Cheap 150$ alternative to Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer - follow up

[cbilodeau]

IT WORKS!!!! So happy!

The blue shock absorber 41-230 in the Safe-T-Plus solution cost about 700$ + installation. But I have tested a cheaper 150$ solution on my motorhome.

On my Freightliner 40 foot 2011 and I have installed a Monroe SC2921 45$ on the Safe-T-Plus bracket 104$.

The Safe-T-Plus shock absorber (steering damper) that goes on the Safe-T-Plus bracket was too much money for me.

In more details:

The Safe-T-Plus for your motorhome is made of two products, the shock absorber (steering damper) and a specific Bracket for your specific motorhome.

To find the shock absorber and the bracket for your motorhome search on google for: Safe T Plus Chassis Guide. Here is the link for 2022.

For example for my Freightliner XC I need to measure the Tie-Rod diameter to determine my bracket part number. In my case the tie-rod was 1-3/4" so I ordered the bracket F-143K3 for 104$US. For this bracket we need a steering damper that is 3/4 diameter. So I took the Monroe SC2921 that is used on city buses.

My tests: when I turn the wheels completely left or right, the Monroe SC2921 still has 3/4" on each side available which means it's long enough. I drove on the highway and it works perfectly. The Monroe SC2921 has a travel length of 10.688".

The Monroe doesn't have a spring on it so your wheels won't return to center automatically. But the Monroe steering damper will protect you in case of a front tire explosion. It's the steering damper and not the spring that protects from a front tire explosion.

To install, no need to raise the motorhome. My 14 year old teenager installed it on my supervision in 30 minutes. You need to follow the Safe-T-Plus torque specs. I put the wheels straight and then we installed the system while the Monroe steering damper was open exactly half-way (5.34" since the travel lenght of the Monroe is 10.688"). So easy. Once installed, we turned the wheels full left and could see that we still had 3/4" unused. Same when the wheels are full right.

Total cost is 150$.

[avfordguy]

Great write up ! Others should take note!
Thanks!

[F4Gary]

[OkieSVT]

I read this same thing somewhere a few months ago. Was that you too?

[OkieSVT]

OK, I see. It's an update.

[US1]

That's great! Ive been wanting to do the Safe T Plus but the high cost for what I see has kept me from jumping on board in the last yr I owned the RV. (Yes I understand the cost vs the what if's) Planning on getting a DP this winter, so it hasn't been at the top of my list to spend $$ for a no return, but if we do keep this RV, I will be doing something as. Thanks for the alternative.

[kwftlaud]

I have a 2002 Winnebago SunDancer 28 Ft.

I got this last year and I installed a new front sway bar. Since I was working on it I also replaced the original steering damper that came on the rig ( Ford E450 chassis )
I used a Monroe SC2955 that cost $32 from Amazon.
Installed easily.
Works well

I can't tell you what it was like to drive it with the original damper. It was shot thou as it has no resistance when I took it off.
My MH drives pretty good thou for a 20 year old unit. I have driven it about 2,000 miles mostly on interstates going about 60 MPH.

Kip

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[boiledowl]

Why is there such a big difference in the price on the Safte plus and the Monroe? That is a big price gap if both are equal.

[yeloduster]

Safe-T-Plus is a centering device that has internal springs to pull the steering back to center. It also is a steering dampener using a shock absorber.

The Monroe SC2921 is ONLY a shock absorber type steering dampener. It reduces shock to the steering wheel. It does not have a return to center feature.

Comparing the Safe-T-Plus to the Monroe SC2921 is not a valid comparison because they are designed to do different things.

• Safe-T-Plus centers the steering wheel and reduces road shock to the steering wheel
• Monroe SC2921 reduces road shock to the steering wheel

Because it does more and has more parts the Safe-T-Plus cost more.

[cbilodeau]

Safe-T-Plus added two 20$ springs pulling from each side. Like the cruise control on your motorhome, it's there to help you drive.

But don't be fooled by those that paid 2000$ having a Safe-T-Plus installed, only the shock absorber will increase it's resistance expotiennaly on a sudden hit.

[cbilodeau]

You needed a 1/2" rod steering damper and the Monroe SC2955 is perfect in your application and could probably be used for older Motorhomes on Ford F53 that takes the Safe-T-Plus 1/2" rod bracket.

In my case my Safe-T-Plus bracket required a 3/4" rod diameter.

Good job!

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by cbilodeau

Safe-T-Plus added two 20$ springs pulling from each side. Like the cruise control on your motorhome, it's there to help you drive.

But don't be fooled by those that paid 2000$ having a Safe-T-Plus installed, only the shock absorber will increase it's resistance expotiennaly on a sudden hit.

Now it's up to 2000$? Lol.


The SafeTPlus was designed to help counteract the pull of a blowout.
A steering damper is there just to dampen out vibrations, like when you put oversize tires on a Jeep or pickup for offroading.

[yeloduster]

Safe-T-Plus claims:

• reduced driver fatigue because it reduces road wander because the springs keep the steering centered
• enhanced driver control in case of a blowout by assisting the driver in maintaining a straight line because the springs keep the steering centered

Personally I'm not convinced but that is the claim. I also don't feel the need for a steering dampener on my motorhome. On my Jeep off road it is essential!

[cbilodeau]

Steering damper : The steering stabilizer's primary function is to dampen or stabilize the side to side movement of the wheels in much the same way shock absorbers limiting excessive suspension movement & oscillation. Steering stabilizers are a necessary component because it helps to absorb bump-steer and flighty steering issues.

Read more here.