Our 1994 Barth Breakaway XL has a hydraulic steering augmentation system, but we have no documentation. The red lights are lit on the controller, but doesn't appear to be functional.
Does anyone have any information or documentation on how this system is supposed to operate? Wondering if should just go ahead and replace with new Saf-T steer.
Thanks in advance,
Rich Farr - Tulsa

Rick, do you know the manufacturer of the system on your Breakaway? Henderson's sells something called 'Safe T Plus' which looks like a big shock absorber. Steer Safe sells a product that clamps to the axle. And then Blue Ox Tru Center is another one. Would be a good discussion to look at the merits of these systems.

Dear Jim & Tere,
Have not found the name of the manufacturer, but will do a more diligent search using mirror to check out the back side of the controller & see if can find a mfg name. Looks like a great system if could get it to work. I am familiar with Safe T plus and Steer Safe. Also planning to replace front 9Rx22.5 tires with either 265x75x22.5 or 275x70x22.5. Our 9R are 8 years old and barely 6" wide. The new tires are 10"+ and should help some as well. Coach drives and rides really well, but have had some serious crosswinds this spring.
All feedback appreciated.
Rich & Penny Farr - Tulsa

I just had Safe T Plus along with Koni shocks all around installed at Henderson,s in Grants Pass Oregon last week and finished a 200 mile trip today and am pleased with the results.

Found the name of the steering trim system on our 1994 Breakaway XL.
It is a HOWARD Center Steer System.
Looks like it is all hooked up and connected. Any/All info appreciated.
Rich & Penny Farr - Tulsa

We have a safe t plus unit on our Breakaway-- was installed by original owner. Seems to work fine-- but have never taken it off to see the difference.

Bud

The Howard Steering system was designed by a Leer Jet engineer who is now deceased. The same person worked on the control surfaces control for Leer Jets and used his knowledge to develop a system that would correct for crosswinds. The system was inop when I bought the coach and was inop when the owner prior to me had it. This link will give you some info about it.
Tom Taylor

http://janeandjohn.org/pages/Howard_PCS.html

That's a very interesting link, Tom. I had a Steer Safe product on the Breakaway when I bought it. When the alignment was done, the shop removed the Steer Safe, saying that alignment couldn't be done with it on. I've never put it back on but will probably do so this Spring. Some people don't like that system, saying that it puts constant pressure on the steering box, causing premature wear. I know Rusty has one on his Breakaway and maybe he can chime in here. IMHO, any of the smaller, lightweight motor homes will be interesting to drive in a cross wind. Afterall, it's like a sail and if your Barth only weighs 14000#, it's going to move around. Hopefully we can have move comments on this subject.

I have the passive Steer-Safe. Its purpose is to prevent sudden changes in the wheel angle such as that caused by a pothole or blown tire.

My 28' tracks solidly, and is docile in crosswinds.

Rusty, is the 'Passive' system different than their regular one?

Rich's system appear to be active, meaning that it reacts to situations. My system is a shock absorber-based unit.

Rusty, mine is made be Steer Safe, a company in Demming NM, and is based on preset tension of 400# on each front wheel through a system of springs that are attached to the front axle. It sounds like you have a Saf-T-Steer system which I've seen in Henderson's Lineup. As I recall, it's attached to the tie rod on one side. I wonder what the merits of each might be?
Jim