2000 Winnebago steering problem

[Tim&Paula]

I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with a 350 Cat and freightliner chassis with IFS suspension. 26K miles. It constanly has to be corrected left and right. I just purchase this unit and do not know if it has always been this way. I have new Michilen tires and front end aligned recently. It does get better if you reduce air pressure but not that much. Before I go spend money on after market steering improvements does anyone know the alignment specs or other things I should check? If I do install something like Safe t plus blue do you have any reccomendations?

Thanks,
Tim

[mfire1339]

Tim, My first thought would be to jack wheels off the ground and lube all steering linkage. turning wheels left and right to insure good displacement of grease. You may be trying to overcome a tight joint. Cheap fix.

Mike

[tennsmith]

Tim, I've got a 2000 Itasca Horizon with solid front axle and I find it similar to what you describe. The vehicle is new to me and I'm not sure if it's just the fact that it's a big vehicle sensitive to wind and road surface or whether I too have a problem.

It is certainly "driveable", it just doesn't track like an automobile. There is certainly a lot more going on chassis-wise with the wind effects and the slight rolling side to side caused by road variation, passing semi's, etc. I'm not sure how much "caster" is in the front suspension of a coach, but I suspect it is not as much as an automobile and that would explain some of the sensitivity we're experiencing. Maybe someone with a long history of driving these things will give us their input.

[EngineerMike]

There are a lot of drivability factors in chassis design. Larger air bags generally means stiffer connection of coach to chassis, further outboard = less roll, anti-sway bar (yes or no, & diameter of bar), solid axle (non-IFS) usually more steady but not in all cases, method of side-to-side linkage, cross connection between air bags, diameter of air feed to bags (rapidity of air reaction to ride height).

I had a GM P30 chassis prior to the Alpine. Whata killer to drive!!! It was all over the road all the time, and if it was windy or the road surface was uneven it was a fight constantly. It had IFS w/steel springs, wimpy anti-sway, and a ton of after-market parts available to "upgrade" (i.e. redesign) the OEM garbage.

Freightliner shouldn't be as bad as the P30. I drove a Horizon on a calm day and it was not horrible. But it wasn't rock solid. I'm sure you can get aftermarket suggestions here, but first, try messing w/the caster. That should be adjustable within meaningful limits, after which the fun add-ons can be contemplated.

[Pusherman]

Once you've verified proper tire inflation in your steer (and all) tires, and have checked alignment, you might want to check your bell crank. Super Steer makes a high quality replacement for the FL chassis, and what I've read and heard is that it makes a significant difference in wander when driving.

[Tim&Paula]

Thanks, I will give it a try.

[Tim&Paula]

Here is what frieghtliner said


Tim, This unit has the IFS (independent front suspension). I do not
> know if you may be new owner or if this feel has happened since you
> changed tires.
> With the IFS, this steering is lighter/more sensitive than a regular
> I- beam axle, and you do not feel the road as much. with this steering
> (an
> example)
> such as you are driving straight and small dip to right in road.As the
> right front tire /side goes into this dip or low spot it tends to have
> the front go that way, and thus the driver corrects back to left. If
> this is the scenario, next time just keep the steering wheel in
> position and you will notice that after this low spot coach will
> return on its own to original position. There could always be an
> issue with possible ride heights, slightly loose wheel bearings, etc
> causing this. Also check air tire pressure, for you do not want to
> have at max pressure on tire sidewall but adjusted to weight of
> coach.Customers have also added a safety steer shock in front which is
> mainly for control in a tire blowout issue, but some state this gives
> them a better feel of the road.
> I hope this helps Lamont Fccc Service
> ----------------------------
> From: [email protected]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 11:06:38 AM
> To: [email protected]
> CC:
> Subject: Customer Assistance Center: [CAC-000000003430973]
>
> _________________________________________________
> Contact Information
> Caller: Tim EmersonPhone: (229) 395 - 6031 Ext:
>
> Contact Type:
> Location: IND
>
> Vehicle Details
> Product: FCCC-Motorhome
> VIN: 4UZ6XJCA2YCG65409
> Base Model: XC CHASSIS
> Model Year: 2000
> Build Location: Gaffney SC
> Body Serial No:
> Vocation: RECREATION
> Engine Mfg No: 3126
> Engine SN: 8YL14311
> Trans Mfg Model No: MD-3060
> Trans SN: 6510227955
> Rear Axle SN - Front: NKA99058045
> ARear Axle Mfg - Front: RS-19-145
> _____________________________________
Tim, This coach was built with Michelin tires. If these are the same tires on coach you can go to Internet and search "Michelin RV Tire Guide". There are a couple of different guides and the one that is reference guide pdf 2mb size is a good guide. This will show tire pressures set at front and rear axle weights.What you will want to do is load coach with personal equipment and when full of fuel and water,etc., have coach weighed front and rear and then see appropriate pressure settings in guide for your weight. Please also see the pdf file I have attached on the front IFS alignment specs.