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Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Yahoo Message Number: 4635
Does anyone have this product installed yet? If so how do you like it? John D 02 Royale

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4636
Actually we purchased one at the Pomona rally. They will ship soon (this week or first of next week) and we hope to have it installed by next Friday. We will keep you all posted. Dale #6129 Affinity

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4642
I was told at a seminar that CC did not recommend these devices on their IFS. Has anyone else heard this?? jerry in NM, '00 Magna.

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4643
I would guess CC is covering their a**, On CC and othe IFS units steering stabilizers may be installed on Drag Link, little more complicated then installing on I-Beam and tie rod.
John D. 02 Royale

Quote from: gerald

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4647
Why do you need/want one? I had a "Safety-T" put on my 1999 Holiday Rambler/Monaco lemon because I couldn't hold it on the road without it. I have dropped my 2000 Allure off the 6"+ high edge of narrow blacktop roads and easily and smoothly pulled the coach back on. The steering control built into CC is far superior to most other coaches. I had to have one on my Monaco product, but think it is a complete waste of money on my CC.

Gene

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4650
Tell the truth here. You designed this product, and sold it, You get bucks for every unit sold. You spam every RV newsgroup at least one time a month to pump up sales. You admit none of this with these repeat posts.

And you say CC is covering it's ass by not recommending the product you designed and get a commission off of? INCREDIBLE!! You drive a 02 royale off the backs of those you spam, hiding your financial interests, then attack a manufacturer who does not recommend your unneeded product? Go away and do not come back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote from: john d\.
I would guess CC is covering their a**, On CC and othe IFS units > steering stabilizers may be installed on Drag Link, little more > complicated then installing on I-Beam and tie rod.
John D. 02 Royale

[quote author=gerald"

> I was told at a seminar that CC did not recommend these devices

on

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4652
You are right i get something from TruCenter sales, but i don't work for Blue Ox and Blue Ox may never tell me what users think, this is not about sales it is about the product, as the inventor i want and respect users opinions, i would like to know if buyers are happy with what they are getting, do they find something negative, could I answer a question for someone about the install. I was not part of the final design of this product and as such i did not have the call on many of the details, i am just trying to find out how users like it as built. As fo CC covering their A**I see how you might have thought I was saying something against CC, not intended, I just don't think any manfacture is going to tell anyone to bolt something onto the drag link of a IFS, however Safety-plus has been doing it for years and Howard does it, but i am sure CC will not tell you to do it. They might not care, but thats not the same as advising you to install. CC is a fine coach and i would never say it needs steering control, but many owners of all types of coaches will see value in these types of devices. Even in the best driving coach centering type stablizers will enhance the RVing experience, that includes Safety- Plus Howard and Blue Ox. I will not tell you or advise you what brand to choose if you want one, If you ask I will explain how the unit I have designed differs, but I will not knock any other product and I will not suggest you favor the Blue Ox product. My purpose is solely to learn how those who are purchasing the TruCenter product find it.
I am sorry you feel the way you do, but again this is not sales.
There is nothing sneaky going on here. My post is no different then others I have seen where some have asked how do users like Safety- Plus? Someone has asked this in the past, it is a simple question if anyone has had a Blue Ox unit installed how do they like it? That is all this is about.
Thanks again

John D. 02 Royale

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4653
Dear John D,

I don't know you except for what I have read. I find you to be a helpful person. I have no problem with you inventing something and then seeing if people are using it. I don't understand why people get so mad. If I invented something and took it all the way to production and then some company distributed it I would want to know if people enjoyed it. I don't know what kind of deal you made with Blue Ox and frankly don't want to know. As for my motorhome I have a 32 ft '03Allure that wanders like crazy. The guys on this board told me to get the ride height adjusted so I did that. I have also had the tire pressure lowered based on the weight, so when John said he had this product that might help me, well I am interested because so far CCI has not. It's not their fault, it's just the way it is, I care a lot more about having an easy to drive MH that I invested tons of money than hurting CCI's feelings, and I don't want to hurt John's who I believe is just trying to help MHer's like me. So thanks for your help and advice, I haven't bought a steering device helper, but when I do I will take your advice into consideration.
Thanks for your help,
Joe and Patti Frazier

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4654
Those of us who have "lurked" long enough have seen John's earlier posts where he mentioned that he was the inventor. I think the critique this time was based on the post not mentioning this fact. I would agree it's reasonable to solicit opinions - not only to perhaps help folks who buy the product, but also to gather information that might help in improving the product. The simple way to shortstop such criticism is to note that you're the inventor when soliciting opinions and/or offering assistance.

Gary

Quote from: Joe and Patti Frazier,\[br\
III"] > Dear John D,

I don't know you except for what I have read. I find you to be a
helpful person. I have no problem with you inventing something and then seeing if people are using it. I don't understand why people get so mad. If I invented something and took it all the way to production and then some company distributed it I would want to know if people enjoyed it. I don't know what kind of deal you made with Blue Ox and frankly don't want to know. As for my motorhome I have a 32 ft '03Allure that wanders like crazy. The guys on this board told me to get the ride height adjusted so I did that. I have also had the tire pressure lowered based on the weight, so when John said he had this product that might help me, well I am interested because so far CCI has not. It's not their fault, it's just the way it is, I care a lot more about having an easy to drive MH that I invested tons of money than hurting CCI's feelings, and I don't want to hurt John's who I believe is just trying to help MHer's like me. So thanks for your help and advice, I haven't bought a steering device helper, but when I do I will take your advice into consideration.

Quote
Thanks for your help,
Joe and Patti Frazier

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4657
I had handling problems with my 40' 2000 Intrigue and considered a steering stabilizer system. I talked to Howard an they kept putting me off as they did not have one. The firm that makes the big shock absorber (sold at CW) for solid axles kept promising that they would have one of their unit avaiable too. I finally gave up for two reasons:
1) I became convinced that having a mechanisim on the steering system that retarded it, might be a safety hazard if a quick maueuver was called for, and the way I drive that might be dangerous (I want to retain a much control and response that I can). I drive the speed limit (+ 2-3), if it is 75, I drive 75 (Nevada, Arizona)
2) The clincher was that CC convinced me that the stock IFS did not
need the system if it were performing properly. I was about to give up when Damon gave me a pep talk and I dove into the problem again. I finally got it to track by replacing a bent tie rod end, tightening the front shocks to the maximum setting (this is KEY in my opinion), experiminting with the ride height with the help of the chassis guys at CC (if your coach is riding high in the front -- you have big problems). The front need to be as low in relationship to the rear end as possible, even raked forward), I finally I found a truck alignment shop that completely changed the settings done by the highly recommeded alignment shop in Eugene that did it the first time, AND LAST BUT CETAINLY NOT LEAST I DISCOVERED TIRE PRESSURE SETTINGS THAT WERE COMPATIBLE WITH THE RIDE HEIGHT.

The inter-relationship between the air pressure, ride height, and shock setting (along with proper alignemt settings), are tricky at best and frustrating until you "break the code". Remember, high in the front is BAD!!!!

I have the alignemet, ride height and the air pressure settings if you want them, but they will do only so much good if the shocks are not cranked down. The front ends on our "big babies" are really heavy and need the additonal control. My ride is somewhat firm (not bumpy or too cushy), and the steering and tracking are quite good.

Chuck Gauthier

2000 40' Cook's Delight Intrigue 11142 La Quinta

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4662
Dave,

As you rightly pointed out I have a 2000 40" Intrigue with single axle and large tires, and DUH!!!!, I was over working on the rig (I have the problem where the slide is creeping out in storage) and realized that the final step that I took was to install a pair of Michelin XZ2 12R 22.5 "steering" tires on the front.

The shoulder of the tire is quite different than the TOYO, and I beleive that the ribbed edge of the TOYO contributes to the "grippiness" of the side of tire which causes wander. I always suspected as much and the new tires were the final piece of the puzzle. I got a fairly good deal on them at Les Schwab in JC.

The Class Reunion is somewhat up in the air. Some of you might remember that I sold my house over the phone while we were at Indy last year, so we never got to Prince Edward Island. We are commited to being in the Gig Harbor, WN are in the second week of August for a 50th wedding celebration of my Aunt and Uncle. If we go to PEI, we will come back here to the desert rather than back up there (I think???). c

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4759
Hi all,

It's been a long time since I have visited the forum. We just purchased one of the Blue Ox True Centers and I installed it myself on our 91 Affinity. Not a hard install, but you need a mechanical background, with a little electrical to do. Purchased it after talking to a Beaver owner that had one installed in Eugene, OR.. He said he really was pleased with it and it had made a big differance in the handling of his coach.

I have used Saftey Plus units on most of my previous coaches and really liked the way they worked. The blue ox, in my opinion, is basically a Saftey Plus with an electronic centering device. It gives you the ability to recenter the unit under differant conditions, wind, road ruts, ect.

I have taken the coach out on a couple of short trips since the install and it defenitly maked the coach track straighter and handle the roads better. The real test will be a long trip, but at this point I think I will have no complaints. The electronic centering servo works well and the unit feels similiar to the Saftey Plus units I have used previously.

Paul & Elizebeth
91 Affinity

Quote from: john d\.
Does anyone have this product installed yet? If so how do you like

it?

Re: Blue Ox TruCenter Steering Control

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 4760
Paul,

I am the inventor of the Trucenter device and I agree Safty Plus and TruCenter should feel alot alike. The spring (gas spring TruCenter Coil spring Safet-Plus) used for centering are of similar pressure.
True Center is built with zero back-lash (no play at center) I could not say if Safety_plus has any play at center. Play in the device will require additional small adjustments to steer a true course. I think TruCenter might ramp higher then Safety-Plus when it is compressed, TruCenter going to over 400 pounds a full lock on some coaches. Again I do not have real numbers on the Safety-Plus unit when compressed. To the driver i would think they might feel about the same. All trim on the fly stabilizers give the user additional control by allowing him to pick the ideal center point, where as fixed units are set by the installer. In my origional testing I found it very difficult to get the center in the ideal location, since as little as 1/16 of 1" error would cause a slight pull. I found the Trim on the fly addition made the istall a no-brainer and gave the option to adjust the center any time I felt the need. If possible after you have given the device a good test i would enjoy hearing your comments.
John D. 02 Royale

Quote from: elz_paul

Hi all,

It's been a long time since I have visited the forum. We > just purchased one of the Blue Ox True Centers and I installed it > myself on our 91 Affinity. Not a hard install, but you need a > mechanical background, with a little electrical to do. Purchased > it after talking to a Beaver owner that had one installed in

Eugene,

Quote
OR.. He said he really was pleased with it and it had made a big > differance in the handling of his coach.
> I have used Saftey Plus units on most of my previous coaches and > really liked the way they worked. The blue ox, in my opinion, is > basically a Saftey Plus with an electronic centering device. It > gives you the ability to recenter the unit under differant > conditions, wind, road ruts, ect.

I have taken the coach out on a couple of short trips since the > install and it defenitly maked the coach track straighter and

handle

Quote
the roads better. The real test will be a long trip, but at this > point I think I will have no complaints. The electronic centering > servo works well and the unit feels similiar to the Saftey Plus

units

Quote
I have used previously.

Paul & Elizebeth
91 Affinity

[quote author=john d."

> Does anyone have this product installed yet? If so how do you

like