Steering Stabilizer vs. Power Steering

[dpinvidic]

Just curious....there have been several discussions about front tire blowouts.
Many folks have installed a "Steer-safe" or other steering stabilizer (dampener).

Just curious why we would need something like this if we already have Power Steering on the coach. It seems like the driver would still be able to control steering considering the power assist.

Are these things being sold based on fear.
I guess I would like to hear from someone who had two front tire blowouts
One without and one with a stabilizer.

Regards,

Dan

[BFlinn181]

Power steering gives extra effort in turning the wheels, but does little to resist sudden side pressures that could send you off course. A Steer-Safe or other dampers are designed to resist sudden pressure from a pot hole, blow out, road crown, etc. They also help with side wind gusts and the like.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Power steering gives extra effort in turning the wheels, but does little to resist sudden side pressures that could send you off course. A Steer-Safe or other dampers are designed to resist sudden pressure from a pot hole, blow out, road crown, etc. They also help with side wind gusts and the like.

I agree with Bob! In my opinion they are good insurance!

[Gary RVRoamer]

What Bob says. They have two different purposes. Basically power steering helps the driver when he wants to turn the wheels. A steering stabilizer resists the wheel turn when the wheels try to wrest the steering from the drivers hands, e.g. in a rut or a blow-out condition.

That said, yes the advertising is based largely on fear. A tire failure or low-shoulder drop-off can be scary, especially for an unskilled driver who has no clue how to react. Steering stabilizer ads typically emphasize the risk and try to make you think (1) it is a very likely event, and (2) you will be powerless to do anything without the gadget. Neither is true. This brief article on the Safe-T-Plus site is more honest, even though they market a stabilizer device.

http://www.safe-t-plus.com/tire-blowouts-myths-truths/

And another article on the subject:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars...wout-15851782/

[Rossi6998]

I read the Safe-T Plus article. Very interesting. I have to admit, I would not even think of "stepping on the accelerator" during a tire blowout. Before reading this article, I would have taken my foot of the accelerator, gotten control of the motorhome (hopefully), than applied the brakes slowly to a stop.

[OldNavyGuy]

Can't answer about before and after blowouts - and I pray that I never will!

But, I have driven my rig extensively before and after adding a steering stabilizer. The white knuckle factor from wind gusts and passing 18 wheelers has been significantly reduced, and the tendency of the coach to track straight down the road has been greatly increased. It was a big quality of driving life improvement.

For me - don't leave home without it.

[clydeman]

clydeman CC 06 inspire I lost power steering last week on I95 in NC, would the safe-t Plus dampen my steering abilities as I'm trying to control a vehicle of 35.000 lbs DP.to a safe stop, thank god i was going straight with out a lot of traffic, is their something here to think about.. Sorry guys I was just thinking.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by clydeman

clydeman CC 06 inspire I lost power steering last week on I95 in NC, would the safe-t Plus dampen my steering abilities as I'm trying to control a vehicle of 35.000 lbs DP.to a safe stop, thank god i was going straight with out a lot of traffic, is their something here to think about.. Sorry guys I was just thinking.

Safe-T-Plus only resists sudden forces. It shouldn't add or reduce forces of steering with or without power steering.

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Safe-T-Plus only resists sudden forces. It shouldn't add or reduce forces of steering with or without power steering.

Actually, it does add force to the steering. I installed one on my Itasca and could tell the difference in the amount of force required to turn the wheel. Also, after you make a turn, it pushes the tie rod and steering wheel back to center. There are two large opposing springs inside the unit that keep it centered along with the shock absorbing capabilities. That said, I would not hesitate to install another one just for the shock absorbing power.

[Kiawah]

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Just curious....there have been several discussions about front tire blowouts.
Many folks have installed a "Steer-safe" or other steering stabilizer (dampener).

Just curious why we would need something like this if we already have Power Steering on the coach. It seems like the driver would still be able to control steering considering the power assist.

Are these things being sold based on fear.
I guess I would like to hear from someone who had two front tire blowouts
One without and one with a stabilizer.

Regards,

Dan

I wondered the same thing, not necessarily because of the power steering, but because of the worm gear steering box. Typically a worm gear (the steering wheel shaft) would have substantial leverage over the output gear/arm. Hard to think that a blowout yank would be able to work it's way backwards thru the steering box and twist the wheel out of your hands.

However, I installed one myself last fall after a couple years without, figuring it's only about 500 bucks and if by some chance it helps with a blowout in any small way it will be worth it. It's a fairly easy install. I figure it can't hurt, and could only help. How much? Who knows. Definitely a fear sale.....same reason we buy home alarms, safes, home/car/umbrella insurance, fire extinguishers, and firearms. Also why we changeout our tires on age, as opposed to when the tread is worn down. The great risk x low probability, is greater than the prevention cost.

Each blowout situation would be different, I doubt you can compare one blowout with a stabilizer and one without and think that's a typical scenario that can be extrapolated.

[NRR]

Put a Safe-T-Plus on a 36’ gas class A and now my class C to reduce the effects of cross winds and big rigs passing. It works for those issues. Should it help in a blowout that would just be an added plus for me.

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

Actually, it does add force to the steering. I installed one on my Itasca and could tell the difference in the amount of force required to turn the wheel. Also, after you make a turn, it pushes the tie rod and steering wheel back to center. There are two large opposing springs inside the unit that keep it centered along with the shock absorbing capabilities. That said, I would not hesitate to install another one just for the shock absorbing power.

Two opposing springs of equal tension should cancel each other out. A shock absorber stops sudden movements but should allow slow movement with minimum resistance.

[Tacouser]

Another question about adding the Safe t plus device. Should it be installed before or after a new alignment?

[BFlinn181]

Originally Posted by Tacouser

Another question about adding the Safe t plus device. Should it be installed before or after a new alignment?

If you need an alignment, I'd have it done first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysab...ature=youtu.be

Safe-T-Plus - The Steering Control Specialists | Helping motorists' vehicles steer safer, less, and with peace of mind.

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