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Old 10-28-2020, 08:12 PM   #1
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Is this a stock steering stabilizer?

Noticed this shock absorber type unit with no label attached to the steering linkage. What is it?
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Old 10-28-2020, 08:21 PM   #2
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Looks like an OEM steering dampener to me. It is NOT a Roadmaster or Safe-T-Plus steering Stabilizer.
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Old 10-28-2020, 10:58 PM   #3
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Yes, that is exactly what it is. You should replace it with a Safe-T Plus. You will notice an immediate improvement.
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Old 10-29-2020, 01:45 AM   #4
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And that isn't a steering stabilizer, it's a steering dampener.
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Old 10-29-2020, 03:15 AM   #5
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Thanks for the replies.. Not familiar with this chassis and the f53’s I drove didn’t have these. I don’t think I’ll be adding any suspension upgrades as I find the handling of the MH more than satisfactory..
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Old 10-29-2020, 10:54 AM   #6
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Bilstein 5100

Quote:
Originally Posted by 16ACE27 View Post
Looks like an OEM steering dampener to me. It is NOT a Roadmaster or Safe-T-Plus steering Stabilizer.

Yes, it is the stock dampener. I can't comment on the merits of the Safe-T-Plus or Roadmaster, but they both have many fans.

I replaced the stock dampener with the Bilstein 5100 and noticed a major improvement in steering control.
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Old 11-11-2020, 07:21 PM   #7
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I have not installed a steering stabilizer, what are the advantages to doing so? I haven't had much to complain about my steering since I did the CHF but would definitely like to reduce the amount of "correction" I do going through the mountains.
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Old 11-11-2020, 08:07 PM   #8
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I have not installed a steering stabilizer, what are the advantages to doing so? I haven't had much to complain about my steering since I did the CHF but would definitely like to reduce the amount of "correction" I do going through the mountains.


A steering damper is just a shock absorber while a steering stabilizer includes a stout spring which attempts to return the steering to neutral. If you look at the Roadmaster Reflex online you’ll see the heavy spring. The SafeaTPlus is very similar but it has its spring inside. I’ve used both and found no functional difference in performance or installation. I currently have the Roadmaster and am very satisfied. It looks a bit more robust to me and for my application was cheaper. I installed it myself and it was pretty easy save for the heavy torque on the suspension bolts used. Adjustment is easy though a bit fiddely. I found it to be a very worthwhile upgrade and recommend it.
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Old 11-11-2020, 10:28 PM   #9
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OMG now you did it. You posted a picture so now everyone will want one.
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Old 11-12-2020, 02:26 PM   #10
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I have not installed a steering stabilizer, what are the advantages to doing so? I haven't had much to complain about my steering since I did the CHF but would definitely like to reduce the amount of "correction" I do going through the mountains.
A steering stabilizer incorporates a coil spring, in addition to a heavy-duty shock. The spring stretches and contracts as you turn left or right from center so you have much more centering feel, and less correction needed from turns, wind, or passing vehicles. It's probably the number one suspension upgrade
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Old 11-12-2020, 04:18 PM   #11
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positive caster

Positive caster is natures "steering stabilizer".
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Old 11-12-2020, 04:22 PM   #12
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Positive caster is natures "steering stabilizer".
How's that working out on your standard Wally World shopping cart?

And caster works pretty well until the chassis leans, gets pushed over, the wheels hit a pot hole or ridge on the road or a front tire blows out. Then you will wish you had the assistance of a true steering stabilizer.
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Old 11-12-2020, 05:28 PM   #13
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Positive caster is natures "steering stabilizer".
That's true. But as you increase size and weight, you can use a little help
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Old 11-12-2020, 07:01 PM   #14
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Is this a do it yourself kinda thing or do you need a shop?
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Old 11-12-2020, 08:18 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by 16ACE27 View Post
Looks like an OEM steering dampener to me. It is NOT a Roadmaster or Safe-T-Plus steering Stabilizer.
16ACE27 is correct and it is also a piece of junk. I put a safety plus stabilizer on mine and it helped a lot especially after I had it aligned with five degrees caster and installed a real sway bar instead of the little bitty one that Ford furnished. The new one is about three times the size.
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Old 11-12-2020, 09:21 PM   #16
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Is this a do it yourself kinda thing or do you need a shop?
Depend on your skill level, don't it? For a brand newby RVer that doesn't realize or have the DIY skill level to own an RV it's probably a shop thing.

If you've owned RV for a couple of years or always worked on cars then it's definitely a DIY thing.
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Old 11-13-2020, 05:07 AM   #17
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16ACE27 is correct and it is also a piece of junk. I put a safety plus stabilizer on mine and it helped a lot especially after I had it aligned with five degrees caster and installed a real sway bar instead of the little bitty one that Ford furnished. The new one is about three times the size.
The stock shock absorber is not a piece of junk. But it is not a steering stabilizer either. It is a steering dampener. It's sole purpose is to prevent steering oscillation, something it does quite well. But it does absolutely nothing to help center steering. That is where a steering stabilizer comes into play.
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Old 11-13-2020, 05:11 AM   #18
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Is this a do it yourself kinda thing or do you need a shop?
Even a novice mechanic can install this pretty easily. The youtube video they link to effectively covers the areas of concern so it is positioned properly to avoid coming in contact with other components.
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Old 11-13-2020, 05:39 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by gr8rcfan View Post
Even a novice mechanic can install this pretty easily. The youtube video they link to effectively covers the areas of concern so it is positioned properly to avoid coming in contact with other components.


And, depending on your application, you need to be able to deal with some pretty substantial bolts with high torque specs. And if your coach is older there might also be some rust. It might take a good stout extension on your 1 1/8 inch wrench. But I agree, that anyone who ever has done much work on cars can handle it.
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