Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles

Large vehicles tend to be harder to handle for a variety of reasons. The center of gravity in trucks and RVs is often considerably higher, resulting in decreased stability. Distribution of weight may be unequal - think of a pickup loaded down with cargo in the rear, or a motor home with cabinets and appliances weighing down one side. This can create an unstable ride even during straight-line movement, let alone during cornering. Merely having greater size and mass makes a vehicle less aerodynamic and more susceptible to crosswinds as well. So what can be done to counter these issues?

Roadmaster and Blue Ox both have developed lines of suspension enhancement products that are designed to combat these all-too-common problems. Each item is customized to fit your vehicle and work with its stock suspension. Not only do these products complement your current system, they are also guaranteed not to interfere with it or with most popular aftermarket add-ons. Therefore, these enhancement products will not affect your vehicle warranty.

Do you need suspension enhancement?

Take a look at the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, then you should consider a suspension enhancement product.

Does your vehicle rock from side to side, especially when taking corners?
Is it difficult to keep your vehicle in the lane?
Do you experience loose steering or, in general, feel as though you are not in control of your vehicle?
Are you physically exhausted after driving for a prolonged period of time?
Do you find yourself oversteering and veering into other lanes when your wheels land in ruts or rough patches?
Does your vehicle rock back and forth due to crosswinds or passing trucks?

Benefits of Suspension Enhancement

All of these suspension enhancement products are engineered from high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, superior functioning components. But they also work to keep your vehicle operating at its best for the long haul. No matter which product you choose, you will notice:

Improved handling with more driver control
Reduced driver fatigue
Improved tire and tread life
Less wear and tear on the suspension
A safer, more comfortable driving experience

Which suspension product is right for me?

Now that you know that your vehicle would benefit from suspension enhancement, it's time to determine which product is best suited for your particular needs. Please note, these products can be used together for maximum benefit on many vehicles.

Anti-Sway Bar

If your primary concern is reducing the side-to-side movement of your vehicle to gain greater control over it, or if you experience excessive body roll when cornering, then Roadmaster's Anti-Sway Bar is your best bet. Benefits of this stabilizing product include:

Reducing sway and body roll, especially while cornering
Diminishing effects of crosswinds, passing motorists and shifting cargo
Improving handling to create a more steady, controlled ride
Compensating for a high center of gravity by balancing the weight of your vehicle across the length of its axles
Creating a more level ride, even on irregular surfaces

Many large vehicles have anti-sway bars from the factory, but Roadmaster has created a more effective system. Each anti-sway bar is made of cadmium-plated 4140 chromoly steel that is stronger and thicker than the standard 1020 steel bars that tend to come from the factory. On average, these bars are approximately 30 percent better at reducing sway than the competition. Polyurethane bushings and grommets are used at the attachment points to create pivot points that are neither so rigid nor so malleable as to become ineffective. These durable bushings outlast traditional rubber ones and permit less flex between the anti-roll bar and the vehicle frame, creating a stronger, more reliable system.

Roadmaster Hardware versus Competitor's Hardware Image

Axle Stabilizers

A track rod is your best choice for improving the basic handling characteristics of your vehicle. If you find that your steering often feels loose and uncontrolled, and your vehicle seems to wander into other lanes or veer when you hit potholes and ruts, then this product is for you. Track rods help correct excessive axle side play, which will reduce:

Loose, uncontrolled steering
Sway resulting from crosswinds and passing motorists
Excessive vibration

The design of these stabilizers is quite simple. Attach the durable steel rod to your vehicle's axle at one end and then to its chassis at the other to create a sturdy link between the two vehicle components. This connection serves to essentially hold your vehicle's axle in place, steadying it in normal driving situations and, more importantly, on uneven terrain.

There are 2 different types of track rods available:

Roadmaster's Davis TruTrac
- Attaches to the front axle
- Reduces rut tracking, keeping your vehicle from veering onto uneven patches of pavement
Blue Ox's TigerTrak
- Attaches to the rear axle
- Minimizes rear-end sway and "tail wag" to keep your vehicle in line and under your control

Steering Stabilizers

If you find yourself constantly oversteering and working to keep your vehicle in line and you're certain that if you were to blow out a front tire you would completely lose control of your vehicle, then you need a steering stabilizer. This is not exactly a suspension enhancement product, but it helps correct some of the same problems that the anti-sway and track bars are designed to correct. In addition to simply keeping your steering firm, a stabilizer will:

Minimize wander and loose steering for a more controlled ride
Return your vehicle to center when you hit potholes, uneven pavement or in the event of a tire blowout
Reduce oversteering by dampening the rapid steering movement that occurs when you try to quickly correct

Roadmaster's Steering Stabilizer attaches to your vehicle's steering tie rod on one end, and to its frame on the other, creating a tight connection between the two components that keeps steering firm and controlled. The tempered steel spring on the outside of the stabilizer constantly works to maintain its natural state, pulling back into shape when it's stretched and pushing out again when compressed. This action causes your vehicle to return to center no matter how you steer or how the frame is pushed or pulled.

Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer Under Vehicle Image

Blue Ox's TruCenter functions in much the same way, but with one additional, unique feature. This stabilizer has an in-cab, push-button control that lets you manually adjust the tension for a perfect ride. Simply press the button, steer into the most comfortable, controlled, centered position, and release. The TruCenter applies just the right amount of pressure for your vehicle to maintain that desired positioning, keeping it in line for the duration.

Updated By: Dani S.

Last Updated: 3/3/2021

Questions and Comments about this Article

Steve H. 12/2/2021

I have an 03 w22 workhorse chassis on my HR Vacationer, evidently I drug the hitch on the ground and bent the assembly upwards. In your opinion can this be straightened or should I buy a new class 3/4 hitch. I pull an 04 Jeep tj.

Reply from Les D. 12/2/2021

IF you bended it back straight how would you know if you weakened the hitch? I don't think you could. The best trailer hitch we have for your Workhorse W-22 Chassis is the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 41991-16 . In order to fit the Ultra Frame to your Workhorse you will need to modify the brackets and crosstube to better suit your frame. It has extra tall brackets so you have plenty of freedom on where to attach the receiver tube and it is coated with a durable powder coat for protection. The Ultra Frame is rated for 16,000 lbs. An experienced installer is recommended for this repair.

Allen Y. 9/10/2021

I have a 2018 Forest River Sunseeker 3270S, E450. We just returned from a 6000 mile cross country trip. I was pulling a 2021 Jeep Trail Hawk, could not tell it was behind me. I towed the Jeep with a Roadmaster Nighthawk all terrain, Non-Binding tow bare/led lights RV mount 8k. I had a lot of control problems. Being blown by wind, passing trucks and over compensating for looseness in the steering wheel. I need some advise on what would be my best bet to correct the problems. I’am looking at the Roadmaters anti-sway bars front an rear and steering stabalizers and would like to know if this is the correct way to go.

Reply from Victoria B. 10/1/2021

A lot of folks end up adding both anti-sway bars as well as a steering stabilizer to their coach. Often folks install upgrades one or two at a time so that they can assess the improvement to the ride as well as stick to a budget. If you'd like to install the anti-sway bars and steering stabilizer at the same time, I think those are great upgrades to improve your ride quality. If you have to pick one, I would start with the anti-sway bars on both the front and rear axles to beef up from the factory bars.

Jeronimo P. 8/12/2021

2014 coachman Pursuit Steering stabilizer which kit would you guys recommend, Thanks.

Reply from Victoria B. 8/16/2021

For your 2014 Pursuit, the Roadmaster Reflex Steering Stabilizer # RM-RBK22-RSSA is is a great option. This is currently the only steering stabilizer we carry for your coach. I've included a link to all of the steering and sway bar upgrades for your Pursuit.

Helpful Links

swaybars-2014_coachmen_pursuit+motorhome.htm

John E. 8/6/2021

I plan to use my 2020 Lincoln Navigator to haul a car trailer professionally for the next 3 months. Please advise what suspension upgrades do you recommend my purchasing and installing in my vehicle. This order and request is time sensitive and must be expedited. Thanks in advance, John

Reply from Victoria B. 8/13/2021

Currently we do not have any aftermarket suspension enhancement products that are confirmed to fit your 2020 Navigator. If you're experiencing a lot of rear sag while towing your trailer, a Weight Distribution System is likely your best bet. I have linked a few help articles about weight distribution hitches that you can check out.

Helpful Links

faq-2-steps-weight-distribution-size.aspx

faq-choose-weight-distribution-hitch-5-tips.aspx

faq-weightdistribution.aspx

Heath Y. 7/2/2021

we are looking for a trailer hitch we have a 1999 fleet wood bounder 28 ft motor home . can some one advise on this please

Reply from Jon G. 7/5/2021

You'll need to filter through the linked universal trailer hitch selection. Since motorhomes are all different when it comes to dimensions you'll need to see what kind of dimensions you have for the frame of your motorhome and compare that to what's available.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-rv_and_camper_hitch.aspx

Cheryl G. 6/16/2021

I just bought a 2009 e250 Magestic Tourer 2 van. Just did my first 2 week road trip. Way too much play in steering. I feel I don't have control of it at high speeds. Roads are bad out there, got blown all over the place by winds and semi's. Where do I start? I was so exhausted and stressed after the drive it made my trip not as enjoyable. Thanks.

Reply from Jon G. 6/22/2021

I'd start with the Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1139-115 and then one of the steering stabilizers in the attached link. Once you have those installed your next step is suspension enhancement. I recommend the Timbrens # TFER35092B because once they are installed you don't have to check up on them.

Helpful Links

swaybars-2008_ford_van.htm?style=e-250+with+v8+engine&furl=-sf-steering_stabilizer

Reply from Cheryl G. 6/22/2021

@JonG Thank you. I will give it a try!

Reply from Cheryl G. 6/22/2021

@JonG Hi Jon, my RV is a 2009. Will the parts listed above be the same? Thank you!

Reply from Cheryl G. 6/23/2021

@JonG HI Jon, Another question, can I just start with the steering stabilizer first and see how that feels? Then if it is still bad, add the sway bar? Thanks!

Reply from Jon G. 6/24/2021

@CherylG Of course!

Kent L. 5/20/2021

I recently bought a 1999 Ford Econoline GTRV Camper conversion. I’ve had the front essentially rebuilt and added a Steering damper. I have a front factory sway bar and nothing in the back. Still looking for a solution for excessive body sway caused by wind and tractor trailers at high speed. I saw your videos and wondering what to start first?

Reply from Jon G. 5/20/2021

Start off with the rear and then the front anti-sway bars. Next would be a steering stabilizer and then other suspension enhancements are next in line when it comes to performance upgrades. I've attached links to where you can filter through these parts.

Helpful Links

susp-1999_ford_van.htm

swaybars-1999_ford_van.htm

Kent K. 4/29/2021

We have a Winnebago chieftain 36' 2001, with a V10 ford. What do you recommend for steering stabilizing?

Reply from Jon G. 4/30/2021

For your application you'll want the Steering Stabilizer # RM-RBK22-RSSA .

Shane S. 4/14/2021

What do you recommend for a 2002 f350 dually lifted + 35 s. On it..... I'm pulling 18 to 20 thousand pounds

Reply from Jon G. 4/15/2021

It really depends on what you're looking to get out of your product. Suspension enhancement setups like the Timbrens are a one-and-done type of installation but they don't have any adjustable settings while air bags are a little more difficult to install and require maintenance but they offer a lot more adjustability in how you use them. Along with all of the info above you also have to take into consideration the lift on your truck and not every suspension enhancement has spacers that will work.

Kirt L. 4/8/2021

I drove my 2020 fleetwood flair 29m to Florida and couldn’t stand the play in steering. I put the Super Steer SS403RR and the Road Master Steer Stabilizer shock on. The unit has a factory track bar. What can I do the help the steering tightness. Help. Thank you

Reply from Jon G. 4/9/2021

Are you saying that the steering is too tight now?

Reply from Kirt L. 4/9/2021

@JonG no there is to much play in the steering and highway speeds. At 35 the RV rides and steers tight. I need a solution for high speeds. What idea do you have.

Reply from Jon G. 4/12/2021

@Kirt The Roadmaster Steering Stabilizer should be effective both at high and low speeds. I would double check to make sure that you have the correct one, should be part # RM-RBK22-RSSA , and that everything is adjusted properly. There are other upgrades you can make to the suspension but they help more with keeping the motorhome stable. They will help in the event of crosswinds and cornering but they won't affect how the steering wheel feels.