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UltraTrac
There are 3 axis that come into play in handling.
- Up/Down
- Side to Side - yawl
- Roll - Sway
Now in simplistic terms:
- Item 1 is controlled by the shocks
- Item 2 is controlled by trac bars like UltraTrac
- Item 3 is controlled by sway bars
But, the following will have a big influence on what you need to add and how much is added.
- Coach wheelbase
- Suspension style - coil springs or leaf springs
- Coach weight
- Weight distribution
- Overhang - stretched chassis
- Tire size and pressure
- Roll center
One last thing that RV owners look at is steering wheel correction. A steering stabilizer provides some relief from the consistent steering wheel correction. You might consider:
- Safe-T-Plus - Available from Brazel's
- Steer Safe
- Blue Ox True Center
Do you need UltraTrac?
- Do you have to constantly correct the steering?
- Do they have a case of "tail wagging the dog"?
- Do you get pushed sideways when an 18-wheeler passes you?
If you answered yes to one or all of the above questions then your RV probably needs UltraTrac. But, before you add any suspension or steering upgrades be sure that you have checked your RV for:
- Put your coach on a diet. "If you don't use it - lose it".
- Proper tire pressure. You need to know the weight of all 4 corners and then check the tire manufacturer chart for the correct pressure. Be sure to be in "road trim" when you weigh your RV. That means a full tank of gas, some water, empty black/gray tanks, a driver, a co-pilot and so on.
- Have the front-end alignment checked after you have established the proper tire pressures. In some instances, you may have to add CASTER shims.
- What shocks do you have installed (Monroe's/Blistein's/Koni's)? Replacing worn-out shocks will make a big difference. I replaced my OEM Monroe's with Blistein's under warranty. They fixed the "porpoising" problem and made for a very firm ride. I have since replaced the fronts with Koni's.
How does UltarTrac work?
UltraTrac attaches the frame rails and either the front or rear axle together. This prevents the independent movement of each.
Which trac bar do I install?
UltraTrac Rear Trac Bar
Installing the rear trac bar first will fix 90+% of the "tail wagging the dog" problem and 18-wheeler push. It will also significantly improve the constant steering correction.
UltraTrac Front Trac Bar
The front trac bar does the same basic function the rear trac bar does. So, why would you need both? Depending on the length of the RV, and the weight distribution between the front and rear you still might get some front-end movement and therefore need some additional steering correction.
I installed both and it made a difference on my 37' RV. I also installed a steering stabilizer called Steer Safe. Brazel's offers Safe-T-Plus so why don't I have that installed. I had Steer Safe installed before I became a Brazel's dealer. With both trac bars installed and the steering stabilizer installed I have no real steering issues. No more white-knuckle driving, no more constant steering wheel corrections and no more 18-wheeler push. Driving has almost become boring.
Can I install it?
Yes, but you will need a good set of SAE & METRIC hand tools such as wrenches, 3/8" & 1/2" drive sockets, ratchets, extensions and breaker bars. You will need a torque wrench capable of at least 250t Lbs.
A second set of hands would be nice to have. I have a 1/2" high capacity (625 Ft Lbs) impact wrench that makes the job a whole lot easier and eliminates the need for a second pair of hands. I have done both front/rear trac bar installs with/without the aid of an impact wrench and the air tool route wins hands down.
There is a copy of the front and rear install instructions in the Downloads Section for your review.
Warranty
Both UltraTrac trac bars have a Limited Life-Time Warranty
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