maggie blair Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 The front end of my Class A 26ft RV sways and I have to fight the wheel and if I go over 50 it's a nightmare. Is there something that can be done about it? Thanks in advance for your help. Maggie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat & Pete Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Insure that all tire pressures are as they should be . Alignment ? Sway bars might be able to be 'tightened' . Look into having a Saf-T-Plus installed . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Get your weights and set your tire pressures to match, if that helps maybe go a bit higher on the fronts. Alignment for sure but also check for worn components in the steering. Shocks if things are seeming a bit bouncy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted March 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Get your weights and set your tire pressures to match, if that helps maybe go a bit higher on the fronts. Alignment for sure but also check for worn components in the steering. Shocks if things are seeming a bit bouncy. Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clay L Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 What kind of motor home is it? What chassis? Some have known issues that can be addressed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvlabs Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 How long have you been driving a motorhome? If you are new to motorhomes it is very easy to over steer which can be just like what you are describing. My suggestion is to lower your steering wheel as far as possible, plant your elbows on your thighs and grip the wheel at a low to middle point. This locks your elbows and limits your wheel turing abilities thus reducing over steer. As the others have mentioned, get your motorhome weighed and tires inflated properly as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandsys Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 When getting that weight go someplace that does each tire individually. Balancing your load can help with steering problems. Linda Sand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob86ZZ4 Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Clay L is right. Tell us the specific chassis you have for the best info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Is the motorhome perhaps overloaded in the rear, causing too little weight on the front end. This would make the steering less effective and seem like there is a mechanical issue. All the other suggestions are right on also. It really will take finding the cause before being able to understand what will correct it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Get someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you watch the joint just above the steering box. I'll bet $$ v. doughnuts the problem is right there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiltedpig Posted April 8, 2016 Report Share Posted April 8, 2016 If it is a Ford chassis there are many fixes for this. CHF, Sway bars, Safe-t-steer, Trac-bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly2low Posted April 10, 2016 Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 You live in Redding. If I were you, I would head up to Grants Pass, OR after you have set up an appointment with Henderson's. Just had by rig tuned by them. Wasn't bad before, and is great now. They are two weeks out right now. http://www.hendersonslineup.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sehc Posted April 10, 2016 Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 If you can't, get someone to check the steering linkage, that's tie rod ends, drag links, that stuff. All the parts that move when you steer There should be no play in the connecting points. Things get loose as they wear out, but then they break. Get it checked now. Before you drive further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarvan Posted April 13, 2016 Report Share Posted April 13, 2016 Mileage on that unit? Yes, basics first then bolt on aftermarket solutions. Proper type tires, properly inflated. Alignment. All bushings, tie rods, steering box, sway bars etc etc. If everything is up to spec (which I bet you it isn't) per original design there's some aftermarket stuff. Take it to a decent shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 What kind of motor home is it? What chassis? Some have known issues that can be addressed. It is a 2007 Fleetwood Fiesta 26Y Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Mileage on that unit? Yes, basics first then bolt on aftermarket solutions. Proper type tires, properly inflated. Alignment. All bushings, tie rods, steering box, sway bars etc etc. If everything is up to spec (which I bet you it isn't) per original design there's some aftermarket stuff. Take it to a decent shop. Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 What kind of motor home is it? What chassis? Some have known issues that can be addressed. I have a 2007, 26 ft Fleetwood Fiesta with 8000 miles and this thing is awful to drive! I won't be going full-time till July 1st but would sure like to get this resolved before I hit the road. An Rv place here in Redding quoted me around 5000.00 to get it shored up. That would take care of the sway. I am a bit concerned about the price and everything he mentioned. One of the neighbors in the RV park looked under the coach and he said a bushing is leaking. I am not mechanically inclined so I guess I will have to take it to a shop and have them go over everything. I put new tires on the rig and they charged me for balancing the tires but the tires do not have those little metal things anywhere in sight so I am confused on that one too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 If it is a Ford chassis there are many fixes for this. CHF, Sway bars, Safe-t-steer, Trac-bar. I believe its a Chevy. It says Vortec and someone said that's a Chevy. ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Get someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you watch the joint just above the steering box. I'll bet $$ v. doughnuts the problem is right there. Is the joint just above the steering box easy to find? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie blair Posted April 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 When getting that weight go someplace that does each tire individually. Balancing your load can help with steering problems. Linda Sand Thanks Linda. I will try to find one of those places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVTEN Posted April 22, 2016 Report Share Posted April 22, 2016 Have had several Chevy chassis class A,s. (P30) Check front sir bags. PSI should be about 70 to stiffen up the coil springs. Big reason front end floats. I installed Steer Safe on my MH,s. Check to see if after market air bags were installed on rear end. Where are fresh water and waste tanks. If too close to rear end. They can make front end float if too full. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted April 23, 2016 Report Share Posted April 23, 2016 Henderson's in Grants Pass, a days drive from Redding, is a good place to take your rig. They have a good reputation for being honest and should give you good advice about things like the leaking bushing someone told you about. Make an appointment. They will let you park in their parking lot with 30amp elect the night before your appointment. Keep in mind the add on things which have been suggested by others who have replied, will probably help, but are not cheap. If you add everything which is available you are looking at some $3000 to $5000 in add on's. Henderson's will also probably recommend you install the add on's, but they won't sell you lots of repairs you don't need. They should give you very good evaluation of the status of your suspension. Many people swear that these add on's have fixed all the handling problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted April 23, 2016 Report Share Posted April 23, 2016 Thanks Linda. I will try to find one of those places. Henderson's will weigh each of your wheels, as Linda has recommended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted April 23, 2016 Report Share Posted April 23, 2016 I believe its a Chevy. It says Vortec and someone said that's a Chevy. ???? Yes the Vortec engine means it is a GM product (Chevy). The bow tie Chevy symbol should be obviously displayed in several places, like the grill and center of the steering wheel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted April 23, 2016 Report Share Posted April 23, 2016 Get someone to wiggle the steering wheel while you watch the joint just above the steering box. I'll bet $$ v. doughnuts the problem is right there. Is the joint just above the steering box easy to find? Maggie, I strongly recommend you find a honest professional to assist you. While checking the steering joints are not difficult, you do need to have a very good idea of what you are looking at and just how much play is normal and how much is a problem. I don't mean to keep harping on Henderson's but they have a very good reputation with RV'ers. We took our 29' class A Winnebago to them and were well treated. We didn't buy all the add on products they suggested, but did buy the ones I felt would help in my specific case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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