2014 Winnebago Access Premier Wanders After New Tires

[jimgossett2]

I just put new 6 new Firestone Transforce HT3 tires on my 2014 Access Premier 26QP. The tire size is LT225 75R16 which is the same size it came with ( I bought it new). In recent years I had added larger Roadmaster anti-sway bars on front and rear and RSSC reflex stabilizer. With these changes I could easily handle 40 mph cross winds.

We took off on a 1500 mile trip and I fought the steering wheel the whole way. I have never gotten so tired driving. I visited a Firestone dealer after 700 miles and he thought the tires were perfect but suggested the front alignment should be checked. They measured slight toe out so they adjusted it to toe in. I don't know the exact amount. It did seem to help a little but not good enough.

Any comments or recommendations?

 

[Eagle5]

Hi Jim,
I put the question into Google AI, and this is the response:

• Handling issues with the Firestone Transforce HT3 typically involve a "squishy" or "wandering" feel at highway speeds, vibrations, or uneasy weight shifts during aggressive steering. These symptoms often stem from tire pressure mismatches, tread squirm on new tires, or improper wheel balancing.

So aside from re-checking your tire pressures & balances, you mentioned that they found your rig was maladjusted with toe-out, which would have caused your vehicle to wander. If one or both of the connecting rod ends is worn, that could explain both the wander and the toe-in maladjustment.
How many miles are on your 2014?
Eagle5

 

[jimgossett2]

Hi Jim,
I put the question into Google AI, and this is the response:

• Handling issues with the Firestone Transforce HT3 typically involve a "squishy" or "wandering" feel at highway speeds, vibrations, or uneasy weight shifts during aggressive steering. These symptoms often stem from tire pressure mismatches, tread squirm on new tires, or improper wheel balancing.

So aside from re-checking your tire pressures & balances, you mentioned that they found your rig was maladjusted with toe-out, which would have caused your vehicle to wander. If one or both of the connecting rod ends is worn, that could explain both the wander and the toe-in maladjustment.
How many miles are on your 2014?
Eagle5

We have 78,000 miles on it. Even when driving to Alaska and back in 2022 we haven't had such problems. Thanks for the input. I am going back to my dealer tomorrow and may well request a different tire under warantee.

 

[Eagle5]

I would still check those tie rod ends. While holding onto each end, have someone move the steering left and right (just slightly) and see if you can feel any looseness. Any amount is bad, and if so, get the tie rod ends replaced. Alaska is a rough highway, and they may be prematurely worn.
If the tie rod ends have zero looseness, then yes, swap-out the tires under warranty.

 

[jimgossett2]

I will check that out. Thanks.

 

[RayIN]

Don't make the mistake of only aligning the steering, also have a total alignment performed. I did with my 40' DP and the rear axle was out of alignment by 3/4". Drives like nearly like my Silverado now, straight and steady.
Some shops will tell the customer the rear axle cannot be re-aligned, they are wrong in many brands.

 

[SALLYCAPP]

Last fall I had the same issue after in installing six new Toyo M156 22.5 tires in my 2012 Adventurer 37F at NIRVC in Atlanta on my way down to Florida. I also had RettroBands installed at the same time. The coach had Toyo M154s on the steers, still within the age limit and Michelin XRVs on the drive axle that were at 10 years. The change was dramatic. I was all over the road, rut tracking, blown over entire lanes in crosswinds and with trucks passing by. I had done extensive suspension work on my own prior to the new tires. Sumo Springs, rear track bar, front radius rods, Koni FSDs quad shocks front and rear, upgraded front and rear sway bars, poly bushings all around, Centramatic balancers, full alignment. The coach drove like a dream prior to getting new tires. I was completely dismayed after spending 6K for the tires and RettroBands. I put it out on this forum and I received excellent advice. I drove down to Josam Truck and Frame in Orlando where they did a complete realignment and “trued” the steers by shaving down some of the rubber on the them to make them perfectly round and remove some of the crown on the new tires. The improvement was immediate but not completely perfect. Josam told me to be patient and put some mileage on the new tires. 3000 miles later and my coach is now back to driving like a dream again. Good luck with your situation. Find somewhere that will do a proper alignment, true the tires and check all your suspension components for wear. Be patient and break the tires in after getting the work done.