Community Forums

sheetshaker · 05-26-2015, 04:08 PM

Just purchased a 2010 Sunseeker. first trip out. I think the handling could use some improvement. drift main problem, some issues when passed by big rigs but manageable. I have new Micheline tires @ 75PSI.
coach has 14,000 miles on F450 V10.

I'm thinking try alignment first. Any recommendations after that.

wanderso · 05-26-2015, 05:21 PM

If aligned properly and proper air pressure in all tires, it could be:

A brake caliper sticking or dragging (doubtful as you would likely feel and perhaps smell that)

Something damaged in your front end / worn

Broken spring / leaf or worn out rear airbag.

Crown of the road if it is pulling to the right. (Certain roads)

Significant weight difference in how you loaded it from one side of the RV to another. (You can confirm this from going to a truck scale and getting the weight at all 4 corners).

There are some suggestions you will find on this site about how to properly align for Ford (camber) that is different than Ford shops will often do. Best to take it to a shop that aligns trucks regularly.

Just some thoughts.

Mich F · 05-26-2015, 06:06 PM

More than likely your front tire pressures are too high. Get the unit weighed and adjust the tire pressures according to the Load & Inflation Tables | Michelin Truck .
My E450 says to run the front tires at 75# and the rears at 80#. The weight on my front axle fully loaded with my wife and I is 4,120#. According to Michelin 55# supports 4,120# - I run 65# in the front. The rear axle tips the scales at 7,820# Michelin says 65# is enough for 8,600#. I run 65-70# in the rear.

Harvard · 05-26-2015, 08:42 PM

If it is a wandering issue (loose steering ie, a dead zone between left and right) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS then you may benefit by adding additional +caster to the front alignment settings. The Ford specification for caster is very broad, as in +1.5 to +7.5 degrees. Typically the E350/E450 chassis appear to come off the assembly line set at +3.5 to +4.5 which is OK for city driving. In that case you will need to have the factory installed fixed alignment sleeves replaced with adjustable alignment sleeves (such as Ingalls 594s) so as to add +2.0 degrees for caster setting of +5.5 to +6.5 degrees for best highway driving.

Dan_Johnston · 05-26-2015, 09:29 PM

My 24' BT Cruiser had similar problems. I installed a set of Bilstien shocks, ShockWarehouse was the best price and fast shipping, along with Bilstien Steering Stabilizer, for front end. that helped a lot. Next on the list was a heavy duty rear sway bar. But the shocks helped a lot.

s1njin · 05-27-2015, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mich F

More than likely your front tire pressures are too high. Get the unit weighed and adjust the tire pressures according to the Load & Inflation Tables | Michelin Truck .
My E450 says to run the front tires at 75# and the rears at 80#. The weight on my front axle fully loaded with my wife and I is 4,120#. According to Michelin 55# supports 4,120# - I run 65# in the front. The rear axle tips the scales at 7,820# Michelin says 65# is enough for 8,600#. I run 65-70# in the rear.

So, that puts your actual cargo what, around 600 pounds on your rig?

I really have to get mine weighed ...

Mich F · 05-27-2015, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1njin

So, that puts your actual cargo what, around 600 pounds on your rig?

I really have to get mine weighed ...

Nah, It was probably closer to 430#. My MH empty, with a full fuel tank, taking the 3,275# OCCC into account, should weigh around 11,225#. I had about 3/4 tank of fuel so knock off about 100# or so. Figure my wife and I around 375#. I know how much I weigh, but I'm not about to ask her weight.

. That leaves somewhere around 430# for everything else. That included maybe 1/3- 1/4 full water tank.