Van Sway / Top Heavy

[mbachani]

I have an 03' Ford V10 Quigley recently purchased back in March with 27k miles on it. I've only had it out on extended trips 3 times but have been a bit unnerved each time at the amount of swaying that happens on the road. Usually going around curves. I drive 5 to 10 miles below the speed limit because the van does not feel safe at most posted speeds. Last weekend driving across the " Arizona Strip " which is a narrow 2 lane blacktop with the posted limit of 65, I kept it at 55 or below. I felt that if one tire would just barely go off the road the van would surely roll.
I do have 3 solar panels on the roof, BFG AT 285/75/R16's. 46 gal fuel tank.
I enjoy my SMB and consider myself a good driver and have owned camper vans in the past. I've spent considerable time driving 2wd SMB's and find driving this one a whole different ball game. I really have to be on my toes at all times. It's not what I would call a relaxing experience.

My question is, do the solar panels make it top heavy? Do I need stiffer / better shocks, is it because of the lift or is this just normal for 4wd SMB's?
Do others have the same experience?

Thanks,

Bob in Tucson

[jage]

Have you double checked your sway bar connections are attached in the front and all pins are in?

[mbachani]

Hello Jage,

I will now.

Thanks,

Bob in Tucson

[Marc]

My first experience driving my new SMB home from Fresno to San Diego was the same feeling. I couldn't believe how unstable it was. First thing was the tire pressure was way too low. PSI on those tires should be 50-55 psi. Second we added the rear sway bar. This thing has helped out the most and it's an easy do it yourself project. Before I put on the rear sway bar, my wife would not drive it. Huge improvement! A lot of people don't like them for serious off roading but the on road performance is dramatic.

Also, Deaver Springs will be here this week and will keep everyone posted.

Marc

[Steve_382]

That's interesting. My new Ford 2008 RB E-350 with the Quigley 4x4 feels solid as can be in turns, etc. I don't have the interior done yet, though I am having the PH top installed on Monday, June 2 at Huntington, Indiana. Guess I will see if it changes the driving after that. I didn't get the rear sway bar yet, Quigley said it wouldn't make much difference unless I was towing a very heavy trailer.

Steve

[mbachani]

Hey guys, thanks for the replys.

I'm not sure what you mean by "all pins are in". The 2 ends of the front sway bar go through brackets on top of the axle right below the springs but are just placed through that hole with no apparent anchoring on the rear side of that bracket. The Bar itself is anchored by another bracket mounted on the frame just either side of the bottom of the radiator.

I already have a rear sway bar so now what?

Perhaps I'm looking at the wrong thing?

Bob in Tucson

[jage]

Sorry, this should make it clearer...

[Greggd]

Start with tire pressure's , then Shock's and finally Springs . We found that the Shock's that came with all three of our families Quigley conversions all without Penthouse's were only good for 25 thousand miles . One of my Son's and my Daughter have gone to Coil Overs by Fox Racing Shocks and King Shocks in the front and heavier duty leaf springs in the rear , and my Daughter added a rear Anti Sway Bar from Hellwig . Good luck I know that you will be very pleased with your new SportsMobile .
Greggde

[oclv]

If you have adjustable shocks, check the setting. Mine have 9 positions of stiffness. I use 7 out of 9 for main road driving, and 2 on dirt. As mentioned, air pressure will have an affect. oclv

[mbachani]

Jage, Greggde, OCLV,

I'll check the pins when the sun comes up, I keep tire pressure around 55, and a friend of mine mentioned that the shocks are only good for 20 to 25K. Mine aren't adjustable.

Thanks for your help, you guys are great.

Bob in Tucson