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Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 3:52 pm
by Lopo
Hi, All. I disappeared while my Class C cabover was in the hands of a local guy who has done a wonderful job of removing all the rotted wood (and about a gallon of water), replaced it all with lots of fiberglassing, replaced all window gaskets, sealed the roof, and added lots of my extras from Maxx Air Vents to an iPhone/iPod audio system. BUT when I took it out on the road in a light wind, heehaw! As I approached 45 mph, she was wanting to go all over the road! I swear she was trying to fishtail just like a trailer would! So what do I need to do to get that under control? Thank God I wasn't on mountains, but just crossing the local causeway on a breezy day.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:12 pm
by Rufflesgurl
Maybe have anti sway bars installed and rear?? Sounds like it was kind of scary! Good luck
Linda
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:45 pm
by Birdie
Research Steer Safe. I put that on my 30' Class C. Made a world of difference. Also, have your tires checked re balance and alignment.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:48 pm
by sharon
not only have the tires balanced, but have the FRONT END aligned. Only takes a little out of whack to send you sliding all over the road.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:52 pm
by Lopo
Tire shop next, and research "steer safe." I didn't expect with such a short one (21') that it would be that hard to handle, but surely with help from you all, I'll get it under control.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:00 pm
by AlmostThere
I know exactly how scary that can be. My rig is 23ft and I had a wandering problem as well as wind issues. Sharon kept on me until I finally listened and after several "tire" places who said nothing was wrong, I took her advice and took my RV to a "tire alignment" place. He found I had a missing camber shim. As the way it drove before, I wanted every precaution taken, so added front/rear sway bars, Safe T Plus for the steering (probably over-kill), new shocks and aligned all my tires. Drives very well now and I feel more at ease driving the interstates. Oh, and as my spare tire is mounted under the rig and out of sight, he found the wheel was the wrong one for my rig so I ended up replacing it and the tire.
I left a hefty chunk of change there, but also a big chunk of fear.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:04 pm
by Bethers
At your length I believe too that it's the alignment. You shouldn't need a special system, so make sure they understand what you tell them. And if they want big bucks, get a 2nd opinion.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:22 pm
by Lopo
And exactly what should I tell them concerning the alignment, Bethers? I know how important it is that I sound like I know what I'm talking about.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:28 pm
by Bethers
Lopo wrote:And exactly what should I tell them concerning the alignment, Bethers? I know how important it is that I sound like I know what I'm talking about.
Just tell them exactly what is happening - I just don't trust any of the auto places to not try to take me - and many have. I'm always thrilled when I get one who is honest. I just had a problem with the brakes on my car. Place on the road told me it would be a minimum of $1500. I towed the car to where I'm at for the winter - had someone recommended to me - got it fixed for under $300. I got way lucky there. But I didn't stay with the first two places - I just thought they were taking me - and I guess they were - so if you feel uncomfortable, get another opinion.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:38 pm
by Mrssissy
I would guess you have low tire pressure or a flat on the inside tire. Cheap fix if that is it.
For anyone who tows a trailer. A low trailer tire or flat one will fish tail you all over the road.
Hope this helps.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Wed Oct 24, 2012 6:55 pm
by sharon
AlmostThere wrote:I know exactly how scary that can be. My rig is 23ft and I had a wandering problem as well as wind issues. Sharon kept on me until I finally listened and after several "tire" places who said nothing was wrong, I took her advice and took my RV to a "tire alignment" place. He found I had a missing camber shim. As the way it drove before, I wanted every precaution taken, so added front/rear sway bars, Safe T Plus for the steering (probably over-kill), new shocks and aligned all my tires. Drives very well now and I feel more at ease driving the interstates. Oh, and as my spare tire is mounted under the rig and out of sight, he found the wheel was the wrong one for my rig so I ended up replacing it and the tire.
I left a hefty chunk of change there, but also a big chunk of fear.
And you're still getting it wrong! ROFLOL!!
FRONT END ALIGNMENT, not tire align. Tires get balanced, front ends get aligned!
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Wed Oct 24, 2012 7:15 pm
by Lopo
Well, I can see that I'm not likely to get a quick fix for this. The tires are new and not flat, but I have not checked the pressure in them. I read on another forum that a little bit lower pressure will make them wear out a little quicker but handle better. That's something I did not know, either. One guy told me it might be as easy as cracking the rear curb side window. A front end alignment seems the best place to start. I'm not planning any trips until I get this figured out.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:28 pm
by WickedLady
Keep your tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure to carry the weight of your rig. Low pressure is just as dangerous as too high a pressure.
Re: Wind question
Posted:
Wed Oct 24, 2012 10:44 pm
by AlmostThere
sharon wrote:AlmostThere wrote:I know exactly how scary that can be. My rig is 23ft and I had a wandering problem as well as wind issues. Sharon kept on me until I finally listened and after several "tire" places who said nothing was wrong, I took her advice and took my RV to a "tire alignment" place. He found I had a missing camber shim. As the way it drove before, I wanted every precaution taken, so added front/rear sway bars, Safe T Plus for the steering (probably over-kill), new shocks and aligned all my tires. Drives very well now and I feel more at ease driving the interstates. Oh, and as my spare tire is mounted under the rig and out of sight, he found the wheel was the wrong one for my rig so I ended up replacing it and the tire.
I left a hefty chunk of change there, but also a big chunk of fear.
And you're still getting it wrong! ROFLOL!!
FRONT END ALIGNMENT, not tire align. Tires get balanced, front ends get aligned!
Yes, meant tires balanced.