006 Thor hurricane tail wagging and trying to follow the ruts. Not all of our highways are nice and flat. I would like to know if this problem is common, and if it is, what can be done to correct it.

RoyM · 07-08-2012, 11:17 AM

Get it to a qualified shop and ensure all suspension parts are tight and in good condition. Track bar bushings might be worn out.

Old Dude 66 · 07-08-2012, 01:46 PM

Our Winnie 35P (new) didn't drive like I thought it should so I added a TruCenter on the front, a rear track bar in the rear, and had the front end aligned. It is great to drive now. If you don't already have a rear track bar, it would probably be worth the expense to add one. I installed ours.

RickO · 07-08-2012, 01:55 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

I think the answer to your question is "yes" it is common.

Feel free to use our search function and you'll come up with hundreds of pages of reading on this topic and possible fixes.

My new 40DP didn't handle the way I thought it should and when the dealer and Freightliner both failed to even really acknowledge that there was a problem I took it to Henderson's Line Up in Grant's Pass Oregon for a Road Test Assessment. They proposed changes like the addition of Motion Control Units, new bell crank, and Safe T Plus steering stabilizer which made a world of difference. These might not be at all applicable to your coach but they worked on mine.

You'll find that the first thing you need to do is to get your coach loaded for travel and then weighed... four corners if possible. Then ensure that the tires are all properly inflated for the weight they are carrying. Only then can you begin to isolate what types of opportunities you might have to improve your handling.

Best of luck

Rick

wa8yxm · 07-08-2012, 02:57 PM

One modification that might help is a Track Bar (Also called a Pan Hard Bar) such as a Davis True Track or Ultra Power track bar.

Google them for more info.

Pirate · 07-08-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

One modification that might help is a Track Bar (Also called a Pan Hard Bar) such as a Davis True Track or Ultra Power track bar.

Google them for more info.

BluOx has one they call TigerTrak or something like that. It is almost identical to some others I have seen.

Gary RVRoamer · 07-08-2012, 06:45 PM

If rut-tracking is the problem, then a track bar (panhard rod) is the answer on a coach with leaf spring suspension. Davis Tru Trak, Super Steer Trac Bar, etc. will do the job for you. It's simple enough to install yourself if you are moderately handy and have some big wrenches.

jmckinley · 07-08-2012, 09:13 PM

Check out "Cheap Handling Fix" in the Ford Chassis Forum. I helps a stop some of the tail wagging and generally improves the overall handling. The fix is free and only takes about an hour for all four wheels. Most drivers report a big improvement overall.

wa8yxm · 07-09-2012, 09:29 AM

NOTE: Trac bars can be added front, rear, or both (Best is both)

If you have either a Workhorse, or Ford, chassis, check out the ULTRA POWER rear track bar.. From what I have seen and can tell the quality is as good as the Davis, good as or better than other brands, And the price is less.

If you are in the area Barzil's RV, or Redlands' RV are Ultra Power dealers. I may have spelled one of those names wrong.

I have a Davis front trac bar on my coach. Front is usually not as effective as rear (or so I'm told) made a BIG diffeerence.

Jim_HiTek · 07-09-2012, 09:36 AM

For my rig, changing the front tires and running higher pressure in them took care of rut tracking, and new shocks took care of porpoising and tail wagging.

mgscott4 · 07-09-2012, 09:17 PM

Search the Thor Industries Owner's Forum section too. Other hurricane owners have posted their upgrades on that section.

Don't forget this forum is sponsored by company's who sell RV upgrades so you will get alot of recommendations.

C-Leigh Racing · 07-11-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmckinley

Check out "Cheap Handling Fix" in the Ford Chassis Forum. I helps a stop some of the tail wagging and generally improves the overall handling. The fix is free and only takes about an hour for all four wheels. Most drivers report a big improvement overall.

Yes, & when are you going to get those sticker made up, so we can proudly display them on our rv's to credit you jmckinley.
Has made a world of difference in handling on our F53 chassis.
"Cheap Handling Fix" by J Mckinley.
Thanks again, if you've not seen I already said it.
Neil

jmckinley · 07-12-2012, 11:36 AM

Good idea C-Leigh. Maybe I can sell the stickers for $100 apiece to everyone who had done the fix and likes it. Better than the one guy who said he was going to give me a big kiss if he ever meets me.
John McKinley

George Schweikle · 07-13-2012, 07:52 AM

Coaches with independent front suspension have no benefit from a front track bar (and no one manufactures one for this configuration). Solid axle front suspension, especially with leaf spring suspension, get the same benefit as with leaf springs on the rear. The problem tends to be at the rear since this has the big overhang and is most susceptible to wind and passing trucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

NOTE: Trac bars can be added front, rear, or both (Best is both)... I have a Davis front trac bar on my coach. Front is usually not as effective as rear (or so I'm told) made a BIG diffeerence.