We bought our Holiday Rambler built on a Freightliner chassis just over a year ago. I first posted then that I was working on a wandering steering problem. Compared to other motorhomes & large equipment I have driven, the steering was about 50% of where it should be in ease of driving with the constant wandering.
A year later - SOLVED!!!
I first took our HR in for a front end alignment and have the tech check components to make sure there were no issues. I also asked them to check the adjustment of the steering gear box. Alignment went well & all components were is good shape. BUT they only gave the steering gear box a passing look and said no problem.
I then first checked tire pressure. New tires had just been installed and I found them 20lbs overinflated, made the adjustment. Drove the HR and found a very small bit of improvement. I then adjusted the steering gear being careful to not over adjust. Drove and WOW the steering improved to about 80-85% of where it should be.
It took a year of looking, tweaking & more looking. Finally I wondered if the Safe-T-Steer, I had adjusted it many times, was the cause of the problem. While in Florida getting a furnace fan motor replaced at a large dealer I took the time to walk down and talk to one of their chassis techs. I told him of the problem, what I had done and what did he think of the Safe-T-Steer. He said they never installed them, they did not like them but that was all he would offer. They install the unit from Deming, NM.
After returning home and before we left on another trip, I removed the Safe-T-Steer. After another 2,500+ mile adventure driving in every condition, the HR is now at about 98% of where I feel it should be. VERY PLEASED! The HR is now a pleasure to drive and makes the days of driving more relaxing and doable. No wandering and the winds are manageable. Knew in my case I would find the cause sooner or later as HR & Freightliner are great products and should preform well.
I had almost the same problem - mine it turned out to be alignment. I have found the True Center by Blue OX works much better than the Safe-T- Steer. Not having to fight the crown in the road or a crosswind tires me less and the coach is a pleasure to drive.
Glad you have solved you problem.
Jroan
Jerry & Anna
Retired Navy
07 Phaeton by Tiffin 40 QDH
2013 Ford Edge
Your experience is similar to mine. Soon after purchase, I had a front end alignment done at a reputable truck repair facility. The tech claimed the steering box was adjusted too tight, and readjusted it. I was not happy with the wandering. I checked the toe in and it was correct. Tire pressures are per weights and the chart. While having lube/oil/filter, I asked another shop to check the steering box. They really didn't want to touch it. Finally, I adjusted the steering box myself, and removed a lot of slop. Great improvement. I also installed the steer safe that you referenced above. It does not improve the steering, but it really does eliminate what I'd call rut tracking where the tire follows the ruts in the pavement.
For johntichy
The freightliner steering box adjustment is on the side, and can be reached through a hole in the frame rail. Clockwise tightens and counterclockwise will add additional looseness. I left just a trace of looseness in the adjustment as too tight will cause wear.
Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/Freightliner/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
Your experience is similar to mine. Soon after purchase, I had a front end alignment done at a reputable truck repair facility. The tech claimed the steering box was adjusted too tight, and readjusted it. I was not happy with the wandering. I checked the toe in and it was correct. Tire pressures are per weights and the chart. While having lube/oil/filter, I asked another shop to check the steering box. They really didn't want to touch it. Finally, I adjusted the steering box myself, and removed a lot of slop. Great improvement. I also installed the steer safe that you referenced above. It does not improve the steering, but it really does eliminate what I'd call rut tracking where the tire follows the ruts in the pavement.
For johntichy
The freightliner steering box adjustment is on the side, and can be reached through a hole in the frame rail. Clockwise tightens and counterclockwise will add additional looseness. I left just a trace of looseness in the adjustment as too tight will cause wear.
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