| crosswind issues [message #173693] |
Sun, 17 June 2012 22:19  |
Robert
Messages: 40
Registered: November 2009
Location: Jordan Mn.
Karma: 0
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Hey guy's,
I am wondering if you guy's have any ideas on how to improve our coaches handling in a crosswind.
Heres what I have done so far,
-New BF Goodrich tires with pressure at 65 lbs.
-Eagle aluminum rims
-One ton front end
-New steering gear
-Ride height set and rechecked
-String alignment done on rears
-Bilstine shocks
-0 degrees toe, 0 degrees camber and I think 2.5 degrees positive caster
It drives nice in low wind situations but turns into a real handful when the wind comes up. I realize some is to be expected.
We are usually towing a jeep or boat.
I thank you for all the help you have given me in the past and on this matter as well
Bob Mahowald
75 Glenbrook
Jordan Minnesota
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| Re: [GMCnet] crosswind issues [message #173697 is a reply to message #173693] |
Sun, 17 June 2012 22:50  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Bob,
i don’t have your suspension upgrades or wheels, but I have driven in some rather strong cross winds going to Las Vegas. Although it took extra participation to drive I didn’t feel it was any worse than a 26’ box should experience. I have true-trackers on the rear bogies, and I feel that may have helped.
I’m a believer in the need for these things. If you don’t have them I think the new ones from Tom Pryor are the cat’s pajamas. He “outed” himself in his note of May 11th:
Hi folks< *I'm the guy* who developed the improvements for the True Trak.
Jim K & I collaborated on the project and I borrowed technology from Caterpillar and others who utilize Delrin / Acetal for the guidance devices on Bulldozer tracks.
The reasons for changing the system to the "STRAIGHT TRAK"
1. improved fit up, near-zero clearance between delrin pads and the thrust plate
2. no maintenance, "no greasing the bearing."
3. Torrington cam roller bearings are not sealed and will fail prematurely in the intended environment.
4. reduced offset to eliminate side bending the bearing shaft.
*Stay tuned,* I'll investigate a revised backing plate that could be made available to accommodate "STRAIGHT TRAK" and REACTION ARM.
Jim K has them for $230 for the mid-wheels or $430 for all 4 rear wheels and if my beloved PO hadn’t installed True-Trackers I’d put these on tomorrow.
Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA
On Jun 17, 2012, at 8:19 PM, Bob Mahowald wrote:
>
>
> Hey guy's,
> I am wondering if you guy's have any ideas on how to improve our coaches handling in a crosswind.
> Heres what I have done so far,
> -New BF Goodrich tires with pressure at 65 lbs.
> -Eagle aluminum rims
> -One ton front end
> -New steering gear
> -Ride height set and rechecked
> -String alignment done on rears
> -Bilstine shocks
> -0 degrees toe, 0 degrees camber and I think 2.5 degrees positive caster
>
> It drives nice in low wind situations but turns into a real handful when the wind comes up. I realize some is to be expected.
> We are usually towing a jeep or boat.
>
> I thank you for all the help you have given me in the past and on this matter as well
>
> Bob Mahowald
> 75 Glenbrook
> Jordan Minnesota
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: crosswind issues [message #173713 is a reply to message #173693] |
Mon, 18 June 2012 05:54 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Robert wrote on Sun, 17 June 2012 20:19 |
...
Heres what I have done so far,
-New BF Goodrich tires with pressure at 65 lbs.
-Eagle aluminum rims
-...
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Bob,
About the only thing that jumps out at me is the tire pressure. How much weight is each tire carrying? The pressure should be determined by the weight carried. Here is a chart that should give you an idea of what pressure you should be running:
<http://www.rvtirepressure.com/assets/images/extrapages/Michelin_Rv_Load_Inflation.pdf>
Looking at the chart and guessing the weight (~1900lbs), most likely you can lower the pressure in the rears 10 to 15psi or so. To about 50 to 55psi... depending on the highest weight carried on any of the rear wheels. At 65psi, your fronts might be a little high also but a pressure little high is more desirable that being a little low.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: crosswind issues [message #173752 is a reply to message #173693] |
Mon, 18 June 2012 11:16 |
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FWIW, I noticed a big improvement in stability from crosswinds and semi tractor wind fronts when I added the QuadraBag setup.
Bill Brown - '77 Buckeye Cruiser
Coshocton OH
carguybill@sbcglobal.net
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| Re: crosswind issues [message #173813 is a reply to message #173693] |
Mon, 18 June 2012 18:22 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I am also puzzled by the handling of my coach in windy conditions.
Recently, I got help to set the ride height on my coach.
It was 2 inches low on the right front. That may have
contributed to the instability. I have noticed that it's
more stable with the ride height set correctly. It now sits
with the backend lower than the front.
-Bill
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: crosswind issues [message #173828 is a reply to message #173693] |
Mon, 18 June 2012 19:54 |
winter
Messages: 247
Registered: September 2007
Location: MPLS MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I noticed a big improvement after I removed all the extra stuff from the top of the coach. I installed a low profile AC and took off the "wind sail" storage pod. The old AC was on its way out and I never used the storage pod anyway.
Jerrod Winter
1977 Palm Beach
Green Jelly Bean
Twin Cities, Minnesota
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| Re: [GMCnet] crosswind issues [message #173903 is a reply to message #173835] |
Tue, 19 June 2012 07:18 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Well, 40 gallons of water like mine holds will be 40x8.3 or so, someplace north of 300 pounds which will make the coach feel topheavy. Plus, that would give a pressure head of maybe foru and a half feet - your shower would be like being spit on by a reasonably competent ten year old kid. Of course, this is kinda academic to me, my roof has a storage pod which I use and a set of photocells in the empty space behind the A/C and antenna.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: mickey's space ship shuttle <mickeysss@me.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2012 9:45 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] crosswind issues
I agree with the low center of gravity, but if i put one on the roof as well, then i could empty the roof water when driving far and only use
the lower tank. when i get some where to stay a while and save energy from the battery and use the gravity h2o on top. You could put
motion detectors around the corners and attach water nozzles to it that if someone gets to close they get sprayed with water.
I have driven those bridges the rail is a foot away from you some times if i recall right.
On Jun 18, 2012, at 6:21 PM, Jim Galbavy wrote:
>
>
> Bob,
>
> In addition to what you have done. ....I would max my water tank, holding tank and fuel tanks. More weight with a low center of gravity. Works for me driving the bridges in the Florida Keys.
>
> jim galbavy
> '73 x-CL ANNIE
> Lake Mary, Fl
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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