Hi all,
Just recently installed Safe-t- plus stabilizer, and I must say,I cant tell much of a difference.
-Dave
I'm not too surprised. My '04 MB handles really well, no noticeable sway. I've driven a few different brands that could probably use that enhancement but LD seems to have done it right.
Just recently installed Safe-t- plus stabilizer, and I must say,I cant tell much of a difference.
That was very kind of you to share your observation about this device. No doubt you save some of us some time and more importantly, money! So on behalf of my checking account, thank you.
Two things I dislike about the Safe-T- Plus .
One of the Factory stabilizer mount's is cut off, eliminating reinstalling the stock stabilizer, in case the Safe-T-Plus fails or the owner wants to remove it.
The clamp, that connects the Safe-T-Plus to the drag link, is weak and will slip, and will need readjustment. It's a poor design.
I have adjusted to many of them through the years. Once the clamp slips, the LD will tend to pull to one side until readjusted.
IMO, they cause more problems than they fix.
With over 160,000 miles, driving an LD, can't say I ever felt the need for one.
Larry
Two things I dislike about the Safe-T- Plus .
One of the Factory stabilizer mount's is cut off, eliminating reinstalling the stock stabilizer, in case the Safe-T-Plus fails or the owner wants to remove it.
The clamp, that connects the Safe-T-Plus to the drag link, is weak and will slip, and will need readjustment. It's a poor design.
I have adjusted to many of them through the years. Once the clamp slips, the LD will tend to pull to one side until readjusted.
IMO, they cause more problems than they fix.
With over 160,000 miles, driving an LD, can't say I ever felt the need for one.
Larry
Larry..I wish I had that information before I put worked into it. I bought my LD used and Im putting work into it to make it better and stronger for my many future adventures. I rather put in time and attention on this used 2003 LD than deal with possible issues on the road. Im not retire yet so I have to budget time/money to work on LD. Next month, Im changing out the shocks (Koni). Im also contemplating putting sway bars. Any recommendations or advice from veteran LD owners will very helpful. Thank you
-Dave
Of course, you already have sway bars. But, the rubber deteriorates with time, and you can tighten the control simply by replacing it all with polyurethane equivalents.
Steve
Of course, you already have sway bars. But, the rubber deteriorates with time, and you can tighten the control simply by replacing it all with polyurethane equivalents.
Steve
Thank you Steve... Is there a link or particular polyurethan you would recommend... thank you
-Dave
"But, the rubber [bushings] deteriorate with time..."
Good advice Steve! ;)
Dave, here is recent discussion thread, rich with experience. Helwig Bigwig swaybars? (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=30269.msg173256#msg173256)
There are many other discussions on the topic of improving the handling of our favorite RV.
To recap my experience on a 25 year old rig:
- Steering aid is nice, only to help return the wheel to center after a turn, or to reduce "bump steer". I would not do it again, as these things, while they do exist, are minor annoyances to me.
- Upgrades to sway bars and bushings- yes, worth it to me to reduce the side to side rocking.
- Koni shocks were well worth the cost.
- Adjustments to steering to reduce the slack were worthwhile.
- Most impactful improvement, proper weighing of all four corners, improved weight distribution, and fine tuning air pressure in the tires.
I declined the rear axle link to reduce tail wag- it does not bother me.
I have found nothing to help solve the issue of gusting side winds except to plan driving so I can avoid them.
My rule of thumb before fixing, upgrading, or spending anything on my Lazy Daze? Searching the archives here. Best tool I have found for the Lazy Daze !
Is there a link or particular polyurethan you would recommend...
Here is the original posting I made on replacing the stock rubber sway bar bushings with polyurethane.
Low buck suspension improvements for higher mileage LDs (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=27142.msg147076#msg147076)
The links are still good.
Our sway bar bushing were worn and loose, at 80,000 miles, changing them made a noticeable difference.
Coming from our upgraded 1983 G-30 chassis, the 2003 E450 was so superior that upgrading the sway bars seemed
unnecessary. Do like the upgraded shocks.
Larry
Does anyone an opinion about the "Steer Safe" , steering stabilizer system?
Dale from Downey.
Does anyone an opinion about the "Steer Safe" , steering stabilizer system?
This discussion looks like it might help in your research.
Steer Safe Stabilizers & sway bars (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=28866.msg161144#msg161144)
Take care.