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projector · 04-12-2010, 07:53 AM

We took our '75 Argosy MH on our longest trip so far (1.5 hours)over the weekend, after a few weeks of getting things straightened out. It rides nice but I'm finding myself constantly adjusting for road wander. The wheel isn't pulling to either side like an alignment issue, it's more like a bushing or something is worn out or dry rotted. It's not as big a deal on a more open straight road but on a narrow winding one in traffic it can be unnerving. Any thoughts on the problem would be appreciated.

DaveFL · 04-12-2010, 08:49 AM

When I first had my van camper it was two hands on the wheel and constant checking, changed pressure in tires and it became a normal driving machine. If I remember right it was just a change from 60 to 70 psi rear and 50 tp 60 front.

projector · 04-12-2010, 09:22 AM

Thanks Dave, I'll check it. Sound a lot cheaper than new bell cranks.

Silverfoxrae · 04-12-2010, 09:31 AM

I found that my TV had road wander at higher speeds and discovered that it had the wrong tires on the front-- PO had changed the front tires and put on P rated instead of the rear which are LT's. I haven't towed with it yet but I know on my list is a higher pressure-reading tire gauge!!

projector · 04-12-2010, 11:15 AM

I just checked them at lunch, the front anyway...my gauge won't reach the stems on the dually. The front had 80psi instead of the 70psi the manual spec'd. I bought a new tire gauge and will check the back. I'm expecting the backs to be the same. Then go for a ride.

Mike Leary · 04-12-2010, 11:31 AM

Check the wear on the front tires, if they are "cupping" it could be time for a front end alignment and wheel bearing inspection.

kmpro · 04-12-2010, 11:48 AM

My 310 had lots of wander also, so I installed a Steer Safe on the front end and that eliminated the problem. If you haven't already, be sure the front wheel bearings are adjusted properly as that can make a big difference also.
Mike

projector · 04-12-2010, 12:32 PM

The tires are a few weeks old, hopefully they won't show any wear. None of the front end has been looked at since I got it.

Mike Leary · 04-12-2010, 12:36 PM

I thought I had bell crank issues, too. New coil springs and an alignment + wheel bearing adjustment solved the wandering and tire issues.

Cracker · 04-12-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmpro

My 310 had lots of wander also, so I installed a Steer Safe on the front end and that eliminated the problem. If you haven't already, be sure the front wheel bearings are adjusted properly as that can make a big difference also.
Mike

I second the Steer Safe - especially if the Argosy is on a P-30 chassis! That, plus a steering damper, properly inflated bags, properly inflated tires, alignment by a truck shop that knows what they are doing, and making sure all front end components are in good shape, will make a world of difference. After all that is said and done, be careful! The smaller motorhomes are prone to "wander."

Bfrank · 04-12-2010, 06:31 PM

I have a 1979 24 ft AS Excella MH and I had a wandering type problem also, I would make sure that the shocks are in good shape the steering damper is good(bushings) etc pack the wheel bearings, verify that the front air bags are good and hold 55 psi steady and aired up wander over to a reputable shop that services light trucks have a wheel alignment done about 135 to 150 bucks and they will check out the ball joints tie rod ends upper and lower A frame bushings and give her a lube job also check the steering box for excessive play and you should be good to go without wandering if your going to have any problems. Happy Trails

kmpro · 04-12-2010, 09:53 PM

Projector you may want to look at my post under Classic Motorhomes as I had 2 new tires installed and the rest balanced today. What a difference. I had new front airbags installed early on and then installed the Steer-Safe.
Mike

projector · 04-16-2010, 12:55 PM

When they installed the tires they inflated them to the max, 80 psi. So I reduced them to 70 front and 55 rear. Other things are apart right now so I can't drive it but I'm hoping for the best. The front end will get attention eventually. thanks

Keyair · 04-23-2010, 12:57 AM

I am an Airstream newbie, and 24 hours into the drive home.
Bought the 345 in Kansas, and driving to CA.
I too, was disconcerted by the wander and when Big Rigs passed it was kinda unnerving.
Today, I stopped for a bit and was looking around my new baby, and I noticed a valve on the front side... I had not noticed before. I looked at the other side, and it had one too! Looked at the front springs, and there are Blue bags inside the front springs...
Curious, I pulled the cap and checked for pressure on the drivers side... just a gentle hiss, down to nothing. The Pass side was more tho... a 20 sec hiss...
I get on the road again, and within 5 miles I noticed a difference... less wander and more stabe... can it really make that much difference???

345bill · 04-24-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Today, I stopped for a bit and was looking around my new baby, and I noticed a valve on the front side... I had not noticed before. I looked at the other side, and it had one too! Looked at the front springs, and there are Blue bags inside the front springs...

Wouldn't hurt to double check but I'm pretty much sure that Airstream says to run 55 psi, no more-no less, in the front bags.

bkahler · 04-27-2010, 05:14 AM

Yep, 55 psi is per Airstream spec.

What was probably happening was one side had pressure in the bag and the other side didn't. This would cause a definite inbalance in the front end alignment. By letting all the air out both sides were equal. We've driven our motorhome this way and while it did steer ok by putting air in the bags it made a huge difference in roll and steering comfort and it helped eliminate the wandering.

If it were me I would pressurize the bags to 55 psi and then see how it rides.

Brad

projector · 04-28-2010, 06:08 AM

I noticed the bags on mine, with the air fitting sticking out the bottom. Between the spring coils I can see major cracking so I'd be supprised if they even held air. I drove it arround locally but didn't get over 40 mph. It felt better after deflating the tires but I won't know for sure until she sees the highway. Lowering the seats 2" made a huge difference. No more throttling and braking with my toes.

Beginner · 04-28-2010, 06:15 AM

Does your motor home have a solid straight front axle or independant front suspension?
Beginner

projector · 04-28-2010, 12:07 PM

independant.

bkahler · 04-30-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projector

I noticed the bags on mine, with the air fitting sticking out the bottom. Between the spring coils I can see major cracking so I'd be supprised if they even held air. I drove it arround locally but didn't get over 40 mph. It felt better after deflating the tires but I won't know for sure until she sees the highway. Lowering the seats 2" made a huge difference. No more throttling and braking with my toes.

Replacing the bags is a huge PIA but well worth the effort. First one was harder than the second, imagine that

I know what you mean about the seats. I haven't lowered ours yet but am considering it. The biggest problem is the steering wheel doesn't tilt enough so its a pain to see the speedometer and tachometer because of the wheel spoke arrangement. I rotated the steering wheel 180 degrees but haven't driven it yet to see if it helps.

Brad