Steering play on 22B

[CVShort]

New 2022 22B seems to have a lot of play in the steering wheel and hard to keep driving straight. Is this normal? Is there a fix?
Thank you.

[cpmath]

Sounds like a chassis manufacturers issue, have you contacted the manufacturer for service, it is under warranty.

[CVShort]

planning to contact Ford dealer today. As first time MH owners, do we need to contact Ford directly for warranty or go through local Ford dealership (not the RV dealer)?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by CVShort

New 2022 22B seems to have a lot of play in the steering wheel and hard to keep driving straight. Is this normal? Is there a fix?
Thank you.

It’s impossible to know from description just how much play you have, but I can say that it’s normal for Ford E-350 or E-450 to have a lot more play in steering that typical modern car. Practically all modern cars use rack and pinion steering which have very little inherent play in steering, while Ford E-Series and many heavier trucks use recirculating ball mechanism for steering. It can be adjusted if out of specification, but it won’t ever feel as “direct” or “tight” as a car, if that’s what you are comparing to.

I would take it to Ford, but expect they may say it’s normal and blame motorhome for poor driving/steering.

[MJC62]

If it were mine, I would start by making sure tire pressure is where it should be and then get the front end aligned. And as Chance says it is a heavy-duty truck and will never handle like the family cruiser.
There are suspension mods that MAY improve the handling but start with the basics first proper tire pressure and a front-end alignment before throwing cash at upgrades.

[EA37TS]

Contact a Ford truck center. Most local Ford dealers do not have bays capable of handling a motor home on an E or F series chassis.

Did you load the coach and have the front end aligned as recommended by Thor? That should be your first step.

[Sappy2]

E-Series chassis is "supposed" to have a final alignment check post body install by the body manufacturer. Ford will factory align based on max GVWR and in most cases is close. But, teh E-Series does have more than just tow adjustment, so if you go to a dealer (not Ford since they will simply refer you to a dealer) then just explain how it handles. I assume that you have tested tire pressure and that the unit is not over-loaded or biased loaded left / right to extremes. Overall, the E-Series should track well when it is all squared away (tires, loading, alignment), but do keep in mind that it will want you to counter steer a high road crown. But, my first bet, make sure the tire pressure is spot on according to door decal. Good luck.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I guarantee that the Ford E-Series chassis will help you to become a more attentive driver. No knee-steering or hands off the wheel stuff. You will be blessed with a complete physical and mental workout which will keep you feeling younger the more you travel!

If you expect a class C to behave and handle like a modern car, or even a newer pickup truck - you should stop right now, sell it and either buy a diesel pusher with Liquid Spring option - or revert to car travel and staying in Airbnb lodging.

But seriously, the Ford E-Series is a commercial truck chassis. The components are primarily designed for load carrying strength - NOT passenger comfort. It will happily get you from point A to point B... just maybe not in the luxurious comfort as an oversprung Cadillac gunboat.

People with NO experience driving a class C generally start with a white-knuckle driving (me included)... until they learn to relax and "become one with the beast".

[chunker21]

I'll give a synopsis of what others have said.

4 steps

Load it for travel including full fuel.

Weigh it in that configuration. If possible get a second weigh of one side which is close to a 4 corner weigh.

Set tire pressures for the weight being carried.

Get it aligned.

Then you might save a ton of $$$$ chasing the "great handling" dream.

[Pete'sMH]

Fifth step….just drive it for a few thousand miles. You’ll get used to it and relax. Unless something is broken it’s just an old design truck with terrible aerodynamics. Almost certainly just the nature of the beast.