2016 MV29 and handling issues

[Salttybonber]

We downsized from an old class A Winnebago Vectra to this Jayco last month and we are on our maiden trip to the Oregon coast from our home in Montana.
This thing is, well it is like herding cats.
I replaced all 6 tires with Cooper HT3's I have had very good luck with them on my dually pick-up.
What tire pressure are you guys running?

Any other ideas? Shocks, sway bars, Etc.

Thanks
Steve

[pconroy]

So we're in a 2016 31FK. Same size, same weight. It drives great. So it can be done with the stock gear. The #1 suggestion has been to check the shackles on the leaf-spring helpers. Apparently a lot of people called the manufacturer of the shackles (I forget their name) and their instructions on how tight to make 'em are not what Jayco/Lippert did on many coaches.

I'd say hang tight until someone here chimes in with their fix.

We test drove a 2014 31FK and it was freaking scary to drive. You didn't drive it as much as you aimed and prayed. So I was very surprised to see our 2016 handle like a big van

[hoppers4]

You'll have to weigh the four corners and set the tire pressure according to the inflation chart for Cooper tires. They should have that info on their web site. Also, it may help to adjust the shackles like Pconroy mentioned. It didn't make any difference on my 2015 29MV but it may on yours.

Just for an FYI, I set my Michelins at 75 front, 80 rear according to their chart.

I drove my 2008 Winnebago Sightseer Class A for 7 years dealing with what you're describing. It drove like a 40 yo bread truck and I didn't feel like dumping a bunch of money into it to try to improve it.

[dvspl]

Originally Posted by pconroy

So we're in a 2016 31FK. Same size, same weight. It drives great. So it can be done with the stock gear. The #1 suggestion has been to check the shackles on the leaf-spring helpers. Apparently a lot of people called the manufacturer of the shackles (I forget their name) and their instructions on how tight to make 'em are not what Jayco/Lippert did on many coaches.

+1 Adjusting the Hellwig helper springs to carry more of the load in the back made a big difference in handling for me. Google adjusting them. It's easy to do. A ratcheting box end wrench (I forget the size) makes it easier. And I run 75 psi front and 80 psi rear in my tires.

[Camper_bob]

Here's a basic list:

-Align for caster at least in the 5.5 range (requires installation of a bushing)
-Upgrade front sway bar, and potentially rear (Hellwig/Roadmaster)
-Upgrade steering damper (Roadmaster or Saf-T-Steer)
-Install larger bump stops front/rear
-Upgrade shocks (Bilstein)
-Tighten helper springs in rear
-Install rear trac bar (Super Steer/Hellwig)

If you did all of these things to a Ford E-450 motorhome chassis, you would have the best ride/drive possible, short of replacing the entire suspension.