Escapees July-August 2024

mark, my words

Your RV Questions By MARK NEMETH #45776, Escapees Technical Advisor Send your questions via e-mail to techquestions@escapees.com

Steering Stabilization

Q. As a returning RVer from 20 years ago, I have purchased an older Bounder gas 35E. I had a class C before, so driving on the highway is much di ff er ent. I have read up on trying to control the steering stabilization of a class A (Steering Stabilizer or anti-sway bars). The wind, the grooves in the road and the truck push seem to be an everyday way of life. Before I invest in a solution, do these products really help the class A motorhome be controlled on the highway? Bob A. Steering stabilizers do help, but no combination of anti-sway bars or stabilizers will completely eliminate that push from wind or passing trucks. The stabilizers are designed to reduce the effect to a comfortable level. If you are currently having to white-knuckle it, I suspect that adding stabilizer hardware will help. However, if the sway or wander is not signi fi cant, or if you feel reasonably comfortable driving the rig, and just want it to handle more like a car, the limited improvement you’ll get from adding a stabilizer may not be worth the cost. Tires can also have a big effect on the way the rig handles. You might want to try experimenting a little with tire in fl ation pressures. Sometimes that will help reduce sway or wander. Also, have the steering gear and suspension checked. One loose component or an alignment problem can make a huge difference in the way a rig handles.

Travel Trailer Holding Tank

Q. My parents have moved into their travel trailer full time for their retirement. They sit long periods of time in one place. Will the chemicals work in their holding tank when they don’t get any mixing from the trailers movement? Is there one type of chemical that will work better under these circumstances? RA A. In my opinion, the biological treatments are the best choices. These are bacterial or enzyme in nature, and are very effective at liquefying waste, which is even more important when you RV stops moving for a while. Here are a few brands to consider: Happy Camper, Camco TST, RV Digest-it or any RV tank treatment that doesn’t contain formalde hyde or anything else ending in “hyde.” It will also be a big help if your parents get used to using more water each time they fl ush (they aren’t dry camping, after all) and wait until the black tank is close to full before emptying it. That will help give the treatment more time to work and should keep things fl owing smoothly. Choosing a toilet tissue that breaks down fully will also help. If in doubt, always do the jar test: take a sheet or 2 of your TP, put it in a jar 1/2 full of water and give it a shake. Safe TP will dissolve readily; bad stuff won’t and it shouldn’t be used in an RV.

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ESCAPEES Magazine July/August 2024