The raised driving position in a motorhome can make cruising down the highway a phenomenal experience. Quite simply, the elevated view is fantastic. But with the added height, there also come a few disadvantages. Like body roll in gusty conditions. Or adjusting your RV’s steering after every bump or turn in the road. No one wants to have to fight the wheel, and yet white-knuckling can be a common driving experience in a motorhome. It’s not fun, and it doesn’t feel safe. Fortunately, with RV steering stabilizers, it’s also not necessary.
So, if you find yourself needing to recenter your motorhome after sharp turns or constantly counter-steering to keep off shoulder of the road, it’s time to do something about it. Let’s talk about how RV steering stabilizers work, their types — and which RV steering stabilizers are the smoothest on the market.
How RV Steering Stabilizers Work
An RV steering stabilizer looks more or less like a giant shock absorber. It’s bolted onto the steering linkage of the RV and does indeed absorb shock to help return the RV’s steering to center. (A big help after the wheels hit a bump or engage a turn to around an obstacle.)
To get the wheels directed forward again after any turns, RV steering stabilizers can use pneumatic, hydraulic, or spring resistance. They automatically return the front wheels of the RV to center after they’re turned by the steering wheel. (Same goes for minor bumps in the road that cause you to turn.) They also help to stabilize the RV during windy conditions. (And yes, this includes the wind turbulence that happens before and after being passed by a tractor-trailer.) By automatically recentering, with no effort from the driver, the steering stabilizer helps create a smoother ride. The result is that the driver doesn’t have to do constant micro-adjustments to steering when the RV is traveling down the road. And it doesn’t have to struggle to stay on the road after a semi passes. It’s a much more stable, relaxed, and safe driving experience.
Choosing the Right Steering Stabilizer Type for You
RV steering stabilizers use one of three mechanisms to dampen road vibration and recenter steering. All motorhomes come with a steering stabilizer that meets safety requirements when the RV is shipped from the factory. Still, too often, this steering stabilizer doesn’t last for very many trips before it begins to fail under the constant stress of heavy use. Which means that it doesn’t take long before the RV handling degrades.
There two basic types of RV steering stabilizers: pneumatic and hydraulic/steel-spring. Each of them dampens road vibration and can help with recentering steering. And both help to make the driving experience comfortable while keeping the RV safe on the road. However, some perform better than others under the strenuous conditions of heavy-duty use.
Pneumatic RV Steering Stabilizers
Some RVs on F-53 chassis come with a factory-installed pneumatic steering stabilizer. Pneumatic steering stabilizers use a gas-charged monotube shock that pushes outward under pressure, rather than returning the wheels to center, even when new. While they provide stiffness and help dampen road vibration, these steering stabilizers can actually push the RV’s front wheels to the right. The result? Often, it’s road wandering.
Unfortunately, pneumatic steering stabilizers can begin to fail relatively quickly, especially when compared to more robust systems (like the hydraulic/steel-spring systems we’re about to discuss). When placed under the heavy demands of RV use, these steering stabilizers can fail in a very short time. As a result, steering recovery can become noticeably worse in a relatively short timespan.
Combination Hydraulic/Steel-Spring Steering Stabilizers
The second type of steering stabilizer used in RVs uses a combination of a fluid filled tube and a steel spring. Together, this combo helps dampen road vibrations and recenter the steering after you hit a bump or turn a corner. These steering stabilizers combine the smooth, consistent performance of a hydraulic shock with the direct, predictable response and durability of a steel spring. Combination hydraulic/steel-spring steering stabilizers give you all the advantages of hydraulics and steel-coil spring shocks. The result? You get an optimal driving experience that requires minimal maintenance.
There are currently two RV steering stabilizers that use this technology: the Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer and the Roadmaster Reflex steering stabilizer. The one that’s best for your RV will be a matter of personal preference. Here’s what to know about each of these highly effective RV steering stabilizers.
Our Picks: The 2 Smoothest RV Steering Stabilizers
Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus uses a combination of hydraulics and dual-spring technology to reduce tracking and recenter steering. This gets your vehicle under control with no driver effort. The brand promises that it works so well that it will help you to stay in control in the event of a front tire blowout.
The Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer lineup includes four RV specific models. Each model is color coded to meet the needs of a particular RV type. Safe-T-Plus offers a lifetime warranty on every steering stabilizer they sell.
- Red (41-140). Some Class As V10 F53 between 14-16K GVWR and 1990’s Light Duty Class A RVs
- Blue (41-230). Class A RVs and buses
- Silver (31-140). Class B and C motorhomes
- Yellow (42-270). Most Class A motorhomes with independent front suspension (55-60-degree turning radius)
Roadmaster Reflex
The Roadmaster Reflex RV steering stabilizer takes advantage of the benefits of a hydraulic shock and a tough coil spring to help recenter steering. This helps to keep the RV stable on rough roads, in crosswinds and/or when being passed by an 18-wheeler.
It’s a neat design because the hydraulic cylinder helps to dampen vibrations and returns the steering to center, while the spring system provides the force for returning it to center. Like Safe-T-Plus, Roadmaster says their product will also help to prevent steering failure after a front end tire blowout.
If you’re at all mechanically inclined, the Roadmaster Reflex RV steering stabilizer is an easy DIY install. It requires no special tools or drilling and the estimated installation time is under an hour.
A Few More Ways to Improve RV Steering
There’s no doubt that adding a steering stabilizer is one of the best ways to improve RV steering and handling. However, before you jump in and add one, there are four things you can do that could make a huge improvement in oversteer,
- Be sure your RV tires are inflated to recommended RV manufacturer’s specifications.
- Have your RV wheels aligned and balanced.
- Be sure tie rods are in good shape and tight.
- Reduce body rolls and sway by replacing bump stops by adding suspension upgrades and/or a sway bar.
It’s All About Securing a Smoother Drive
Driving your RV should be fun. Period. (After all, the acronym“RV” is short for recreational vehicle, right?) If you find yourself gripping the steering wheel with a white-knuckled, death grip every time you get passed by an 18-wheeler, it’s probably time to upgrade your RV’s steering stabilizer. It may be the only thing between you and a truly enjoyable — and smooth — journey.
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