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Topic: When does the fear stop?
Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 04:11pm

I jumped in having never owned an RV before and purchased a 32' Class A motorhome. I am a very confident driver having driven for over 20 years anything from a tiny sports car to a big ass truck. I've rented 28' Penske Trucks and didn't hesitate in driving them at all. Drove a few hundred miles in the 28' Penske and didn't batt an eyelash.
I have zero issues driving at slow speeds in the coach(40 MPH). I am confident in my corners, watch my mirrors, give myself extra time, etc..

What I have issue with is highway speeds. I have taken it up to 60MPH, but above 50MPH i'm just slightly freaked out. I had my wife follow behind me in the minivan and she says from behind it looks great. But I am scared up there. Part of it could be because of the winds here in AZ - been getting hit by 12-15 MPH wind gusts all day combined with my first day of driving an RV. Also looks like the wind is going to follow me on my trip up north going into the 20MPH range.

Tomorrow I am making a 200-300 mile trip over to California. Also I will be towing my minivan 4 down. Already took the dinghy for a short 25 mile trip with no issues, even been passed by a semi, but still quite tentative about the whole thing.

I just dropped the coach off to have the Safe-T-Plus installed after hearing it really helps with the wind/shaky feeling.

How long did it take for people to get use to this?

Posted By: timmac on 04/28/16 04:16pm

What year and what chassis do you have, you might need sway bars or adjust the current ones, as to wind you will get use to it, takes time but you will be a pro..

Posted By: DownTheAvenue on 04/28/16 04:22pm

I bought a Newmar that was very nice. However, it was 8 1/2 feet wide, and I found it disconcerting, especially with the narrower 10 feet wide lanes and a truck next to me. I sold it and bought a Class B and I couldn't be happier.

Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 04:25pm

timmac wrote:

What year and what chassis do you have, you might need sway bars or adjust the current ones, as to wind you will get use to it, takes time but you will be a pro..


2016 F53 chassis. It has billstein shocks installed on it which is nice. After the Safe-T-Plus if I still have issues, I might consider the sway bar. Is it just the front, the rear, or both? What recommendations?

Posted By: TexasShadow on 04/28/16 04:27pm

just drive at the speed that feels comfortable to you and let time work its magic on your confidence.

TexasShadow
Holiday Rambler Endeavor LE/ 3126B Cat
Sometimes BMW K75 on Rear Carrier
Jeep Grand Cherokee or 2016 Ford XLT 4x4 super cab with 8 ft bed
M&G aux brake system
854 Watts of Solar Power



Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.


Posted By: polly sue on 04/28/16 04:33pm

It took us a long time. Drive by the pit of your stomach. If you feel uncomfortable, change whatever you are doing. You should be able to handle winds up to 20 mph, but if that makes you uncomfortable, take a break until the wind eases up. You might feel better towing the minivan. It's kind of like a drogue/anchor behind you.

Posted By: Johno02 on 04/28/16 04:36pm

Might be somethig you can do to get some improvement, although I am less qualified to advise in this area than many others. Our 30' class A does require constant attention to drive, and I usually drive 60-65 on interstates, and generally less onothers, depending on conditions. Although I do not like to, I have run as high as 70+, and it handles OK. However, at 80, I get REAL uncomfortable. Winds do have a big effect on it, always. As far as fear, if you are uncomfortable, then you might be too fast for conditions. Fear is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it helps you to stay out of trouble.

Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)
2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 Old grouch, 1 wonderful wife, and two silly poodles.


Posted By: JR45 on 04/28/16 04:40pm

Being a 2016, just set back and enjoy that new coach smell. It will get better with time. Last year going down I-84 wind hitting 50mph and semi on there side all you can do is slow down. Lot has to do with the right air pressure in the tires and the only way is to get a 4 corner wt to see where you are, I had mine done at a FMCA rally 3 years ago and will have it done this June in Albany, Or if they are there, well worth the money.
JR

2006 Country Coach Inspire 360 40ft Genoa Designer Series Cat C9 Samsung 197 RR
Aluminum Radiator was recently replaced with a STEEL & COPPER Bolt Together Radiator w/ updated rubber mountings
SilverLeaf VMS 330
Toad--2011 Ford Edge Sport, Air Force One
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Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 04:41pm

Johno02 wrote:

Might be somethig you can do to get some improvement, although I am less qualified to advise in this area than many others. Our 30' class A does require constant attention to drive, and I usually drive 60-65 on interstates, and generally less onothers, depending on conditions. Although I do not like to, I have run as high as 70+, and it handles OK. However, at 80, I get REAL uncomfortable. Winds do have a big effect on it, always. As far as fear, if you are uncomfortable, then you might be too fast for conditions. Fear is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it helps you to stay out of trouble.


I honestly can't imagine taking it 70MPH much less 80MPH! Geesh!

I can imagine getting to 65 when it is a clear freeway no wind.

Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 04:43pm

JR45 wrote:

Being a 2016, just set back and enjoy that new coach smell. It will get better with time. Last year going down I-84 wind hitting 50mph and semi on there side all you can do is slow down. Lot has to do with the right air pressure in the tires and the only way is to get a 4 corner wt to see where you are, I had mine done at a FMCA rally 3 years ago and will have it done this June in Albany, Or if they are there, well worth the money.
JR


How do I find out the right air pressure for the tires for the weight? Being new to this, I imagine I can take it by a Flying J's and do it there?

What is 4 corner WT ?

Posted By: Jay Pat on 04/28/16 04:48pm

TexasShadow wrote:

just drive at the speed that feels comfortable to you and let time work its magic on your confidence.


I agree.
Drive the speed you are comfortable.
I believe you will slowly increase your speed the fist day out as you have a good drive for that day.
I watch for traffic that is going to pass me on my left, so I'm not startled.
Pat

2010 Ford F-350 SRW
2021 Grand Design Reflection 315

Posted By: timmac on 04/28/16 04:51pm

superrayzor wrote:

timmac wrote:

What year and what chassis do you have, you might need sway bars or adjust the current ones, as to wind you will get use to it, takes time but you will be a pro..


2016 F53 chassis. It has billstein shocks installed on it which is nice. After the Safe-T-Plus if I still have issues, I might consider the sway bar. Is it just the front, the rear, or both? What recommendations?


Yes it has sway bars installed already but what you need to do is do the CHF is what I think it is called, adjust the sway bar tension on the sway bars to stiffen up the chassis from swaying side to side, someone on here post a link for him about this on the F-53 chassis..

Posted By: timmac on 04/28/16 04:57pm

Here is a video about the CHF for the sway bars on your motorhome..

https://youtu.be/MozieIP58PY

Posted By: JR45 on 04/28/16 05:02pm

superrayzor wrote:

JR45 wrote:

Being a 2016, just set back and enjoy that new coach smell. It will get better with time. Last year going down I-84 wind hitting 50mph and semi on there side all you can do is slow down. Lot has to do with the right air pressure in the tires and the only way is to get a 4 corner wt to see where you are, I had mine done at a FMCA rally 3 years ago and will have it done this June in Albany, Or if they are there, well worth the money.
JR


How do I find out the right air pressure for the tires for the weight? Being new to this, I imagine I can take it by a Flying J's and do it there?

What is 4 corner WT ?

A 4 corner wt is where you drive onto scales on each wheel. They ask you some questions and everyone sets where they do going down the road even the dog then they weigh you and give you a print out check your tires and tell you what to run in your tires for psi. Here is my setup 3 years ago
I got a new set of Michelin 295/80R22.5 XZA2 with a max PSI of 120lbs. I had my coach weighted at the FMCA Rally in Albany,Or (4 corner wt) and I'm over wt in the rear by 1150lbs and under in the front by 730lbs then I moved some things around. With a combined wt of 33,620lbs FR 6,405lbs-FL 6,065lbs RR 10,195lbs-LR 10,955lbs I have to run 105 PSI in the front and 100 PSI in the rear. They give you a print out of your coach wt's and the air pressure to run. This is the only way to get a true wt reading and know what PSI to run, money well spent. Must be the way the wife packed the coach.
JR

Posted By: Doin'it on 04/28/16 05:07pm

When I first started driving my first 32' motorhome a dozen years ago, it was with quite a bit of angst. And being from Kansas, I know all about wind. Several helpful, encouraging people on this forum told me that I would feel better after the first thousand miles. I can remember being so tense, and having to make a very conscious effort to relax my shoulders, uncurl my toes, and relax! I will say that I did find the thousand mile tip to be fairly accurate. And now 12 years later, on second motorhome, and about 60,000 miles under my belt, the only thing that still causes a bit of apprehension is fueling up. I have gotten pretty good at quickly scoping things out, deciding which lane to pull into that I'll be able to get out of the easiest. I've never gotten myself into a position where I had to unhook the Jeep. (And saying that I probably just jinxed myself! Haha!)

Ann from Kansas

2014 35' Itasca Suncruiser
2013 Jeep Wrangler

Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 05:07pm

JR45 wrote:

superrayzor wrote:

JR45 wrote:

Being a 2016, just set back and enjoy that new coach smell. It will get better with time. Last year going down I-84 wind hitting 50mph and semi on there side all you can do is slow down. Lot has to do with the right air pressure in the tires and the only way is to get a 4 corner wt to see where you are, I had mine done at a FMCA rally 3 years ago and will have it done this June in Albany, Or if they are there, well worth the money.
JR


How do I find out the right air pressure for the tires for the weight? Being new to this, I imagine I can take it by a Flying J's and do it there?

What is 4 corner WT ?

A 4 corner wt is where you drive onto scales on each wheel. They ask you some questions and everyone sets where they do going down the road even the dog then they weigh you and give you a print out check your tires and tell you what to run in your tires for psi. Here is my setup 3 years ago
I got a new set of Michelin 295/80R22.5 XZA2 with a max PSI of 120lbs. I had my coach weighted at the FMCA Rally in Albany,Or (4 corner wt) and I'm over wt in the rear by 1150lbs and under in the front by 730lbs then I moved some things around. With a combined wt of 33,620lbs FR 6,405lbs-FL 6,065lbs RR 10,195lbs-LR 10,955lbs I have to run 105 PSI in the front and 100 PSI in the rear. They give you a print out of your coach wt's and the air pressure to run. This is the only way to get a true wt reading and know what PSI to run, money well spent. Must be the way the wife packed the coach.
JR


[emoticon] [emoticon] [emoticon] [emoticon]

I will tell my wife that.

Where do I go to get a 4 corner wt done? Jiffy Lube? [emoticon]

Posted By: lakebum on 04/28/16 05:25pm

I have no problem driving highway speeds, however I have found that if I drive the speed limit or even 5 below (in a 70 mph zone) and stay in the right lane or middle lane if three lanes, it is a lot easier as everyone else is passing. When driving the speed limit or greater, you have to maneuver traffic.

Also, driving the limit or below you are saving on fuel...

I also keep rear camera on at all times and watch side mirrors constantly.

Ken & Janice
South Hill, Virginia


Posted By: stew47 on 04/28/16 05:52pm

do you have any friends that can sit passenger with you and talk you through?

Posted By: Jayco-noslide on 04/28/16 06:17pm

Since you seem confident and comfortable with driving a larger vehicle including your MH I'm not seeing the source of your fear. The difference between 50 mph and 60 doesn't seem to be that big. I have a 30 ft. MH and my fear is the fact that one cannot back up towing flat but it's a manageable fear. Actually I never drive over 58 mph so maybe it would help you to just not try to go 60. Even 55 is OK and legal.My son is stressed driving his 35 footer and plans to downsize. Some fear is normal and healthy. After all these darn things don't handle well or stop fast.

Jayco-noslide

Posted By: booty51 on 04/28/16 06:38pm

I wiggled and weaved down the road till I relaxed. Look way down the road not right in front of rv. Use mirrors to help you stay in your lane looking at the stripes behind you. Its not like a car or a pickup you body position will be farther left in the lane than what you are used to. Give yourself more room between vehicles than you ever have before. Someone will cut in and shorten your baking distance. You will just have to adjust when you feel the wind messing with you. If you are not comfortable at 60 slow down. Not telling you how to drive just giving tips that I use. I kept wanting to hug the right shoulder, wife felt like we were running off the road. We both had to get used to the width and movements of the RV.

Posted By: superrayzor on 04/28/16 06:45pm

Thanks, this all makes me feel better. I just got back from having the safe-t-plus installed and by the end of the 25 mile drive from the dealership to the rv park I was already up 5-10 MPH from what I was driving it before, and it felt a lot more solid. The only issue I had the whole trip is when 2 semis passed the opposite direction, got a little fear, but it wasn't that bad. Except I think right after that, the wind hit me hard in the direction I was already turning, but I still barely tracked outside of the line if at all.

Posted By: Johno02 on 04/28/16 06:50pm

For what its worth, the one time I got it up to 80 was when I let myself get trapped in the middle of a bunch of crazy traffic on a downhill interstate. Had to get out of the way before a crazy idiot either hit me or ran me off the road! It and I did OK, but never again if I can help it!

Posted By: Harvard on 04/28/16 06:56pm

Having too little +caster will manifest itself as loose steering (or wandering) at highway speeds.

Posted By: RedJeep on 04/28/16 07:19pm

I bought NY class A last year.Took me a thousand miles to start to feel comfortable. CHF was also helpful. Good luck!

2008 Georgetown DS350 Class A
Wife, kids, dog and cat


Posted By: Terryallan on 04/28/16 07:51pm

superrayzor wrote:



How long did it take for people to get use to this?


About 10 miles.

In all honesty. IF you don't get to feeling good about pretty quick. You should rethink you hobby choice. A scared driver can be a dangerous driver. Not saying don't respect driving, and don't be careful. But don't be afraid.

You have to learn that the things (wind, bounce, ect) you feel while driving what amounts to a medium size bus is normal.

Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
2013 F150 XLT Off Road
5.0, 3.73
Lazy Campers


Posted By: 2gypsies on 04/28/16 08:21pm

superrayzor wrote:

Part of it could be because of the winds here in AZ - been getting hit by 12-15 MPH wind gusts all day combined with my first day of driving an RV. Also looks like the wind is going to follow me on my trip up north going into the 20MPH range.


To make you feel better....I don't know where you were driving today in Arizona but the wind speeds were 20-30 mph and will continue tomorrow. You'll probably be getting the same enroute to California. When it gets that speed it's best to call it a day unless you really have to be somewhere. From what we saw today the semi trucks were even having a hard time keeping it straight.

It is very dusty out there also so when you're driving in the California deserts slow it down and be aware that a dust storm can come up fast. If you happen to be driving in one get off the highway if you can and turn off your lights. Other vehicles will see your lights and plow into you thinking you're still driving. We've been in a couple with our 40' motorhome and it's an awful feeling when you can't see anything.

Have a good trip. Hopefully, when the winds calm down you'll see that your RV is handling o.k.

Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

Posted By: John&Joey on 04/28/16 08:47pm

Remember when you're in a Class A you're on the tip of the spear. Heck you may even be sitting in front of your tires on some. This is probably some of where your fear is coming from. None of your other vehicles had this I'm guessing.

Trick is too look down the road a ways and try not to over steer the thing. By the end of your 2-300 mile day you'll have it mastered.

Posted By: georgelesley on 04/29/16 04:12am

stew47 wrote:

do you have any friends that can sit passenger with you and talk you through?


Actually we try the opposite. When in a busy area, city, construction, etc, the rule is music, radio off and no talking except emergency. Helps us focus. Yes DW does drive as well.

George 20 yr USAF & Lesley

Posted By: az99 on 04/29/16 04:32am

The fear stopped for me the day I sold it. I got a 35' Class A DP new. Kept it for less than a month. That was never going to be fun. Got a truck chassis Seneca and back to 100% comfort and confidence.
I see the people all the time driving motorhomes that look scared to death to be driving them. That can't be any fun.

Posted By: J-Rooster on 04/29/16 04:42am

TexasShadow wrote:

just drive at the speed that feels comfortable to you and let time work its magic on your confidence.
x-2

Posted By: booty51 on 04/29/16 06:27am

Wind , there is nothing you can do to control what we cannot see Unless you are Dale Earnhardt. Like some one said don't over steer and relax. You said it was already getting better the last time you drove. Keep on trucking! Hey just slow down it's not a race. Hey read the threads about driving speed on this sight. Most people drive between 50-65 mph anyway thats where they feel the safest and getting best economy.

Posted By: tinkerer on 04/29/16 06:31am

When I bought my first class A I took a trip on some roads with very little traffic to study my mirrors and get them adjusted so my line of sight was correct. Then I found a sweet spot on my left side windshield where I could align my self properly on the road. My advantage though was that I was used to operating large farm equipment. If helps to relax.[emoticon]

Posted By: rgatijnet1 on 04/29/16 06:37am

As was mentioned, get the coach weighed. If not on all four corners, at least get the front and rear axles weighed. MOST coaches will handle a lot better if the front axle is loaded close to the maximum weight allowed by your F-53 specs. If the front end is too light, the coach will tend to wander.
I also found with my coach that pulling a toad seems to stabilize the coach a little during high winds.
I also added four corner air bags and will inflate them up to around 80psi during high winds and reduce the air pressure when the winds subside.
With this combo I have driven in very high winds without any concern. Since we travel a lot in the Great Plains, high winds are the norm.
One thing that should also be done is to have someone else drive your coach, who is familiar with the way an F53 should handle, and then see if the problem is you or the chassis. Driving slow and fighting the coach is something you do only if you have a problem that cannot be corrected.

* This post was edited 04/29/16 07:58am by rgatijnet1 *

Posted By: revco32 on 04/29/16 06:58am

TexasShadow wrote:

just drive at the speed that feels comfortable to you and let time work its magic on your confidence.



Too bad there's no "like" button here. For me at least this has by far been the best approach I've used. [emoticon] I just kinda adopted the attitude of "I'll try to stay out of your way as much as possible, but I'm going to drive the way I have to so that I know I'll survive the trip."

Posted By: zigzagrv on 04/29/16 08:18am

Find a spot, or put a sticker, on the dash so that it lines up with the center line when you're about a foot or so inside the line and use that as a quick reference as to where you are on the road. Also, an old trucker rule is to check mirrors every 7 seconds, which also gives you good reference to where you are and also to check for vehicles around you. A quick glance is all that is needed. I know it's scary at first, but with a little practice it soon becomes easier and more relaxing. Of all the vehicles I own, I prefer driving the motorhome. Well, maybe second after my 1986 MR2. [emoticon]

If it's too windy, and this is determined by individual drivers, get off the road till the wind dies down. I have spent more than a night in rest areas waiting for the wind to die down. Mornings and late afternoons are usually better times to avoid wind. It is quite a bit different driving a motorhome than any other vehicle, but hopefully you will learn to drive it with confidence. Hang in there! and GOOD LUCK!

Ron

2003 Gulf Stream Ultra Supreme 33'
F53 Class A
2013 Ford Edge toad


Posted By: crasster on 04/29/16 08:21am

It's not the driving the bothers me unless I'm in a huge city with a lot of traffic. It's really when we get to insane mountain grades. Both up and down. I still white knuckle those after all these years.

4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.


Posted By: catkins on 04/29/16 08:55am

It simply takes time to get comfortable in MHs. They are wider than taller than we are used to. Thousand miles was about when I relaxed...........

Good advice to drive the speed you are comfortable with - a little apprehension is a god tickler to adjust how you are driving.The best advice I was ever given is to "drive your lane" - eyes need to be down the road a bit. Focusing too close in front of the RV can cause lots of oversteering - weird but looking farther down the lane seems to mellow this out.Try to ignore the trucks and focus on your lane placement and all will be well.

In heavy winds, slow down. Making sure you have proper tire inflation. In a short time you will learn to trust the feel of the RV as well as your driving. Happy trails!!

Posted By: aerbus32 on 04/29/16 11:42am

Seems pretty obvious, but some coaches just handle better than others. Our previous 2 coaches, a 26' Class C, followed by a 32' Class A, were easy to drive unless the wind was really howling. Our current 37'er is very susceptible to winds. You may well have gotten, as we have, a coach that just doesn't handle as well as others. First thing I would strongly suggest you do is take it to a competent, highly respected specialist & have them perform a road test on it. All Wheel Alignment in Redding, California & Redlands Truck & RV in So Cal are 2 such places I have used. They are both excellent! They are in association with a third, I believe in Washington state. (A call to either should provide that info.). I have installed every suspension upgrade available. It handles much better. I still monitor a couple of different weather apps & stay put unless the winds are in my comfort zone. I will also add that no matter how bad the conditions are, there will be RV's out there. Recently, here in So Cal, we have had numerous days with high wind warnings posted. Couple of 18 wheelers have blown over. We still saw RV's out there. Don't go until you feel it's safe for your rig.

Posted By: Jayco-noslide on 04/29/16 01:58pm

I'm going to divurge just a little and address driving speed. I seldom drive our MH over 58; that's just my personal choice for a number of reasons. This is perfectly legal even if the speed limit is 75. I also feel that it is within my rights even if there is impatient traffic behind me. I often hear that one has to "keep up with the traffic flow". Nonsense. I don't and have not been rear ended in 40 years of driving RV's under 60 and only got the finger or flashing headlights from other motorists 2 or 3 times. Creating a hazard? Maybe but that's not my responsibility as long as I'm legal. Many other driving practices create much bigger hazards. So, drive at your comfort level.

Posted By: malexander on 04/29/16 03:15pm

I drive a charter bus/coach part-time. These buses are 45' long & 108" wide.
I think they're easier to drive than the MH. To me, I think it has something to do with the distance between the driver & the windshields.
I have absolutely no problems with the MH, I just think the buses are easier.

2007 Fleetwood Bounder 38N 330 Cat DP, 2008 GL1800 Goldwing, Cessna 150 & 172, Rans S6S Coyote, Vans RV9A. Lifetime NRA, EAA, Good Sam member

Posted By: Terryallan on 04/29/16 06:56pm

Guys. It's just a long car. Don't worry about how big it is. I never did.

Posted By: Lancslad on 04/29/16 07:13pm

Terryallan wrote:

superrayzor wrote:



How long did it take for people to get use to this?


About 10 miles.

In all honesty. IF you don't get to feeling good about pretty quick. You should rethink you hobby choice. A scared driver can be a dangerous driver. Not saying don't respect driving, and don't be careful. But don't be afraid.

You have to learn that the things (wind, bounce, ect) you feel while driving what amounts to a medium size bus is normal.


I agree. I bought my Class A and drove 120 miles at night, on 2 lane roads, in the rain to our prearranged camp site. At 10 miles after the 1st gas stop, it was a piece of cake!!!

2011 FR Georgetown 337DS
2003 Dodge Dakota Towed

Posted By: 2gypsies on 04/29/16 09:22pm

When we bought ours the dealer took us up a mountain road for us to 'get the feel of it'. [emoticon] One thing he did notice right away was that we were trying to steer it hard rather than letting the wheel looser. It made a big difference.

Maybe that test drive was the reason that in the future, we loved mountain highways.

Posted By: Mikeborny on 04/30/16 05:44am

i had a 32' class A on that chassis and it did get pushed around in the wind. The best advice I was given was to relax while driving and don't grab on to the stearing wheel. I try and drive with my arms on the armrest and lightly hilding wheel with my hands. You will soon get the "feel" of when a truck is about to pass you as you feel the RV slightly move to the right.
If it really is an issue, look to upgrade to a larger coach. When I moved up to a 40' on a freightliner chassis, it handles a ton better in the wind. A tag handles even better!

2014 Forest River Berkshire 390bh-40
hauling 2 Berners,3 kids

Posted By: ncrowley on 04/30/16 06:07am

Time behind the wheel is what you need. Never let any other vehicle push you to go faster than you want to or do something you are not sure of. For example, if you are turning right from the right lane, you will need space beyond the lane you are turning into to make the turn. Wait until the space is available no matter what vehicles are waiting behind you. Also do things to give you peace of mind while you are driving such as having a TPMS system. Plan your trips so you know the roads you are taking do not have low tunnels, etc. And if the wind gets where you are not comfortable, stop and wait until the winds die down.

Nancy
Newmar Northern Star


Posted By: rgatijnet1 on 04/30/16 07:58am

As you can tell from reading some of these posts, the fear never does leave some RVrs.
I still suggest having someone else drive your coach that is familiar with an F53 chassis and see what they think of the handling. The fault may be correctable and can be corrected or you may fight it for as long as you have the coach. Most handling problems can be corrected as long as you have enough money to throw at them.

Posted By: jmagic on 04/30/16 08:58am

Listen to Harvard. Ford spec for caster on F53 is +4 1/2 degrees +or- 3/4 degrees. This is a common fix on trucks. www.stempf.com The shims go between the axel and springs and it's well worth the effort.
Heavy duty sway bars, a steering stabilizer and good shocks really do the deed.
Happy trails.

Posted By: Cloud Dancer on 04/30/16 09:47am

Actually, the fear never started.

Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat

Posted By: frankdamp on 04/30/16 10:17am

I was very lucky with my early RV experience. Shortly after I took early retirement (at 57), we bought an older Class C to "try the lifestyle", to find we loved the lifestyle but not that turkey RV. We sold it after less than a season.

About then I was tiring of the retiree life and went to work for our county transit agency and did two years driving buses. After many hours horsing 40-footers through city rush hour traffic, our 32' Georgetown Class A was no problem.

If things don't improve for you, I'd suggest asking our local transit authority or school district if any of their drivers could help you get more confident. If 60-year old grandmothers can drive a 40' bus with about 60 screaming kids on board, they ought to be a source of help.

Frank Damp, DW - Eileen, pet - female Labrador (10 yrs old), location Anacortes, WA, retired RVers (since Dec 2014)

Posted By: mrsportys on 05/01/16 07:27am

We made the mistake a few weeks ago of heading from Chicago to Florida on a Saturday where the winds were "expected" to be gusting st 40-60mph . Loaded tow dolly in a snow storm.
As soon as we were heading south on the open fields of Illinois oh brother... Trucks passing you you get use to the slight pull but under each bridge you got sucked in and immediately slammed in the side by the west winds.
5 hours, half a tank of gas to go 150. Exhilarating to say the least. If you slow down in a 65 mph zone to 45 use your flashers had too pass a couple campers doing 40.
We finally stopped when we started seeing trailers overturned in the ditches. Sat the rest of the day ,night in a small rv park watching movies.
Mentally your in charge up their ,stay on the right side of the road .

Posted By: atperci on 05/10/16 01:08pm

I don't think anyone addressed your question regarding where to get weighed. Truck stops sometimes have them, Cat Scales is one. Some moving companies have them. Google "public scales" and you'll probably find one somewhere along your route. The State of Oregon actually leaves their highway scales on 24/7, you can pull off and check your own weights.

After you get either your front/rear or four corner weights, if you can, use a tire inflation chart to verify the appropriate psi for your size tires. This could help with the ride as well. All tire manufacturers use the load charts. I think I used Toyo charts as they were the easiest to locate online.

* This post was edited 05/10/16 01:16pm by atperci *

Posted By: big jim 2 on 05/10/16 04:22pm

My wife and I faced the same problem about 13 years ago. Surprise after a few trips we didn't even think about it. We have driven from Key West to Fairbanks, Nova Scotia to California, and almost all states in between relax and let experence be your guide!

Posted By: TNGW1500SE on 05/11/16 09:12am

superrayzor wrote:

timmac wrote:

What year and what chassis do you have, you might need sway bars or adjust the current ones, as to wind you will get use to it, takes time but you will be a pro..


2016 F53 chassis. It has billstein shocks installed on it which is nice. After the Safe-T-Plus if I still have issues, I might consider the sway bar. Is it just the front, the rear, or both? What recommendations?


Does your sway bar have an extra set of holes? If so look at this thread:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28728729.cfm
Made a big difference in mt F53

Posted By: frankdamp on 05/11/16 12:29pm

Washington scales are also always on, even when officially "CLOSED", and have weight displays easily readable from the scale platform.

I weighed our 32-footer at a scale just out of town one evening after it closed. I weighed 5 different ways - all four wheels on the scale - front wheels on the scale - back wheels on the scale - right side wheels on the scale and finally left side wheels on the scale. I had to turn round and approach the scale from the opposite direction to get the left wheels only weight.

I could then calculate the individual wheel loads.

I never found it necessary to alter the sway bar settings and the rig tracked very well. Most trips were coastal in WA and OR, so the winds were usually from offshore and steady. We made three trips into Eastern WA in the four years we had the Class A. All were over Washington Pass on SR-20 and into Winthrop. Our 32' Class A (an '02 model year on an F53 chassis) was a lot easier than our older (1986) 26' Class C on an E350.

Posted By: Naio on 05/11/16 12:56pm

I had this problem with my little van! I could not drive over 45.

I thought it was me, until a couple friends drove the van. I third the suggestion that you get someone else to test drive your rig.

Once I knew it was not me, it took a lot of trial and error, evals by 4 or 5 different shops, and discussion with folks here on the forum to figure out what I needed to do to the suspension to improve it.

3/4 timing in a DIY van conversion. Backroads, mountains, boondocking, sometimes big cities for a change of pace.


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