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07-10-2023, 03:37 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: New Mexico
Posts: 3
THOR #30199
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Steering Stabilizer
I have a Thor 2018 Vegas 25.5 and would like opinions on the best Steering stabilizer to put onto my RV.
Thanks
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07-10-2023, 03:52 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,124
THOR #7035
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There is no "best" There's only individual preference as to which of the two available you prefer:
The Safe-T-Plus stabilizer
The Roadmaster stabilizer.
Anything else is just a shock absorber/steering damper.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-10-2023, 05:01 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: New Mexico
Posts: 3
THOR #30199
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Thank you
I will check into the two options you suggested and choose the one I believe will do the best job. Many thanks!!!!!!!!!!
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07-10-2023, 02:23 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Ohio
Posts: 4,089
THOR #16721
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Why do you feel you need a steering stabilizer? Many people throw money and parts at a problem... then discover after the fact that nothing improved.
Can you describe the handling/ride characteristics you feel need improved? Then you might get suggestions from those who have had similar issues, and what they did attempting to correct them.
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Be creative, and have a fun life...
...and don't be an @**hole! -Ken Block
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07-10-2023, 02:24 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2019 Vegas 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 163
THOR #17456
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Bilstein 5100
Quote:
Originally Posted by El Morya
I have a Thor 2018 Vegas 25.5 and would like opinions on the best Steering stabilizer to put onto my RV.
Thanks
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I installed a Bilstein 5100 steering dampener several years ago. It made a big difference over the stock Ford unit. Less lane wander and effect from pavement issues.
This is a steering damper, not a self-centering stabilizer with a spring.
Front Sumo springs were also an improvement.
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07-10-2023, 04:16 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 887
THOR #5313
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I put a Roadmaster RSS with return to center spring early on. I thought the return to center may be helpful to little lady.
When swapping found oem was quite likely bad. Steered better after install, less wandering and potholes did not seem to "steer it".
Thought about sumo and thicker roll bars, never felt any urgency after Roadmaster install.
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07-10-2023, 04:27 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1
State: Connecticut
Posts: 1,772
THOR #20289
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The Safe-T-Plus and the Roadmaster both have return to center springs as well as a damper.
You can get the same return to center effect by doing a front end alignment with the caster set at 5+ degrees.
Do that first and see how you like it.
David
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07-10-2023, 05:19 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,124
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidEM
The Safe-T-Plus and the Roadmaster both have return to center springs as well as a damper.
You can get the same return to center effect by doing a front end alignment with the caster set at 5+ degrees.
Do that first and see how you like it.
David
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Except that caster return to center effect goes out the window with a front tire blow-out, which is the intended purpose of the return to center springs. That's why the one is called "Safe-T-Plus".
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-10-2023, 05:27 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2018 24.1 AXISSIXxSIX
State: Arizona
Posts: 6,762
THOR #13932
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I haven't looked because I don't much care, but is there a video instead of theory, showing a return to center during a blowout?
It seems at first glance, and that's all I've given it, that it would take an incredibly immense amount of spring to bring a, let's say, 3/4 turned front wheel back to center at lets say 70mph within any acceptable distance to keep you out of a ditch.
If one exists that swayed(ha!)you to belief, lets see it.
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07-10-2023, 06:26 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,124
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ducksface
I haven't looked because I don't much care, but is there a video instead of theory, showing a return to center during a blowout?
It seems at first glance, and that's all I've given it, that it would take an incredibly immense amount of spring to bring a, let's say, 3/4 turned front wheel back to center at lets say 70mph within any acceptable distance to keep you out of a ditch.
If one exists that swayed(ha!)you to belief, lets see it.
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A simple Google seach provides you the answer you seek. First result is a video from 2010.
https://www.google.com/search?q=safe...hrome&ie=UTF-8
Conversely, there are many videos available that shows the results of a MH steering tire blowout without a steering stabilizer.
I have the Roadmaster. If I have the front of the MH lifted and turn the steering wheel to lock (with the engine running) it will automatically return to center rapidly when released. If I turn the engine off, you cannot turn the steering wheel away from center without the power steering assist.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-11-2023, 03:25 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: New Mexico
Posts: 3
THOR #30199
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Truly grateful!
I truly appreciate all the wonderful feedback. When shopping for a Motorhome I had certain criteria which focused more on size and layout. I should have taken more test drives than I did. However the steering seems a bit too easy and seems to drift more than I like. I like feeling the road more and having a stiffer driving experience than the Ford setup offers. That is what prompted me to explore other options. Again many thanks to everyone for your input. I will strive to do a better job on my due dilagence before I make any rash decisions which effects the coaches steering.
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07-11-2023, 06:06 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Washington
Posts: 1,112
THOR #6433
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We have the safety plus on our class C. I am not sure how well it will work on a blowout. But I do know the return to center sure helps with the wind that that was the main thing I got it for.
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2017 Freedom Elite 30fe 2013 Wrangler Unlimited toad.
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07-12-2023, 02:40 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2023 Jayco Precept 31UL
State: Florida
Posts: 2,914
THOR #1589
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I had front driver side tire blow on my previous 33 foot Class A without any steering stabilizer. No, it didnt pull sideways and no it didn't feel like it might roll. I felt no need for a stabilizer on that rig, but my current 31 foot Hurricane needed one even after an alignment by a local shop I went with SafetyPlus and a friend with the proper tools did the install.
It still doesn't drive like it should so I will be taking it for an alignment at a different shop. Will be making sure it gets a +5 caster.
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Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you've got!
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07-12-2023, 10:08 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Florida
Posts: 887
THOR #5313
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I never took Vegas in for an alignment, the original tires went over 34,000 miles before aging out. Fronts never wore on edges or scalloped. Oddly enough front had more tread life than the duals in rear. Buddy used on his enclosed trailer.
I went with return to center style damper simply because wife small stature. A front blowout is no fun and obviously may or may not cause major issue. Adding return to center was an enhancment, not a bandaid.
I pulled 300' down road and stuck nose over swale and installed. Never needed to adjust. Oem unit had no damping without considerable amount of exercising. I am familiar with both camber (rake) and damper use from days when riding/racing motorcycles.
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07-15-2023, 07:10 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: New York
Posts: 119
THOR #11919
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I’ve got the safe-t-plus on My 2018 Windsport 29m. Love it; made a big difference in handling.
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07-15-2023, 08:26 PM
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#16
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Louisiana
Posts: 22
THOR #16916
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I looked at the websites for the two mentioned here, and it looked like I could get the Safe-T one installed about 4 hours away, but the Roadmaster site seemed to be just to order it. Is it something any mechanic can do?
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07-15-2023, 11:22 PM
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#17
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Site Team
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,124
THOR #7035
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunny T
I looked at the websites for the two mentioned here, and it looked like I could get the Safe-T one installed about 4 hours away, but the Roadmaster site seemed to be just to order it. Is it something any mechanic can do?
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Yes, you can even DIY if you can follow instructions and can turn wrenches on big bolts and nuts.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
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07-16-2023, 02:32 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: New York
Posts: 119
THOR #11919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunny T
I looked at the websites for the two mentioned here, and it looked like I could get the Safe-T one installed about 4 hours away, but the Roadmaster site seemed to be just to order it. Is it something any mechanic can do?
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My safe t plus was done at local rv dealer but I’m guessing a qualified mechanic can do it too assuming it comes with directions. Just a couple bolts. If not, you-tube!
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07-16-2023, 02:34 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Windsport 29M
State: New York
Posts: 119
THOR #11919
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mlleml
My safe t plus was done at local rv dealer but I’m guessing a qualified mechanic can do it too assuming it comes with directions. Just a couple bolts. If not, you-tube!
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https://supersteerparts.com/content/installation-safe-t-plus.pdf
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07-16-2023, 02:54 PM
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#20
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Junior Member
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 30.3
State: California
Posts: 17
THOR #26991
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One of the first things we did last year after the maiden voyage in our ACE 30.3 was to add steering stabilization. SafetyPlus was recommended by friends so we went with that. Our trip was to the Lake Tahoe area. We drove home to the SF Bay Area on Hwy 88 as there was construction work on Hwy 50. It’s an absolutely gorgeous drive but a terrifying experience. I was fighting the road the whole trip. While the stabilization didn’t make things perfect, it provided a huge improvement.
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