Sway bars and steering stab

[bikegolfgirl]

I have a ACE 29.3 which comes with a front and rear sway bar. Does anyone recommend that I replace them with Road master sway bars? I am a new driver and the dealer said that and adding a steering stabilizer would improve the swaying.

Thoughts?

[Forest Grump]

No, the dealer is wrong.

[bikegolfgirl]

On which part?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

...cut...

Thoughts?

What problem are you having? Or what are you trying to fix? Can you describe what led to the dealer's recommendation?

[bikegolfgirl]

When I get passed it sways alot. Just feel as if I dont have a lot of control in the steering.

[brucev]

I installed both Roadmaster sway bars and a steering stabilizer. The sway bars helped control side sway and rocking of the coach considerably but I think the steering stabilizer helped maintain control more from passing vehicles and cross winds. The stabilizer is much more than just a shock absorber as it is spring loaded to help keep the wheel centered. If I were to do it again, I would probably start with the Roadmaster steering stabilizer. Following is the order I would use if I had to do it again with approximate cost.
1) Four corner weight when loaded for travel and adjust tires accordingly. $25
2) Front end alignment. $150
3) Roadmaster steering stabilizer. $400 (installed myself)
4) Roadmaster sway bars. $3500 (paid extra because dealer was something less than competent)

There is also a cheap handling fix that is adjusting the stock sway bars that may help also. I believe the Roadmaster rear sway bar maintains the stock bar.

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

Will this cut down on the steering play

[bikegolfgirl]

Can anyone confirm the correct steering stabilizer for a 2016 ACE 29.3?

[KNMIB]

Saf-t-Plus web sight has a recommended guide. That's what we installed and I love the difference in handling.

[bikegolfgirl]

Is that better than Roadmaster?

[KNMIB]

I don't know, all I know is it made my driving more comfortable but with that said I think there is also a learning curve to driving an RV. I really got comfortable after the Saf-t-Plus and also after a 5 week trip out west. I know some people on this site really like a stabilizer and then there are opinions they don't help much. My experience is all positive with the addition of the stabilizer.

[fhenn]

2 questions 1 did you check the tire pressure 2 Did you have aligned at a truck shop

[bikegolfgirl]

No did not check tire pressure and its a brand new unit.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

No did not check tire pressure and its a brand new unit.

Brand new units need an alignment done. Ours came with a sticker on the wall next to the drivers seat instructing us to get one done and our dealer told us to do so during PDI.

Its the first thing that should be done for any motorhome.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

When I get passed it sways alot. Just feel as if I dont have a lot of control in the steering.

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

No did not check tire pressure and its a brand new unit.

Thoughts? Only that I'm not a big fan of the shotgun approach to solving problems, and would recommend a systematic plan instead.

You mention in OP being a new driver, so is it possible you expect your motorhome to drive like a car?

I'm not saying there may not be something wrong with your MH, but if your expectation is for it to drive, handle, and feel like a car I doubt you can spend enough money in aftermarket upgrades to accomplish it.

After weighing the unit, adjusting tire air pressure accordingly, and having it aligned as recommended by others above, I'd drive it (assuming you feel safe) for a few thousand miles before I'd consider upgrades. And by then you might have a better idea of what you need or want.

The problem with doing what others do is that many are fine without upgrades, so there is no one solution for all.

[bikegolfgirl]

Great advice, thank you. How can I tell if it needs an alignment?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

....cut.... How can I tell if it needs an alignment?

Some signs of needing an alignment can include uneven tire wear, but you may not see the unusual tire wear for a long time. It's not worth waiting if it doesn't drive right. Plus some alignment issues may not show in uneven tire wear.

I'd have it checked anyway. You can do a forum search and see what's been written. I kind of recall reading that an initial alignment was covered but I'm not sure. Others can confirm on Ford and or Thor policy. Even if out of pocket I'd do the cheaper alignment prior to the more expensive upgrades. You may get lucky and not need more.

[brucev]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

Is that better than Roadmaster?

Roadmaster Reflex uses both a shock and a spring that helps keep the coach centered. The Safe-T-Steer uses just a shock. The 2015 Ford F-53 Chassis uses the RSSA-RBK9 steering stabilizer and mounting bracket. Because the Roadmaster uses a spring to help return steering to center it requires adjustment during install so have your coach aligned before hand. I installed mine and the adjustment was really simple. I don't believe the Safe-T-Steer needs adjustment.

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Good luck and safe travels.

[KNMIB]

Originally Posted by brucev

Roadmaster Reflex uses both a shock and a spring that helps keep the coach centered. The Safe-T-Steer uses just a shock. The 2015 Ford F-53 Chassis uses the RSSA-RBK9 steering stabilizer and mounting bracket. Because the Roadmaster uses a spring to help return steering to center it requires adjustment during install so have your coach aligned before hand. I installed mine and the adjustment was really simple. I don't believe the Safe-T-Steer needs adjustment.

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

Good luck and safe travels.

Safe-T has to be adjusted so it centers. My RV was very well aligned and my tires are inflated properly for my RV and the stabilizer just enhanced the driving control.

[Beatlesman]

Originally Posted by bikegolfgirl

Can anyone confirm the correct steering stabilizer for a 2016 ACE 29.3?

I would suggest calling Safe-T-Plus company for the correct stabilizer and bracket. Our 2016 ACE 27.1 was not the same unit as the 2015 ACE listed on their chart.

Dennis and Carol