Scary event

dennis647@aol.com · 10-21-2018, 03:46 PM

We just traded in a class C RV for a new Windsport class A. While driving to our first camping location and driving at the posted speed limit, the wheels seemed to get caught in a grove in the road. The RV was being pulled off the side of the road. I tried to correct this by turning the steering wheel back toward the center of the lane. The RV began to tilt back and forth. It felt like we were going to tip over. I eventually got control and everything turned out OK. Has anyone else experienced something like this? What caused it. I don’t want this to happen again. I now drive under the speed limit thinking the speed had something to do with it.

Bob Denman · 10-21-2018, 05:02 PM

Welcome to the Forum, and I'm glad to hear that you caught and saved this one!

How fast were you driving?

I've heard lots of talk about the CHF for the chassis that I think is under your rig: it might be worth looking into it...

gnach · 10-21-2018, 05:02 PM

I'm guessing, until someone wiser replies, Get Thee to an Alignment Shop! SOON! They don't provide a spare or a lug wrench but try to check for a loose wheel. If it was that bad for you, the delivery driver should have reported it. In fact, call Thor's customer service for warranty guidance . Good luck.

JamieGeek · 10-21-2018, 05:06 PM

Congratulations on your new RV and welcome to the site.

Yeah the first thing you should do is get an alignment.

camperguy99 · 10-21-2018, 05:13 PM

Here in CO there are a couple of interstate sections that are badly grooved. Seems to do just what you described.

dennis647@aol.com · 10-21-2018, 05:20 PM

What is the CHF

JamieGeek · 10-21-2018, 05:25 PM

CHF = Cheap Handling Fix. Its a mod you can do to motorhomes on the F-53 chassis to tighten up the suspension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-CkCc0u0u8

Bob Denman · 10-21-2018, 05:35 PM

That's the video that I couldn't find...

Thanks, Jamie!

TurnerFam · 10-21-2018, 06:15 PM

Class A motorhomes have both a wide wheel breadth, and a higher center of gravity, so if you let you front passenger side wheel even slightly go off the side of the road, or even over a simple change in road height between two surfaces, or into a deep grove in the road, it can easily 'snatch' the steering in that direction. When you try to correct, the rv is already at an imbalance, and you are now telling it to 'overcorrect' in the opposite direction - the center of gravity will certainly help to 'sway' your coach during the process, though it's very doubtful that it could turn in over simply due to this.
Since most motorhomes don't have independent front suspension, each wheel is not allowed to 'drop' on it's own - it will carry the coach frame with it, leaning in the direction of the lowest side. Gravity and inertia both contribute to the 'sway' and 'lean' during the correction back onto the roadway.

Just like when any vehicle runs off the road, don't OVER CORRECT, which is what most suddenly try to do - allow it to continue while you come off the gas, and SLOWLY direct it back onto the surface of the road as you continue to slow down. Don't apply the brakes, or only slightly.

Miramar Owner · 10-21-2018, 06:56 PM

I agree with those that suggest an alignment. You might also consider Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer.. It is designed to assist in situations exactly like you describe, with a side benefit of aiding in handling in windy conditions. I did both to my Miramar after about 6 months of ownership and am glad I did.

**16ACE27** · 10-21-2018, 08:14 PM

I had to check to see where you are at; what you describe is what I experience here in Florida all the time if I let the MH drift out of the right lane to the right on most interstates. The have rumble strips to warn you you are out of the lane (I always call it driving by braille) but before you get to those the pavement drops what seems like an inch, snatching you to the right. I have a steering stabilizer and can drive with one hand most of the time but if I get caught in that groove it is scary.

Lt Keefer · 10-21-2018, 08:21 PM

Before I had my coach front end aligned, completed the CHF and installed a Saf-T-Plus my Hurricane drove like that on all but the smoothest of roads. After the mods, it can be driven with one finger. Get your coach aligned and modded ASAP to make it safer and easier to handle. You'll enjoy your coach much more.

Mo_Mike · 10-21-2018, 08:31 PM

We had similar experiences with our VEGAS until we got a good alignment at a commercial Goodyear shop.

I couldn't believe the difference. Except in Gusty cross winds the coach tracks straight at highway speeds with no "white knucles'.

Never would have thought this would solve so many issues

Sidewinder · 10-21-2018, 09:02 PM

Alignment, Alignment, Alignment, went from two hand driving to thumb and finger. Of course high cross winds will always be a issue unless you slow down to the 50/55 range.

Attitude · 10-21-2018, 10:38 PM

I’ve had that happen to me before and my alignment is fine. Agree that it’s scary and u feel like it’s gonna tip. But it won’t. Keep it between the lines and if it happens again slow down more and correct more gradually.

edanddonna · 10-23-2018, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis647@aol.com

We just traded in a class C RV for a new Windsport class A. While driving to our first camping location and driving at the posted speed limit, the wheels seemed to get caught in a grove in the road. The RV was being pulled off the side of the road. I tried to correct this by turning the steering wheel back toward the center of the lane. The RV began to tilt back and forth. It felt like we were going to tip over. I eventually got control and everything turned out OK. Has anyone else experienced something like this? What caused it. I don’t want this to happen again. I now drive under the speed limit thinking the speed had something to do with it.

Also be sure your tire pressure is correct.

Robsauto · 10-27-2018, 07:33 PM

First and foremost, tire pressure.

TK1955 · 10-27-2018, 08:31 PM

What is Thors customer service number or address?

hames57 · 10-27-2018, 08:53 PM

Yes, keep it at 60 or slower. You can't predict when emergency situations will happen. The difference in surviving at 60 mph and even 65 mph is major.

stevlar · 10-27-2018, 11:12 PM

You need to get used to this new chassis. They drive different then your c class. More top heavy and they tend to sway easily. You can find ways to enhance the suspension to get the rig to be more controlled when falling in a groove. It's just the nature of the beast.

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