motor home safety

davebw31 · 04-01-2016, 12:14 AM

I have been racing since 1962. I retired after 36 years with the State Of Florida as a School Bus Fleet manger. My last seven years I managed the four largest School Bus Fleet in the national. I have been using a Class A motor home towing my 1994 Pace American since 1994. I have had both diesel (2) and gas (2). I sold my 1998 38' diesel Holiday Rambler class A in 2003 when diesel fuel went thru the roof. I bought my current RV, a 2004 National RV Dolphin 36' with the 8.1 chevy fuel injected engine and Allison trans., and 22.5 Michelins. I have towed over 300,000 miles and never blew a front tire, however I have destroyed many, many rears. Here is what I have done in "preventive maintenance and added systems":

I always buy USA tires. Prefer Michelins.
I always run my tires at max rated cold air pressure (dual or single) So screw the ride with lower air pressure. Heat is the death of a tire plus UV rays.
Since my RV and trailer are parked outside I always cover my tires when parked.
I have a Tire Monitoring System, both temp. and air press.
At 3 yrs I buy new fronts, then I rotate my used front tires to the rear, and I usually get another 4 + years of service life. At this time I have my toe checked and set at zero toe with front end on the ground.
I have installed a "Steer Safe System". They do work. I have never lost a steer tire, but I know several racers/RV'ers who have and their coach was badly damaged because they lost control. Also hard braking is a no-no, it just makes it worse.
I have taken a Class A CD driving course and have had a Class A license since 1985 and in 2000 I took a CDL Safety Course.
Most 22.5 tires have a speed rating of only 70 mph. I drive 65 mph, except going down hill getting ready to go up a hill I speed up to 70 mph.

Can it happen to me like it happened to Jeff! Well yes, however I think I have the odds in my favor of it not happening.

Jeff, I know of you and I am very glad you survived. It was not your time to go! Please Jeff install a Steer Safe System. They are not cheap, but next time it may keep you from another catastrophic accident, injury, or your life. Get well soon!

04-01-2016, 12:14 AM	#14
davebw31 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 21 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: motor home safety I have been racing since 1962. I retired after 36 years with the State Of Florida as a School Bus Fleet manger. My last seven years I managed the four largest School Bus Fleet in the national. I have been using a Class A motor home towing my 1994 Pace American since 1994. I have had both diesel (2) and gas (2). I sold my 1998 38' diesel Holiday Rambler class A in 2003 when diesel fuel went thru the roof. I bought my current RV, a 2004 National RV Dolphin 36' with the 8.1 chevy fuel injected engine and Allison trans., and 22.5 Michelins. I have towed over 300,000 miles and never blew a front tire, however I have destroyed many, many rears. Here is what I have done in "preventive maintenance and added systems": I always buy USA tires. Prefer Michelins. I always run my tires at max rated cold air pressure (dual or single) So screw the ride with lower air pressure. Heat is the death of a tire plus UV rays. Since my RV and trailer are parked outside I always cover my tires when parked. I have a Tire Monitoring System, both temp. and air press. At 3 yrs I buy new fronts, then I rotate my used front tires to the rear, and I usually get another 4 + years of service life. At this time I have my toe checked and set at zero toe with front end on the ground. I have installed a "Steer Safe System". They do work. I have never lost a steer tire, but I know several racers/RV'ers who have and their coach was badly damaged because they lost control. Also hard braking is a no-no, it just makes it worse. I have taken a Class A CD driving course and have had a Class A license since 1985 and in 2000 I took a CDL Safety Course. Most 22.5 tires have a speed rating of only 70 mph. I drive 65 mph, except going down hill getting ready to go up a hill I speed up to 70 mph. Can it happen to me like it happened to Jeff! Well yes, however I think I have the odds in my favor of it not happening. Jeff, I know of you and I am very glad you survived. It was not your time to go! Please Jeff install a Steer Safe System. They are not cheap, but next time it may keep you from another catastrophic accident, injury, or your life. Get well soon!