Steering Stabilizer. Who uses one?

Midwest Jeffk · 02-10-2017, 11:57 AM

Did a search and didn't find a thread about steering stabilizers. I am seriously thinking about installing a Roadmaster SS on my 2016 Greyhawk E450. Would like to hear from anyone who has experience with this.

abarkl · 02-10-2017, 12:11 PM

Most motorhome owners install the Safe-T-Plus. We have installed them on our last 3 motorhomes.

Hailey · 02-10-2017, 05:48 PM

I have a 2016 31DS with the "J" ride and do not find the need for any Stabilizers. I have the Blisten shocks and what I believe is an upgraded thicker stabilizer from the factory. A month ago I was traveling on Alligator alley in south Florida with 40+ winds and lots of trucks. I held my lane quite well. Yes I felt some of the surges, but I was holding my own while watching pull campers having a rough time of it.

pconroy · 02-10-2017, 06:00 PM

2016 31FK here and we were out in some nasty broadside winds. I too didn't feel like it needed anything extra. Still, they're inexpensive and easy to install. If you do it, please let us know if you can feel an improvement!

Grumpy · 02-10-2017, 06:28 PM

I put "Steer Safe" on our 01 32' DESIGNER. It was an easy install and definitely helped with wind gusts.

Harvard · 02-10-2017, 10:08 PM

Too little caster will manifest itself as "loose steering" and "wandering" at highway speeds. Ford ships these E series with about +3 degrees of caster which is OK for city driving but you need at least +5 degrees for highway driving. Google E450 and caster for lots of stories.

cschiller · 02-10-2017, 11:38 PM

We have a 2016 RedHawk 23xm. Had the front end alaigned and replaced the original with a Reflex unit. Nice improvement in tracking and assists with centering in windy conditions. Well worth the cost.

Midwest Jeffk · 02-11-2017, 09:52 AM

Thanks for thoughts.

I too have the J ride on my 2016 Greyhawk 31FS. What they come with is front and rear sway bars. They help with the side to side tilting of RV, but not the tracking of it. I also had the front end aligned shortly after we got it. Camber was so far out that they had to order a larger cam to get it right.

Everything that I have read says, this will almost eliminate the "push" from big trucks and wind gusts. Also keeps vehicle straight in the event of a front tire blow out. For $300 and an easy install, I am definitely going to do it.

I will post results.

rosedan · 02-20-2017, 01:48 PM

Put in on a couple years ago ...(for class C motorhomes) best thing I did !! huge difference for me.
Very very easy install. Jayco should have this on all their RV's
http://www.etrailer.com/Anti-Sway-Ba...BK11-RSSC.html

Midwest Jeffk · 02-21-2017, 12:14 PM

Thanks Rosedan, what chassis do you have? Did it help with the "wander" and "push"? After talking to some "experts", said it wouldn't hurt anything to add it.

rosedan · 02-21-2017, 07:00 PM

I have a 2009 Greyhawk 31SS Ford 450. Before when going down the highway I was always doing small steering wheel corrections and it was really a tiring and bad experience for me. Then with swapping the cheap damper out with this which was very easy, it now tracks straight and Iam not constantly playing with the wheel. much more relaxing also. Best $ spent and in my opinion well worth it - would definitely do again.

Fairenatic · 02-21-2017, 07:46 PM

When they fail, they can cause a lot of excessive vibration and wheel hop causing premature tire wear. Can also cause the front end to shake violently when you hit a pot hole in extreme cases.

I know they are well worth the investment. If they came with your vehicle, keep an eye on it for weeping and replace asap.

$200 should put you back in business.

Midwest Jeffk · 02-26-2017, 02:49 PM

Thanks for all the replies. Still contemplating it.

mids911 · 02-28-2017, 11:47 AM

after my 1st trip i feel this might help, i have 17 redhawk 29xk it has somthing not sure if its a dampener or stableizer, truth be told i dont know one from the other. I do knowmy trip from fla to ct was a challange with trucks and cross winds. Would upgradeing to the safe-t-plus i have seen mentioned here help?

drk98 · 02-28-2017, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mids911

after my 1st trip i feel this might help, i have 17 redhawk 29xk it has somthing not sure if its a dampener or stableizer, truth be told i dont know one from the other. I do knowmy trip from fla to ct was a challange with trucks and cross winds. Would upgradeing to the safe-t-plus i have seen mentioned here help?

We have the same year and model. What you are seeing is the factory Ford steering dampener. It's garbage!

We added the safe-t-plus and it made a very noticeable difference in the steering input needed.

I went all in and added heavier front/rear sway bars and a rear trac bar. It drives much more like a large SUV now instead of a lumbering box on wheels.

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