flood1204
Byron, California
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Joined: 10/30/2007
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We just purchased a 2008 National 29A Surf Side Class A Ford V-10. This is our first. Driving the unit back on I-5 from L.A. to Northern California was a night mare. I tried to keep it at 65 mph but it seemed to be all over the road. No cargo in unit and no tow vehicle. The truckers were blowing me all over the road. It was very difficult keeping the unit in my own lane. Is this just me or does anyone have any suggestions. Is there anything I can do to stabilize the unit.
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fetterma
Michigan
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Joined: 12/11/2006
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Check air pressure first, then weigh it and adjust tire pressure. Then see how it drives. If it needs more help, maybe a trac bar for the rear axle.
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bullydogs1
New Jersey
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Joined: 06/26/2006
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Are you fully loaded?--Since you have a new unit I have to assume no--but if you are loaded--you might want to get the coach weighed..
but before you do that..
TIRE PRESSURE...
Get a digital gage and then inflate tires to recommended pressures--COLD-- and see if that helps you..you'll be surprised what happens if the pressures are not right.
Stuart and Stella Denning
2009 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 41SKQ
Our 4 Bulldogs (Summer, Sully, Sierra and Great-Grandma Demi)
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JasonD
Annapolis, MD
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Joined: 07/26/2003
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Did it drive like that when you test drove it? Really short Class A's are known for poor handling w/o after market modifications -- even then they will not handle all that well.
2008 42' Foretravel Nimbus CE
2007 Chevy Tahoe toad
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TradingPlaces
USA
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Joined: 07/31/2002
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JasonD wrote:Did it drive like that when you test drove it? Really short Class A's are known for poor handling w/o after market modifications -- even then they will not handle all that well.
Ditto to this. Our first MH (30' on Workhorse) came with a free allignment - they said that it should be re-alligned once you get it full of all your usual stuff. But, after doing this, changing air pressure, and adding front/rear stabilizer and changing bell cranks, it still did not handle well.
We ended up trading it in for a longer/heavier MH which we test drove on the interstate for over an hour before purchasing.
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ole trucker
Westminster,MD. USA
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Joined: 05/26/2003
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Slow Down, till you get used to it, as well as all the previous posts
Will and Ina's Endeavor
LIVALIL
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ghamblen
Wilder, ID
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Joined: 03/03/2006
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Sixty five is pretty fast if you haven't driven a class A before. They don't handle like a car so I would slow down to 55 to get used to the feel of driving a class A. Make sure you are looking down the road at least a quarter of a mile or better for your aim point. Looking to close to the front of coach for your aim point will cause you to oversteer and you will get the feeling the coach is wandering. Load the coach with all the normal things you intend to use while traveling and fill the gas tank. Then have the coach weighed and adjust the tire pressures to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer for the amount of weight they are carrying. You might add 5 lbs. for a safety margin. Then drive it to see how it handles. If it is still a hand full have the front end aligned. Then test drive it again. If it still handles poorly I would try a rear track bar next. A front track bar or steering stabilizer would be next on the list.
Gary & Mary Hamblen
2006 Gulfstream Ultra LE 6316
2006 Saturn VUE
Roadmaster Sterling tow bar with US Gear Unified tow brake
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Pacific John
Central Coast, CA
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You could also look at steering stabilizers. I'd ask around to see how well the do on an F-53 chassis. On a Freightliner DP, a Steersafe works like a dream - you can't feel most wind gusts or passing trucks.
Seeya Founder
Scion xB dinghy
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Hyall
Davie, Florida
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Maybe its you, over driving the unit for a first timer, test again at a slower speed and don't concentrate so much on the steering.
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Deen
Vancouver, WA
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Joined: 12/07/2000
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Hyall wrote:Maybe its you, over driving the unit for a first timer, test again at a slower speed and don't concentrate so much on the steering.
This is also true! I liken driving a MH to piloting a boat, you direct it and not try to "precision" steer it. At a Freightliner seminar they said to put both elbows on the armrests and steer with my hands rather than arms.
Deen - Vancouver, WA
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