If you drive a big rig, chances are you’re familiar with steering wheel feedback, rut tracking and sway from crosswinds or passing semis. Everything from large, Class A motorhomes to Class Cs and B vans can experience these issues, and while products like aftermarket antisway bars, trac bars, or suspension upgrades help, what you really need might be a steering stabilizer.
Kathy Doran, Executive Operations Manager at Safe-T-Plus, one of the leading steering stabilizer manufacturers on the market, says this remedy will help your RV feel less like it has a mind of its own. “You can go from driving two-handed, white knuckled, to having your cup of coffee in your hand and occasionally looking up at the pretty scenery you’re supposed to be enjoying,” Doran says.
A steering stabilizer is essentially an additional control system that combines a horizontal shock absorber and spring specifically for your steering. They typically have a vehicle-specific fit and are easy to install, and can work wonders at reducing wheel feedback, creating a firmer, more confident feel on the road. These three products are among the industry’s most popular.
Photo Credit: Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus
Safe-T-Plus was founded by a trucker in 1980 who developed a steering stabilizer for semi trucks experiencing accidents from front tire blow-outs. Now, they make stabilizers for Class A, B and C motorhomes, camper vans, tow rigs and more. Their stabilizers are vehicle-specific, and feature simple, bolt-on installation. These stabilizers are also known for their positive centering ability, which helps with oversteering by automatically guiding your rig’s steering wheel back to center after a turn. MSRP: $456
Photo Credit: Roadmaster
Roadmaster Reflex
Roadmaster makes steering stabilizers for everything from heavy Class A’s to Class B vans or Class C motorhomes. The Reflex series has a vehicle-specific fitment and is designed to correct oversteer, keep the steering wheel from jerking over bumps, and generally improve the feel of the vehicle. They attach to your rig’s steering mechanism on one end and chassis, and feature a heavy duty, tempered-steel spring that works to maintain its neutral position, returning your vehicle to center after unexpected events. $570
Photo Credit: Bilstein
Bilstein B6 Steering Damper
The term “steering damper” is often used interchangeably with “steering stabilizer,” and while they are similar products, a steering damper like Bilstein’s B6 acts more like a traditional shock absorber. Its primary function is to dampen the effects of bumps and rough roads, while also helping the vehicle return back to center and control steering. Some RVs already have steering dampers from the factory, and the B6 can be a direct replacement. If your rig doesn’t have one, Bilstein also sells bracket kits for specific vehicles. $169
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