This summer we were in Vancouver, Washington visiting the Roadmaster factory where they manufacture almost every component they sell. While we were taking a tour, we got to talking about their Reflex RV Steering Stabilizer. They suggested we let them install one and see how it works. Hmm…something that could make driving the motorhome easier? Of course we said yes!
Almost every part Roadmaster makes is manufactured in their factory in Vancouver, Washington.
WE’VE HAD THE RV STEERING STABILIZER ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND HAVE TRAVELED FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON TO KEY LARGO, FLORIDA.
Here are our thoughts:
What is an RV Steering Stabilizer?
The RV steering stabilizer is really pretty simple. It’s just a spring around a shock absorber. It attaches to the front steering Tie Rod and to the Axle. The Reflex RV Steering Stabilizer helps to take that play out of the steering system by adding a little resistance. The spring wants to always pull the wheels back to center and the shock absorber helps to smooth out the steering inputs. When you turn left, the spring is pulling back right and when you turn right, it is pulling back left. Pretty simple! When you hit a bump, ride in a rut, or go off the edge of the pavement a little, the shock absorber inside the spring helps to keep the wheels from getting pushed around.
Roadmaster even says that in the event of a blowout, the steering stabilizer will help you retain control of the motorhome. The RV steering stabilizer will resist the tendency of the front end to turn towards the blown tire. Sorry, but we aren’t planning to test that feature for you 🙂
The installation actually went so quickly that we missed getting photos or video of it. All they had to do was make sure the front wheels were pointed straight ahead and bolt it up. They install these all the time, so I am sure that helps. Still, I wouldn’t hesitate to try installing the stabilizer myself. (I might still end up at the shop, but at least I could say I tried!)
Steering stabilizer tie rod connection
Steering stabilizer axle connection
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
In the driver’s seat, the steering wheel feels more solid. It doesn’t feel as wishy-washy as before. Now, it’s much easier to drive comfortably with one hand on the wheel. I’m not so tired from having to constantly adjust to keep the motorhome on course at the end of the driving day.
Large gusts of wind and semis passing don’t feel like they are going to blow me off the road. On smaller country roads where the motorhome is as wide as the lane and there is no shoulder, the stabilizer makes driving a lot less stressful.
If you are in the Oregon and Washington area, make sure to check out some of the awesome Harvest Hosts. We ate so many blueberries at this one!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Do you need this? No…
If your motorhome is in good shape and your tires are properly inflated, aligned, etc., then you will be fine.
But if you are on the road as much as we are, this really can make a big difference. I’m definitely not going to take it off. And if I get another similar sized RV in the future, I will add an RV steering stabilizer to it.
Here’s a link to Roadmaster’s info on the Reflex RV Steering Stabilizers
We have a stabilizer from Roadmaster, ;but could use more control. Don’t they offer another front end product? Thanks.
We have the steering stabilizer and front and rear sway bar. They do a pretty good job. That’s all they offer as far as I know. There is a company called Liquid Springs that makes a rear suspension upgrade that makes a huge improvement in the ride. I got to test drive one of their RVs. It was crazy how much it helped. It almost eliminated the sway and in turn everything felt more controllable. But it’s crazy expensive.