American Clipper Handling

[Mac]

Hey all, I'm new to this forum. I'm down here in San Diego with a 1978 rig I got 6 or 7 months ago that was in fair shape.

I use it every 2 weeks but the one thing I can't deal is the way it handles. In other words: I can't drive this thing with one hand on the wheel or observe look at anything around me other than the road in front of me, even checking the mirrors throw me off course. I keep he at 55 pissing off the world behind me and it seems she is best manuevered at that speed.

I have the air bags inflated to 45 psi, shocks all seem to be good, power steering is just so sensitive it seems, I mean it's really good.

Just wondering if it maybe just that she is top heavy, it's a 21" bunkhouse, or she is just old & worn or just the way things were back in 1978.

Luckily for me I only use her locally in the mountains.

Thanks!

[pop427]

Find someone that knows front end alignment. I mean a real mechanic not some technician. You can look yourself at the idler arm and all the tie rods and drag links. Most people complain the steering is too loose not too sensitive. On flat level ground does it go straight? Is the steering wheel centered?

[John Eversoll]

Hey there  POP

You  have another Clipper down your way!!!!

Ex Navy, But we wont hold that aginst him he cool people!!

His name is Jim" hook up with him.. he is in your area

John Out

[JerryT]

I agree with Pop. When I got my 78 it drove like what you describe except that the sensitivity was from a worn steering box, when I corrected the wheel it seemed like it was always too much and I would start going in the other direction. After I had the steering box rebuilt and replaced the upper ball ball joints (they thread in) for good measure (a little wear) it was a joy to drive. I now have a worn drag link and it is starting to be a chore to drive. The other thing that I noticed driving my old Dodges is that you SAIL them with the steering wheel where as a modern car with rack and pinion steering you POINT them with the steering wheel. Sometimes after a long trip in an old Dodge I"ll jump into a modern car and start SAILING it down the road until my wife stops me because she is starting to get sea sick Too much toe out will cause a rig to not want to go straight also. You can check for worn parts in the driveway for free, if you find no worn parts do like Pops said and get a F.E.A..
JerryT  

[jon]

I love getting in an old car again. You can steer with one finger if you want. I had a 77 Chrysler Newport in high school and the clipper drives just like that. It sails! Mine wanders a bit too tho. Everything seems tight but im shure the steering box is loose. It leaks a little fluid too.

[caninecaravan]

My problem was it needed a front end alignment and new shocks. That took care of most of the problem. Also my guy told me to take the air bags to 65 pounds and that made a difference as well in the handling and the ride. Hope that helps.

[John Eversoll]

Just to let you know, if"  you park the rig straight as an arrow!!!!

you can rebuild the front end on a Saturday!!!   Very easy"!!!

Plus you will save your self $1,800 bucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mac]

Thanks for all that info, I'm going to local moutains in the morning since business is slow. I'll pump up them airbags first & see if that helps a little. Once I get back I guess I'll take a stab at trying to rebuild the fron end myself. I'm a retired Navy Boatswainsmate, I'm not really supposed to get mechanical.

Thanks again!
Gary MacKay
San Diego, Ca.

[JerryT]

Mac
Have a great trip, take some pics for us trapped back at home.

JerryT

[John Eversoll]

Boats!!!!  I am a radio operator former CG  "Puddle Pirate"

Yea the front end is real simple.. Even a Boats can handle that....LOL

No, really it is real simple, just make sure you Park that trhing straight..  Have fun in the snow!!   John

[pop427]

Sounds like an old sailors reunion as I was a USN Signalman. I just got back from a 2 and a half month vacation so I'm backed up in the shop with engine work. I'm supposed to be retired but the work just keeps coming in. My wife says it is a good thing I'm not a female because I would be pregnant my entire life because I don't know how to say NO.

Mac, Look at all the joints on the front end. If you feel anything that you can move with your hands or even a pry bar it should be changed. Look at the control arm bushings to make sure they are not worn out. Have someone show you how to take the tapered tie rod ends off if you don't know how. You do not try and drive them out by hitting on the end of the taper. If you have a pickle fork, use it. Otherwise you hit the side of the tapered hole hard with a large hammer.

Good luck,   

[Horst]

this is an obvious one - but just in case - be sure your tire pressure is up enough - low tires cause "mushy" handling poor tracking - dangerous too.
If your front coil springs and front shocks are weak - that will also cause crap handling.

BUT - even if you get everything fixed to spec - the Clipper ain't no Subaru - never will be.
Drive 55mph, enjoy the view, relax, save money, feel safer.

[Mac]

  I just got back and can't tell you how much I appreciate all the info! before I rolled out of town I checked my air bags and my port side bag was empty. Filled them puppies to 65 psi as was recommended & I have to say that she handled like a new machine! Thanks!

I rounded those 15-30 mph winding mountain turns like a new man. This time I didn't get anyone passing me up flipping the bird.

But......... the winds were blowing and now I know what some of you meant by sailing. I guess I naturally sailed her & when I hit a hill that stopped the wind I knew what was happening. The ocassional Monaco bus RV & casino buses that passed me up were wake up calls but it handled 100% better. I crawled up underneath while camped out & everything is tight on the front end. Goint to keep an eye on the possible air bag leak, get new tires because these are in new shape but 8 years old and get new shocks all around.

I'm checking out the search function for other small issues but all in all the American Clipper Experience is enjoyable. My accountant felt sorry for me while we were camped out in our rig over Thanksgiving & he ran into me in his 2006 something 35 ft Monaco slide out and queen size bed. He felt so bad he led me to an investment opportunity that would make me a few million and I could leave my carpet cleaning business and white trash rv behind. No offence but camping to me is all about breaking out the coleman stove if you can't start up a fire and watering trees. We hung out with them in their big rig and had a 5 course meal, watched direct tv on a leather couch and were warmed by electric heat. We could do all that home! As far as working goes, I'd have it no other way as long as I'm able. I still made the investment - LOL!

Thanks again! I'm sure I'll tap you for more info & tips.

[John Eversoll]

Hi there, Yes, Anyone can go in debt and buy a home on wheels with the leather couch..   But, it shows a real Camper to hook up

An AMERICAN CLIPPER!!!   What I really get a chuckle is when
"These guys with their 35 and 50 ft Rigs pull into a stall
and BREAK out their RUBBER GLOVES" like they are going to give a rectal exam to an Elephant"   
GET REAL!! Standing there in their Blue jump suit and rubber gloves.... What made me fall off my chair was hen the "Blond wife handed him his -------Safety Glassesssssssssssss.....OOh god "please stop hehhehehhehebhehbeheghehgehehehehehehehheh by now I am on the ground and holding my ribs...I have lost the fire on my cigar
and my Old Milwaukee is draining on the ground....My wife runs too my aid thinking I have just had a heart attack.... It was at that time I pointed out the man in the "Blue dress coveralls with the rubber gloves.....This guy must have had the right intentions
of getting a rig and I take my hat off to him.. But he should have
started off with a smaller rig .  After an hour of not figuring out how to dump the tank.  I wandered over and talked to him.
Pointed out the hand valves to him and watched the discusted look
on his wife's face when the power started flowing.
You had to be there. I think she was going to take a plane after that experience..  She even wiped the bottom of the dogs feet before it could come inside the rig....LOL

[jon]

I hear ya John, A couple years ago I followed a big 5th wheel camper into the park. There were only 2 spots left. ( I know that cause I sent someone a head to save one.)  It turned out to be an older couple. Late 60s early 70s I suppose. Anyway, I shit you not it took this guy 15 to 20 minutes to get it backed into his spot which was right next to the one I had "saved". His wife and I tried to help but he didn't want it. Hes one of those guys that think they know everything. He was getting mad. His wife was really mad and all I wanted to do was park and crack a bud light after a hard day on the farm so I was frustrated too.

I pull a little s-10 pickup box trailer for wood kids bikes ect. Its so narrow I cant see that thing in my mirrors or out he back window, but I backed in my spot perfect the first time. Honestly it usually takes 3 or 4 shots to do it but for some reason I nailed it the first time. His wife yelled over to us "How did you do that?" I just smiled and said "My daddy told me if you cant drive backwards you aint got no business driving forward."

The next morning they were gone. I don't know if they were just passing through or if he was still mad he got showed up by some kid wearing cut off wranglers and cowboy hat and boots.

Just for the record I have never since then been able to back in that spot on one try again. Last labor day I think it took 5 times before I got it straight. I need to put a flag on that trailer or something so I can see it. any suggestions?