Hyatti56
Miami, FL
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We just bought a 1993 Lextra by Odessa Class A motorhome,Chevy chasis 454. We have extreme difficulty steering the motorhome. It wanders within the driving lane. We cannot go over 60 MPH safely. It is all over the place. On our first trip, we blew two tires. We replaced the tires thinking that it would help the problem. The problem continued. The steering mechanism seems to be all original factory equipment. It has no add-ons. What do you think is causing the problem? This is our first motorhome. Thanks.
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Agrnbrt
NJ, U.S.A.
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Joined: 05/24/2003
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I hate to say but....you got yourself a dreaded P30 chassis.
It's what they do. Look into stearing stabilizers. They will help some. But IMHO the P30 was the worst designed set up ever. I know, we had one. Oh yeah they are soooo much fun when a big rig passes you...ARRRGH!
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07 Chevrolet 2500HD Classic. Reese 16k hitch & S/C tailgate.
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CSpenceFLY
Macon,Ga
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That is a subject with alot written about it. I would start by searching this site for P-30 steering or handling. Here is a list of things to research.
-All of the front end hardware. Bellcranks,tierods,bushings
-Front end alignment
-Front ride height. Do you have front air bags? Are they holding air?
The ride height effects the alignment.
-Tire pressure. Make sure you have the right pressure for the weight of your front end.
There are also things that can be added to the front end to help with stability.
Once you get this figured out you should also know that your fuel and water load will effect your stability. As the load changes so does the weight on the front end and ride height. The answer to this is an air system going to your airbags that you control from the cockpit.
"You're lucky to be alive my friend."
Quote from the "Do it yourself police" and many others that have known me.
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Sully2
Cincinnati
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Joined: 01/20/2003
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Hyatti56 wrote:We just bought a 1993 Lextra by Odessa Class A motorhome,Chevy chasis 454. We have extreme difficulty steering the motorhome. It wanders within the driving lane. We cannot go over 60 MPH safely. It is all over the place. On our first trip, we blew two tires. We replaced the tires thinking that it would help the problem. The problem continued. The steering mechanism seems to be all original factory equipment. It has no add-ons. What do you think is causing the problem? This is our first motorhome. Thanks.
Assuming the front end is in alignment..??? Sounds like the steering bellcrank is shot ( common problem) and the factory steering stabilizer is also shot ( it was junk to begin with)
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
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Mandalay Parr
Phoenix, AZ
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Have the front-end checked and aligned.
Jerry Parr
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CSpenceFLY
Macon,Ga
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BTW I have a '90 Pace Arrow 34' on a P-30. Mine wandered like you describe until I replaced the airbags. I run mine at 70 to 75 mph now with no problems. I have had mine to 90 and it tracks straight as an arrow. The only mod mine has is the stabilizers that are mounted below the coil springs. I forget what they are called. Don't believe all of the doom and gloom.
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KOG
Winterville GA
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Search this forum for P30 handling problems.
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dapark
SLC, UT
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Joined: 08/21/2003
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Bell Cranks, Airbags, stabilizer bar bushings and steering stabilizer all need to be checked and replaced as needed. Control arm bushings on a P30 can also cause your wandering. Get all of these checked out and replace any that are worn etc. Once that is done, get an alignment done by a shop that knows how to align the P30 chassis. Agree with the comment of "don't believe all the doom and gloom". While the P30 chassis is a "bread truck" chassis, my old 84-P30 drove straight and I never minded big rigs passing me. I have yet to see nor want to see a 34' Porsche going 90 MPH!!! Oh sorry, that was a Pace Arrow.
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Jim4455
Wherever I choose
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Joined: 11/22/2006
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I am on my second P30 chassis and a LOT of miles. My first one had air bags on the front, it helps but not enough to warrant the expense. This one (see signature) handles much better than the first on and doesn't have air bags or stabilizers.
Yes, I have some wander but not enough to be of concern, I have just finished a trip through all the western states, no steering related issues.
Have your alignment checked, it is important to handling.
Remember that you are driving a truck, it isn't designed to handle with precision. As mentioned before, weight distribution can affect the handling of any vehicle.
The P30 has probably the worst handling of all the chassis, however don't let it discourage you from the MH experience.
Feel free to contact me by private message if I can help.
My advice is free (and worth it) and I am an expert on my opinion 
1993 Winnebago Vectra 33' 454 Chevy
2002 Saturn LW200
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MDL454
WASHINTON
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Joined: 01/01/2007
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Hi Hyatt156,
I'm happy to tell you that you own a reliable,simple,proven and easy to maintain P30 chassis,great for the d.i.y. I own a 1995 FLeetwood Cornado W/454.Unfortunately I encountered the same challenge...
My first priority was suspension: Upgraded shocks front and rear W/Bilsteins,installed a Henderson Supersteer rear stabilizer bar,replaced bell crank w/Henderson Supersteer,replaced Steering Stabilizer(Bilstein)and replaced front coil springs w/Henderson Supersteer chassis tuned springs.Then I installed a Banks Power Pack system upgraded the wheels with cool looking Alcoas.Believe me this is the best handling,hill burning ,honest 10 mpg Class A around,all told I spent around 5k and it was worth every penny,I might add that semi-truck blow by,bump steer and side wind concerns are virtually gone.
Good Luck!
MDL454
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