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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Researching RV Living -> Wandering steering
Post Info TOPIC: Wandering steering
The Crumps


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Wandering steering
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We recently purchased a 1997 Itasca Suncruiser, 37'.  We're starting to make some trial run trips before we take off for good.

Our issue is that the steering wanders.  It's a full time job keeping it going straight down the road.  We put on all new tires, had the front end aligned, and put on a Tru Track bar.  But, it still feels like we're floating down the road, weaving back and forth.  My husband has to stop occasionally to rest his arms because of the stress it takes to keep it straight.  The man that did our alignment said this is normal with RV's.  If this is so, then we'll just deal with it.  But, if there's something else we can do to make it better, we're open to suggestions.  Granted, it's better when there's no wind or rain, but we'll need to sometimes travel in wind and would like better handling.  Any suggestions?


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The Crumps

1997 37' Itasca Suncruiser and Scion Xb toad.

Life isn't a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safe in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, used up and totally worn out yelling - WOO HOO - What a Ride!
azrving


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Sometimes it's the tire or tire pressure that causes the wandering.  You can experiment with tire pressure, just be sure to stay within the tire/motor home specs while experimenting.  The tire manufacturer/brand/load range/tread pattern/etc have allot to do with handling.
The steering gearbox can be adjusted too...see link but have a certified technician do the work, they should be able to check the box and let you know if this adjustment will help.  If you had the alignment checked, the technician should have checked for worn parts (ball joints, pitman arm, tie rods, etc).

http://www.ehow.com/how_5079493_adjust-steering-gear.html

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Mark & Nancy
2004 F-250 XLT 6.0 Diesel
2001 Sunnybrook 2708 TT
The Crumps


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We will check tire pressure.  The alignment guy said the RV is in great condition and all parts look good, so that isn't the problem, apparently.  But, we'll have the gearbox checked, too.  Thank you!

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The Crumps

1997 37' Itasca Suncruiser and Scion Xb toad.

Life isn't a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safe in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, used up and totally worn out yelling - WOO HOO - What a Ride!
The Crumps


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I just called the guy who did our alignment and he said our gear box looked real good.  He said it was probably the wind.  We will check the tire pressure, to make sure.  Thank you for your help!

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The Crumps

1997 37' Itasca Suncruiser and Scion Xb toad.

Life isn't a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safe in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, used up and totally worn out yelling - WOO HOO - What a Ride!
Luvglass


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I believe Itasca is made by Winnebago. I would call the manufacturer and ask them for advice.
Good luck,

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Fred Wishnie

Full time since Feb 06 in Carriage Cameo 35KS3 and Ford F350


“If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”
bjoyce


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Since you marked yourself down as in Lacey, WA there are two places close by that know motorhome suspensions - Brazel's in Centralia and Eric's in Sequim. Either should be able to help but we have only been to Eric's.

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Bill Joyce,
40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
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The Bear II


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Sometimes the motorhome or any vehicle with dual wheels will follow imperfections in the roadway. Grooves, lines, cracks...etc may cause the front tire to go in one direction while the rears are trying to go another direction. You end up with wandering.

Making sure the tires are properly inflated plus the front wheels are aligned and the rear axle is also in proper alignment will help ease this problem.

Here's a product that many motorhome owners claim reduces the wander. In addition these help with contorl in case of a blow out.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/steer-safe/1543

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