Motorhome stability

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Motorhome stability

Poppy sore eye · Senior Member

Hi all, have been ill for a little while but back now to make a pain of myself again.

i have been told that motor homes are VERY unstable, subject to road conditions and wind. Both while driving and when parked up.

is this really an issue?

if so how do you manage it,

pit was even said that on a windy night you maybe get seasick!

please set my mind at ease.

thanks Poppy.

bill12 · Guru

Some are , some are quite stable. My courier/ slide on combo is good, but doesn,t like side winds.You get used to it.The higher is is, the more the windage makes a difference. I also have heavier springs on the back. Have a drive before committing. Bill

Sheba · Guru

Wouldn't your unit react differently to a full Motorhome though Bill ? My sister has a Sunliner, and as far as I know, she doesn't have any problems like that.

The only time I ever feel anything in the Pop-top Hi-ace, is when on the road, and a big truck passes me.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Mike C · Senior Member

Hi Poppy

I did find driving in extreme wind can be a problem but less of an issue than towing a large caravan. (I have experienced both)
When parked up we have hydraulic levelers that drop down and level the truck. Once they are down absolutely no movement is felt inside.

cheers

Mike

Cruising Granny · Guru

I find the suspension much softer than the Landcruiser, but very comfortable generally. Parked up one very windy night there was some movement, but the sign was up on the roof and grabbed a bit of wind on its way past the Sprinter.
Mine has duals 15 inch on the rear and singles on the steer of course. It doesn't have stabiliser legs, but the movement doesn't really bother me. I wouldn't get sea sick though.
Driving and parking to conditions is vital. If you're free camping make sure you're on solid ground.
I don't use wedges or any sort of levelling device. I try and park somewhere level and go with the flow.

milo · Guru

do feel the wind if really bad weather is around when parked at cp?

bill12 · Guru

I have had campervans such as the hiace but not a hightop. The slide on is a bit more wind affected as its 2.7m tall, but I can putup with it. It Definitely helps if the wind is behind you. Like its been said, drive to the conditions. Bill

Helena · Guru

We got a campervan with the canvas at the top so if it is windy at night when parked you can pull the top down if you feel any movement.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Was extremely windy last night at Burra, where we are camped in the showgrounds. We parked facing into the wind, but could still feel the rocking and rolling, lulled me off to sleep though, as I knew we would be safe! No more unstable than a full caravan in the wind, on the road you can feel it of course, but drive to the conditions and you will be fine.

A guy passed us towing a van the other day, very windy, and his van was swaying all over the place - maybe driving a bit too fast, for the conditions.

gypsy rover · Senior Member

My motorhome used to rock and roll something shocking on even slightly undulating roads. Replaced all shockies and added an extra leaf to the springs and now I experience very little rocking. Strong gusty winds can cause problems, but they affect even smaller vehicles. Upgrading the suspension would appear to minimize the rockin' and rollin' action of uneven roads and windy days.

Cheers!

Chris

GaryKelly · Guru

I have a slide-on like Bill 12's and so far I've noticed less of a problem with side winds and overall stability than I had with my Kombi pop top. In any case, as Bill says, you get used to it and drive accordingly. In seriously windy conditions either slow down or don't drive at all. If you're stationary and camped in a high wind, sing "rock a bye baby in the tree top..."

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Gary, even better if you are stationary in high wind is to turn your vehicle into the wind. Much less resistance in the front.

allinone · Senior Member

Was in Sale Victoriad the winds were 95km/hr sleeping that night was a bit rocky, at least is was not raining. Once before at Kiama winds were 75km/hr and the storm was horrendous. Not much sleep, kept checking the weather all night and eventually left the storm battered coast around 530am when it finally got light. Needless to say by 0800am the wind was dropping and the blowhole was blowing over the carpark.
So yes they do move, but at least they are heavy and usually stay on the road :)

pawsoz · Senior Member

My house on wheels is a sun liner mirage, with a bed over cab, does wiggle a bit in strong winds when parked up,not enough to keep me awake tho. Strong side winds are a problem for anything with large flat sides I should imagine! If it gets too windy just find a good spot to park, get the kettle on and make a Cuppa! Stability whilst driving is not the best in this little beast, the wheels at rear are two far in under vehicle, did not really notice until I did 4months touring wonderful Tassie. Annie