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Topic: Steering Play (Read 1186 times) previous topic - next topic

Steering Play

Hi,

I am considering purchasing a 36' 2004 Foretravel U270. One thing that stood out on the test drive is that the coach has noticeably more play in the steering than other coaches I have driven. It is not so bad that it makes it extremely difficult to drive, but it is enough to be immediately noticeable. Can anyone tell me if this is normal for a coach of this year and model, or does it indicate a possible problem now or down the road? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave Bennett
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #1 –
Dave,

No, it is not normal.

But, two minute looking under the coach (no need to crawl under) will tell you if there is a loose connection/tie rod end.

If not, and excessive play, the Sheppard M100 box does not have any external adjustments for play.  But, Redhead does "blueprin" the boxes to tighten them up.

The other potential area to check is the steering column U joints-- very rare for them to fail unless they have never been greased.

Lastly, and least likely, the bushings in the links for the front suspension. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering Play

Reply #2 –
A lot of coaches had the wheel bearings set too loose for good steering.

Tires that do not have directional sipes built into them would add to loose anything wandering.

As Brett posted look for worn visible parts.

Whatever is the issue it is fixable
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Steering Play

Reply #3 –
Brett,

Thanks for the input. That gives me some idea of what to look for.

Dave Bennett
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #4 –
Bob & Susan,

I appreciate the help. I am new to this, so I need all I can get.

Dave Bennett
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #5 –
Dave,

As with any large purchase (house, boat or RV), if you are not very familiar with what to check, find an expert to inspect it for you.

SO, if you tell us where you/the coach is, someone may be able to recommend an inspector.

Note: While I do mechanical inspections on Foretravels,  I don't have hands-on experience with the newer/slide coaches, so I do not feel qualified to inspect them (and don't).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering Play

Reply #7 –
Brett,

The coach is at Motorhomes of Texas.

Thanks,

Dave Bennett
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #8 –
Keith at MOT service department might be your inspection guy.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Steering Play

Reply #9 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Keith at MOT service department might be your inspection guy.

Agree, Keith Risch is a good choice-- very knowledgeable on the newer coaches.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Steering Play

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
After driving for eight hours it will be a lot more noticeable. 
I feel that I must respectfully disagee.  After driving enough miles, unless you obsess over the "free range" it will become normal to you.

That being said an appointment at a shop that does front end alignments on trucks will give dbennett9 all the answers that he needs.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
  After driving enough miles, unless you obsess over the "free range" it will become normal to you.

Maybe after you do your work out at the Gym for a few years and build your shoulder muscles... when mine was Off I was sore within a half hour... then it got worse... Neck and shoulder were screaming at me to get their and park or let my wife drive.. needless to say I pressed on!!  ^.^d

This is from experience! ^^^

Re: Steering Play

Reply #12 –
I had a 1.5 inch dead spot. Was really tiresome to drive. Now down to less than 1/2". Way better. All it took was some front end parts, wheel bearing adjustment, Redhead steering box and alignment.  And a couple of coach bucks.
Way easier to drive for 10-12 hours per day now, and safer. My coach has about 140K miles on it BTW
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Steering Play

Reply #13 –
Tim my experience matches yours to most extents.  If you preload the wheel bearings versus the legal DOT standard of .001-.005 end play and use directional siped tires there is no dead spot.

We are not commercial so the trucker DOT standards may not apply.

Drove ours both ways.  Everything done.  Only difference is the preload.

Less than 1/2 inch at .001-.003 in ours versus none.

Coaches must have been preloaded as there was no dead spot new
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Steering Play

Reply #14 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Maybe after you do your work out at the Gym for a few years and build your shoulder muscles... when mine was Off I was sore within a half hour... then it got worse... Neck and shoulder were screaming at me to get their and park or let my wife drive.. needless to say I pressed on!!  ^.^d

This is from experience! ^^^

I'm 62, and while this is the nicest RV I've ever had, my first was a new 20' 1973 Winnebago Brave.  Along the way I've driven a few miles in antique Chryslers most in my 1950 Windsor, but quite a few in a friends 1948 Town and Country.
What I learned driving those non power steering cars long distance, was to relax.  Tension wears you out and strains the muscles.  All of our fuel oil delivery trucks wandered, and I don't remember all but the last one having power steering.

I just finished my first trip on our new home, about 500 miles all told, and what I noticed was a lot of drag in the king pins.  I should have greased them before I left.  What I was accused of was taking corners too fast.  This truss frame is everything I hoped it would be.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Steering Play

Reply #15 –
Have had RV's all my life. Always tell people, put one arm on the arm rest, and let the steering wheel float with the other. Don't try to drive it.
Between the trucker ruts, and the wind that makes them a giant sail, they are going to move around.
I realize if you do have an issue, such as sloppy steering, it needs to be fixed.
Gene's alignment made a world of difference with a simple alignment.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348
 

Re: Steering Play

Reply #16 –
Look for my topic on 1999 U270 need help. You can see my steering issue and how Keith fixed it at Mot.  New U270 owner.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.