Author Topic: Installing a steering stabilizer (Read 9105 times)

Tom · « **on:** April 04, 2005, 09:03:20 PM »

For an illustrated explanation of how I installed a Blue Ox True Center steering stabilizer on our Monaco Camelot, click on the Library button in the toolbar above, then select Tech topics and select Steering stabilizer installation.

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Ron · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2005, 09:14:04 PM »

Interesting photos and instructions Tom. You must have been really torquing down on those extensions to break them.

Tom · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2005, 09:45:00 PM »

The extensions themselves were el cheapo Ron, aka 'made in China'. I didn't really need them and attached the socket directly to the long bar, but still couldn't budge those nuts. The impact wrench was fast and easy. BTW I didn't mention they were 1 1/8 inch nuts.

Ron · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2005, 10:04:14 PM »

So much for China Quality.

Glad you were able to get the job done.

Tom · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2005, 10:10:22 PM »

Oops, forgot to include a photo of the switch. Done.

Terry A. Brewer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2005, 01:54:34 PM »

Tom

Good article.

Terry
At Yuma, AZ

Tom · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2005, 02:59:03 PM »

Thanks Terry. I'm taking lessons from Betty

DonJordan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2005, 03:48:56 PM »

Interesting message and photos, Tom. Looks like a job well done

.

Tom · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2005, 04:16:32 PM »

Thanks Don. I had some help, and Blue Ox makes it really easy.

DonJordan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2005, 10:02:30 PM »

I'll be interested to hear how your steering stabilizer works out for you.

Tom · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2005, 10:20:05 PM »

Appeared to work fine on the short trip around the block Don. We'll be leaving on a trip shortly, so I'll let you know how it works out.

DonJordan · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2005, 10:32:34 PM »

Tom,

I'd like to hear how it works out on those long freeway hauls where you are just crusing down the highway trying to stay in your own lane in heavy cross winds, etc.

Tom · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2005, 10:45:46 PM »

That's what I bought it for Don

Chris does most of the driving, so I'll find out in a hurry if it's not working

Ron · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2005, 11:10:33 PM »

Quote from: Tom on April 05, 2005, 10:45:46 PM

That's what I bought it for Don Chris does most of the driving, so I'll find out in a hurry if it's not working

Does that mean you may be reworking the Steering Stabilizer at Moab if your driver isn't happy with it.

Tom · « **Reply #14 on:** April 05, 2005, 11:31:35 PM »

No need to rework it Ron. Just press the button to re-center it

On-the-road quick-fixes have a habit of being semi-permanent. Just today I finally got around to replacing the "temporary" electrical hookup I put on the front of the Burb at Moab last year.

Ron · « **Reply #15 on:** April 05, 2005, 11:46:42 PM »

Quote from: Tom on April 05, 2005, 11:31:35 PM

No need to rework it Ron. Just press the button to re-center it On-the-road quick-fixes have a habit of being semi-permanent. Just today I finally got around to replacing the "temporary" electrical hookup I put on the front of the Burb at Moab last year.

Aren't you kinda rushing replacement of the temporary fix Tom after all it hasn't even been a year yet.

jerryarlyne · « **Reply #16 on:** April 05, 2005, 11:59:34 PM »

Quote from: DonJordan on April 05, 2005, 10:32:34 PM

Tom,

I'd like to hear how it works out on those long freeway hauls where you are just crusing down the highway trying to stay in your own lane in heavy cross winds, etc.

Hi Don,
I put one on about 18 months ago and really like it. I just drove from Yuma to Palmdale on Saturday and had a pretty good crosswind on I-10 and I-15. Like Tom said, just steer into the wind and push the button and no more holding the wheel over, It just goes straight down the road. Blue Ox has a real winner IMHO.

Jerry ray

Tom · « **Reply #17 on:** April 06, 2005, 12:02:21 AM »

LOL Ron, I am getting a little ahead of myself

DonJordan · « **Reply #18 on:** April 06, 2005, 04:02:04 PM »

Quote from: jerryarlyne on April 05, 2005, 11:59:34 PM

Hi Don,
I put one on about 18 months ago and really like it. I just drove from Yuma to Palmdale on Saturday and had a pretty good crosswind on I-10 and I-15. Like Tom said, just steer into the wind and push the button and no more holding the wheel over, It just goes straight down the road. Blue Ox has a real winner IMHO.

Jerry ray

Thanks for that info, Jerry. I'm going to bee in Harrisburg, OR at the Monico repair facility to have a leaking slide-out fixed an the front end checked and adjusted in July. I'll see how the cocach handles after the front end check/alignment. I may possibly think about getting one of those Blue Ox steering stabilizers at that point.

Ron · « **Reply #19 on:** April 06, 2005, 04:07:03 PM »

There is a stabilzer called Howard that is excellent. I think Ron M. Had one on his previous coach. Maybe he can give some details.

DonJordan · « **Reply #20 on:** April 06, 2005, 04:10:23 PM »

Ron,

Yes, I know about the Howard steering stabilizer. The major problem with it is that it is big bucks - somewhere around $2500-$3000 if I remember right.

jscuzz · « **Reply #21 on:** April 06, 2005, 05:49:55 PM »

Tom:

How much was the stabilizer and what did you specifically put it on to correct? Was your coach wandering or were you (or Chris) primarily interested in off-setting the wind?

Tom · « **Reply #22 on:** April 06, 2005, 05:58:28 PM »

Jeff

The Blue Ox TruCenter is currently on sale at PPL Motorhomes for around $685. That's also roughly what I paid at PPL at the time I bought mine. The bracket specifically for my coach was IIRC another $185 or so (I really can't recall how much it was, and they don't show the prices of brackets on their web site)..

I really put it on as belt and braces. Since correctly inflating the tires, the coach has tracked much better than when I forst took delivery. But it is still affected by high cross-winds and severaly rutted roads. I figure the cost of the TrueCenter and bracket is well worth the added insurance and, hopefully, the coach will require almost zero manual correction to drive in a straight line.

ffruff22 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 11, 2005, 09:26:26 PM »

Nice photos, even the best extensions will break. Though it usually leads to some interesting words when your knuckles hit the pavement. Glad to see it all worked out, nothing like a good impact wrench!

Tom · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2005, 06:02:02 PM »

The verdict is in, or at least the one that counts. After three days and 800 miles, the driver reports that the stabilizer is definitely an improvement. We've had lots of wind gusts that put the system to the test. However, we didn't have sustained cross winds that required re-centering.

Karl · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2005, 10:19:02 AM »

Tom,

Just curious - was the coach pulling to one side or the other before you put the stabilizer on i.e. p/s valve not centered?

Tom · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2005, 10:34:05 AM »

Quote from: kkolbus on May 03, 2005, 10:19:02 AM

Just curious - was the coach pulling to one side or the other before you put the stabilizer on i.e. p/s valve not centered?

Karl

No, it wasn't pulling to one side, but was susceptible to sideways forces such as wind &/or gusts, ruts in the road, etc.

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Author Topic: Installing a steering stabilizer (Read 9105 times)

jscuzz