Roadtrek Dodge steering issue
- Thread starter roro88
- Start date
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Wandering implies two things:
1. Too much pressure in the front tires for the load, and/or
2. Too little front end positive caster.
If the reduced pressure is not effective enough then go for more caster.
If the caster spec is +3.5 +/- 1.0 the go for +4.5 degrees.
1. Too much pressure in the front tires for the load, and/or
2. Too little front end positive caster.
If the reduced pressure is not effective enough then go for more caster.
If the caster spec is +3.5 +/- 1.0 the go for +4.5 degrees.
docj
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2010
- Posts
- 1,840
We owned a 2000 Roadtrek 190 Versatile on a Dodge chassis for five years. We were experienced with driving vans but it was not any more difficult than any other we had driven.
rbc1965
Member
Hello, I own a 1999 Dodge Roadtrek Popular 190 and I have noticed that mine wonders a little bit. It's NOT that big of a deal. When I purchased this Roadtrek 2 years ago I WAS an inexperience RV driver like you. It took me some time to get use to it but now I have NO problem with driving this gas guzzling pig. LOL.... By the way, Just remember to have a good RV maniac look at the underside, bumper to bumper before you buy one. There are so many things that can go wrong with these RV.
rbc1965
Member
The Roadtrek steering wandering issues are mainly caused by old control arm bushings, old upper/lower ball joints and bad steering arm connectors.
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rbc1965
Member
I really don't want to disagree with you but; Your Wrong about tire pressure and your comment about caster & camber. A “bad control arm”, a bad ball joint or worn control arm bushings. When these components fail you can experience symptoms ranging from clunking noises to steering wander.
Old_Crow
Well-known member
You really shouldn't disagree with him.
Given no worn parts too much tire pressure can indeed cause the steering to be twitchy and that will also cause wandering.
Also, of the 3 alignment adjustments (caster, camber, and toe-in) caster is the one that affects the handling the most. Adding caster over and above the factory spec is a common cure for wandering on a motor home (google it right here in this forum if you don't believe me). Camber and toe-in cause tire wear, although if they are out far enough, it'll cause handling issues also.
Worn tie rod ends, a bad idler arm, or a worn pitman arm can add to slop in the steering which is another thing that can cause wandering. A "bad control arm" is really worn bushings or a worn ball joint, which can all affect caster and camber and handling.
Steering stabilizers are often used to "correct" the problem, but all they really do is mask worn parts.
Ask any Jeep guy who drives a lifted rig.
