DunnInn
Texas
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Joined: 01/17/2012
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We were in Corpus Christi the past few days and were kind of stuck there because of the high winds - 40 mph and gusts yesterday. Finally left today. Unhitched the toad and drove the vehicles separately. They both did fine apart. Our plan right now, once we get home, is to check the air in the tires, have the RV aligned, check the shocks on the RV, use the clicky thingy on the hitch, and trade toads with a friend to see what we can find out. We'll keep you updated. Thanks for all the suggestions!!
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mikebo
Maryland
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Joined: 03/16/2010
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My motorhome and toad combo used to exhibit the characteristics you described. I had the front end aligned, helped a little but still had the tailwaging. Added a blueox track bar, helped a little more. Added hellwig front and rear sway bars and bilstein HD shocks. Handling is much better and ride is quieter.
In my opinion the trackbar and the shocks made the biggest difference.
2013 Winnebago Access 31wp
2010 CRV toad
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ron.dittmer
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 02/26/2007
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mikebo wrote:I had the front end aligned, helped a little but still had the tailwaging. Added a blueox track bar, helped a little more. Added hellwig front and rear sway bars and bilstein HD shocks. Handling is much better and ride is quieter.
In my opinion the trackbar and the shocks made the biggest difference. The RV community in general will never know which would have the greatest impact for each individual's motor home because it is not practical to test each improvement independantly, especially under identical test conditions. Some people like yourself will add one or two things at a time, then adding more along the way until they are satisfied. I wonder if you installed everything in reverse order, you might also reverse the order of effectiveness.
Just a thought about it. Still very interesting input you have. Thanks for sharing.
2007 Phoenix Cruiser model 2350, with 2006 Jeep Liberty in-tow
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sjn7708
illinois
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ron.dittmer wrote:Dunnlnn, You sound like me 5 years ago. I took our new rig at the time to THIS specialty shop that deals with motor homes all the time. They came up with a list and I said "Do it". Afterwards the rig with our 2006 Jeep Liberty 4x4 in tow handles perfect. It did cost us $3900, but worth every penny.
- rear Roadmaster heavy duty stabilizer bar
- front Roadmaster heavy duty stabilizer bar
- rear Henderson trac bar
- Koni-RV shocks all around
- Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer bar
- front wheel alignment done with rig as would be loaded on trips.
I also learned recently that if the tow bar is not horizontal when hooked up, it encourages "bucking" of the tow vehicle. If your tow bar is high at the Liberty and low at the motor home, you will need to buy one of these and longer 76" safety cables, both sold by Roadmaster and other sources.
++++to the above. I did the same, and it made my rv drive like a dream. Prior to the above mods, my RV did what yours does without a toad. Expensive but worth every penny. Now my rv drives like a big suburban, no exaggeration. I would at the very least do shocks, rear stabilizer, and steering stabilizer. I think all motorhomes should come standard with these three things.
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DunnInn
Texas
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Just a quick update. We checked the air in the tires - all okay. The clicky thingy may help some, but the major problem is still there. Checked the front and rear stabilizer bars and they appear to be okay. Have an appointment to get the front end aligned on Monday and the shocks checked again. Measured the height of the tow bar at the RV and the car - 3" lower at the car. Talked to Blue Ox and they recommended a tiger track - I think this is a track bar? Have made arrangements to have a friend try our towbar and toad in about 10 days. Will post more as we know more.
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20anOut
Coastal NC
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Your rig and toad length and weights are similar to ours. When we first purchased our MH we encountered the same issues you described. After reading through this forum we made the below changes in order as posted to get an easier drive and ride, however, we don't go over 60mph, one because it's not recommended for the toad and two it's a much earier drive between 55-60mph. Our towing gear is all Roadmaster equipment.
Run the air bags at 60PSI
Front End alignment
Bilstein Shocks
Roadmaster RSS Anti Sway Bar
Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer
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DunnInn
Texas
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Took the RV in today to have it aligned and the shocks checked. The guy said the front shocks needed to be replaced and that there were some worn bushings? and parts that had to do with steering and the suspension? Anyway, we told him to just go ahead and put Bilsteins all around - front and rear. They're waiting on the alignment til the shocks and parts are replaced - appointment this Wednesday.
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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You'll be happier if you ask them to set CASTER to the "high positive" end of the spec range instead of the middle of the range.
Please let us know how much the work helps you!
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
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DunnInn
Texas
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Talked to them about the caster and that's what they are planning on doing. When we described the problem to them, they recommended doing that anyway.
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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I think you're on the way to a resolution!
Try to get Before/After readings from the alignment machine.
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