Safe-T-Plus

Topic: Safe-T-Plus (Read 2243 times) previous topic - next topic

Safe-T-Plus

September 15, 2017, 10:36:25 pm

Anyone install Safe-T-Plus on their motorhome? What do you have to say about it?
John M.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #1 – September 15, 2017, 11:17:07 pm

I installed one on my 1997 U295. The steering seems tight and the wondering track is gone. Installation was somewhat difficult because some of the supplied hardware was sized wrong. Definitely worth the money.

Cheers,
Terry

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #2 – September 16, 2017, 06:19:51 am

I did. It makes a huge improvement when getting passed by 18 wheelers and piece of mind when thinking about a front blowout.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #3 – September 16, 2017, 08:03:40 am

Our coach has it. Was installed by 2nd owner early in the life of the coach, and the PO from whom we bought the coach replaced the big blue shock absorber looking thingy with a fresh one. Since I have never driven our coach without the device, I can't say "how much difference" it makes. I can say our coach tracks straight down the highway with very little deviation except in the most extreme conditions. Steering easily with 2 fingers is no problem, even when the big trucks blow by.

Fortunately, we have never experienced a front tire blowout, so haven't tested that claim.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #4 – September 16, 2017, 11:32:43 am

Chuck, those are suppose to last the lifetime of the coach. Not sure why the PO replaced it but you shouldn't have to. :+)

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #5 – September 16, 2017, 12:05:46 pm

Quote from: Jeff & Sandy – September 16, 2017, 11:32:43 am

Chuck, those are suppose to last the lifetime of the coach. Not sure why the PO replaced it but you shouldn't have to. :+)

Seems like he said there was some evidence of impact-type damage - a dent or something - so he replaced it just for his own peace of mind. I went out and checked the records. The original Safe-T-Plus was installed in 1998 at 95,373 miles on the odometer. The replacement element was installed in 2011 at 145,000 miles.

The prior owners (Forum members) sold us a very squared away coach, travel-ready the day we picked it up. Thanks, John & Genni (gkerbs56)

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #6 – September 16, 2017, 02:30:31 pm

Thanks everyone for the input. I've been really thinking about installing one in our coach. My wife loves to drive our coach and I think it would help her out a lot and reduce any driving fatigue for the both of us. It would make it easier to have that cup of coffee and drive at the same time. ☕️ 😋
John M.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #7 – September 16, 2017, 02:52:08 pm

I have these installed on my coach, does anyone know what they are called?

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #8 – September 16, 2017, 03:04:31 pm

Jim,

It is a Safe Steer out of Deming NM.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #9 – September 16, 2017, 03:14:56 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – September 16, 2017, 03:04:31 pm

Jim,

It is a Safe Steer out of Deming NM.

Any thoughts on their practicality on Foretravels?

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #10 – September 16, 2017, 04:47:45 pm

It will provide "return to center"-- likely similar to adding 2 degrees of caster to the front end.

Some feel they put additional strain on lower ball joints (IFS's) or kingpins on solid front axles.

Would probably be concerned with a Chevy P chassis front end-- not so much with the robust front axle on Foretravels.

Unlike the Safe T Plus, it does not provide any dampening unless you consider "return to center" a dampening force.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #11 – September 16, 2017, 06:39:06 pm

Ok, I have held off as long as I can. I am sure some will disagree.

Caster (if set correctly) in every vehicle will provide adequate return to center steering.

Hydraulic power steering has inherent dampening to resist sudden movements.

If your steering is loose or wanders, you need to fix the root cause (worn tie rods, steering box play, etc), not add on a temporary fix.

These steering add-ons are unnecessary gimmicks pitched and sold to unsuspecting RV owners.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #12 – September 16, 2017, 07:53:17 pm

Agree 100%

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #13 – September 16, 2017, 08:38:40 pm

Quote from: jcus – September 16, 2017, 02:52:08 pm

I have these installed on my coach, does anyone know what they are called?

On my previous coach, a non tag axle, I had the Safe steer (like your photo) installed for a couple or years. It helped with handling in side winds and 18 wheeler wakes. Then I changed to the Safe-T-Plus. Safe-T-Plus is by far the better product with better handling and no "spring pop" sounds.

Now with a tag axle FT, I don't feel the need for safe-t-plus for improved handling. However, I do think it would help with a front tire blowout.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #14 – September 17, 2017, 11:01:16 am

Quote from: wolfe10 – September 16, 2017, 04:47:45 pm

Would probably be concerned with a Chevy P chassis front end-- not so much with the robust front axle on Foretravels.

I logged about 100,000 miles on a P32 chassis that I put Steer-Safe on when new. The steering returned to center a lot better
with them, and wandering was minimal. I rattle-canned them flat black to make them visually disappear.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #15 – September 17, 2017, 03:32:46 pm

T-Man,
Took me a minute to figure out what was rattle-can. 😂
John M

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #16 – September 17, 2017, 04:55:14 pm

P32 chassis had a steering wander new.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #17 – September 21, 2017, 03:09:47 pm

I put one on mine. It improved the steering and mainly gives you more spring back to center when you release your grip on the wheel. I wouldn't take it off. Biggest problem is getting the adjustment right. Lots of trial and error between test driving and getting under the coach to adjust.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #18 – October 02, 2017, 11:16:56 am

Quote from: prfleming – September 16, 2017, 06:39:06 pm

Ok, I have held off as long as I can. I am sure some will disagree.

Caster (if set correctly) in every vehicle will provide adequate return to center steering.

Hydraulic power steering has inherent dampening to resist sudden movements.

If your steering is loose or wanders, you need to fix the root cause (worn tie rods, steering box play, etc), not add on a temporary fix.

These steering add-ons are unnecessary gimmicks pitched and sold to unsuspecting RV owners.T

Put me in the disagreement camp. The safe t plus I installed made a significant improvement in stability of coach. I've dropped a wheel off road edge both with and without, and far less of an event with the device. As others have stated, passing semis are a non event compared to without the device. Yes, it should be unnecessary on a vehicle with a near perfect chassis, but have never seen a motorhome with one.

Disclaimer....in addition to the safe t plus I dialed in about 1/8" more toe in. This has resulted in my coach being the best driving of several Foretravels I've piloted, including several with extremely low mileage. I took these measures after having an all wheel alignment at a big truck place, and then having guru Wayne repeat the alignment at FT. At the end of my 6 year old tires the fronts showed absolutely zero odd wear patterns.

Due to the mounting locations the safe t plus does not directly correct for worn parts, while the spring devices like steer safe, due to their mounting location will most likely help compensate for worn suspension. I'd be inclined to look at suspension repair rather than add ons like this if that is the case. Then I would put a safe t plus on.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #19 – October 04, 2017, 09:29:39 pm

Blue Ox true center. Adjustable on the fly for wind/road crown.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #20 – October 06, 2017, 08:47:24 pm

I put them on my 34' Safari and had a noticeable improvement when passing a semi. I also replaced all my bushings at that time, so can't say which had a greater impact. There was definitely less clatter with the new bushings and the front end seemed to have tightened up quite a bit.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #21 – July 15, 2019, 08:50:33 am

First up at SafeTPlus in Atlanta. Free install at their facility here.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #22 – July 15, 2019, 09:00:11 am

That's a great job to miss out on doing! Free install, what a deal. Your coach is looking great.

I'm sure safe t plus folks know what they are doing but.....getting those things centered is not trivial. Drive it on the best section of highway around, make sure it has zero tendency to pull one way or the other.

I had been chasing a wandering problem since new tires installed. Was under it checking things out and realized that the pivot bolts for the Safe T Plus had loosened up. Fixed it.

Re: Safe-T-Plus

Reply #23 – July 15, 2019, 12:26:59 pm

A few more pics attached. I was impressed with their process after install. Backed off ramps and checked clearance for right and left max turn. Then tech climbed in the passenger seat with tools and off we went. Drove industrial park where they're located and checked centering on non-camber center turn lane. Jumped out early in the drive and got underneath (at stop 👍) and made small adjustment. Ran more roads in the park then out on I-20. Had me run right tires off right side lane and return. Had several semis run past and then along a really torn up section of interstate before returning.

He asked if I was confident in centering after he was satisfied. Also asked us to email reactions after next section of our trip. Told us to stop by on our way home if there were any adjustments we felt were needed.

After 50 miles or so on the interstate so far I am satisfied. Nothing amazing...just a generally smoother centering and a significantly dampened reaction to any side stress on coach.

I hope we never get a chance to text blowout control but at this early point I feel more confident. More reactions as I put on more miles.

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