Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer

Vergari59 · 03-12-2018, 11:55 AM

While I have no illusion my RV will ever drive like a Ferrari, after driving it in high winds and along side numerous 18 Wheelers its time to look at improving the steering. I felt like I was in a wrestling match with my steering wheel at times (and losing!). I am looking into the Safe T Plus Steering stabilizer and want to know if any fellow Jayco owners have experience with this or other Steering stabilizer products?

Thank you!

Davidmac · 03-12-2018, 01:19 PM

Have you had the Alinement Done by a good shop to improve the directional stability . It made a big difference in handling , my 29MV now handles like my Ford 350 vans . Jayco will pay for it if it is still under warranty

Vergari59 · 03-12-2018, 01:35 PM

Thanks! I have not but I don think the alignment is out. The RV rides fairly well and does not have a tendency to pull in one direction or another. It becomes a struggle with winds and with larger vehicles. While I know it wont completely solve the problem, I am willing to make the investment if it can mitigate the fatigue and improve the ride when those conditions are present.

Davidmac · 03-12-2018, 01:56 PM

My 29MV already had a stabilizer included as part of the J-Ride package . Increasing the Caster to the positive end of the specification +7 deg . Will improve the directional stability so that you are no longer pushed around by wind and big trucks . The Camber setting is responsible for pulling and most tire ware . I had the alinement done at a large truck shop .

WinnieView · 03-12-2018, 02:19 PM

The Safe-T-Plus is first and foremost a safety device. We have installed one on each of our motorhomes for that very reason--to help maintain control in case of a front tire blowout at highway speeds.

rosedan · 03-12-2018, 03:18 PM

Roadmaster Reflex steering stabilizer. I installed it myself.. was very easy to replace. Now Iam not making constant steering adjustments. Was a HUGE difference.

Harvard · 03-12-2018, 03:41 PM

Ford ships these E350/E450 Cutaways off the assembly line
with +3 to +4 degrees of Caster. Those settings are
OK for city driving BUT you want to have +5 to +6 degrees
of Caster for highway driving, OTHERWISE:

POPULAR MECHANICS MAY 1973:
START QUOTE:
If too little caster exists, the car will wander and weave,
thus necessitating constant corrections in steering.
END QUOTE:

There are at least two ways to increase the effective
runtime caster (see Self Aligning Torque):

1. Decrease the tire inflation pressure to the required
minimum for load (to increase Pneumatic Trail), and or

2. Increase the caster angle during an alignment
(to increase caster trail).

If you find an improvement in reducing the tire pressure
you will be amazed what it is to add +2 degrees of caster.

The specified range of Caster for the E350/E450 is
from +1.5 to +7.0 degrees. As you can see
almost any possible setting is "within spec"
for the "tweak the toe and you are good to go"
alignment services. Stay away from Ford
dealerships
"And have it done at a "good" truck front end shop".

Harvard · 03-12-2018, 03:50 PM

E350/E450 Handling Problems are caused by too little + CASTER

lonestarrpm · 03-12-2018, 11:03 PM

I drove from LA to Austin -- and while in general my 08 Seneca was well behaved, I never got comfortable to drive without 2 hands.

I have since added a front sway bar, front trac bar, and ordered a safe-t steer.
However the safe-t steer bracket didn't fit my u-botls(we're still working that out).

I have since ordered a rear trac bar -- and sumo springs to replace the bump stops.

My 08' already has 17.5K rear springs, and new monroe shocks all around.

I'll also be adding improved sway bar bushings to the rear.

I'm looking to get is as hooked up as possible. I'll be towing a 28' trailer.

I also have an equalizer anti-trailer sway hitch I need to add to the kit.

I have yet to drive it with all the goodies -- but thats about as good as I can get I believe.

M

submariner · 03-13-2018, 05:59 AM

During my travels I recall someone told me that if you replace the stock steering stabilizer from ford with the Safe T plus it will prematurally wear out the power steering pump because of the extra pressure it takes to move the steering componants.Dont know if its true or not,something to consider.Hate to throw in a negative,think I would go with a good realignment first as others have stated.

Vergari59 · 03-13-2018, 01:32 PM

Alright so I have scheduled an appt to have the Alignment looked at and Casters checked. I don't know how any of these could be an issue as it is a 2017 with 6k miles and we never hit anything. Is this a known issue for new Ford E450's rolling off the lot? I was going to reach out to the dealership I purchased it from but unless the cost to cure is astronomical, I don't want to drive the 4 hours up and back. I will let you know how I make out. I am still going to install the safetplus as I feel it is a worthwhile investment if only for the safety feature. Thank you for all the feedback!

Harvard · 03-13-2018, 03:17 PM

The Ford specified range of caster is about +1.5 Degrees to +7.0 degrees.

Ford set the caster at +3 to +4 on the assembly line which is best for city driving.

You want to have minimum +5 to +6 for highway driving.

A Ford dealership is not going to do the job because in their shop anything is within the above specification. You need the services of a good truck alignment shop who already knows this issue well, not a shop that you, the customer, needs to train. If they do not catch on to the caster issue immediately OR they try to sell you on a Safe-T-Plus, walk.

We are not talking about anything getting jarred out of adjustment.

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