Comments on: Comfort Drive, A Steering Innovation

By: Lug_Nut

Lug_Nut — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:56:51 +0000

Tom, I agree that they are similar, but both the automatic centering and the effortless handling add great value. The auto-centering, so it can be always employed and the power may be a great aid in the event of a blowout. Thanks for your input.

By: Tom Lang

Tom Lang — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:12:48 +0000

I think the TruCenter steering stabilizer from Blue Ox offers many of the same benefits as Comfort Drive. Main difference is that it doesn’t reduce the steering effort and the self-centering is pushbutton controlled instead of automatic.

By: newmar motor homes

newmar motor homes — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:18:33 +0000

[...] steering systems and electronic steering aids, TRW. The name Comfort Drive is what it is termehttp://blog.rv.net/2008/04/20/comfort-drive-a-steering-innovation/Newmar RVs for sale motor homes, fifth wheels and toy haulers in Fort …Newmar RVs. Motorhomes, [...]

By: John

John — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:14:14 +0000

I am in the process of researching my next motorhome and came across the “comfort drive” offered in Newmar coaches. Newmar mailed a DVD to me that goes into a very good overview of this latest creature comfort product. I can see the advantage of having this system on my next coach as a retired professional driver recalling the many corrective steering maneuvers I’ve had to use over the years. My arms and shoulders are not the muscle mass they used to be but I can live with that knowing that this steering assist system will make driving more of a pleasure.

Lug_Nut,
it is apparent how relaxed and effortless steering is in the photos you’ve included in this article. You appear to be very relaxed and are not white-knuckling the wheel with trucks on both sides. We know how turbulent the air can get in this situation. I will be test driving some coaches this summer and will make a point of driving a Newmar coach and experience first hand this innovative technology. It’s another step toward safer motor vehicles.

Ray,
If you’re interested in the DVD, I suggest getting in touch with Newmar and ask for their promotional Comfort Drive DVD.

By: Lug_Nut

Lug_Nut — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:38:02 +0000

I’m not fully familiar with the Safety Plus system. Perhaps you could post a request on rv.net for comments.

By: Ray Palandri

Ray Palandri — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:07:30 +0000

Hey Lug_Nut,

FYI. I just got off the phone with the local Camping World and they tell me that River City Products maker of the Howard Power Center Steering is out of business. I just now talked to a gentleman who is taking their calls and he confirms that the company is for sale and they are no longer, at this time, supplying systems. Bummer!

I also finally did hear from TRW and they currently have no plans to offer it as an after market add on. He does say, however, that things could change and he woul let me know.

In the meantime, what have you heard about the Safety Plus system?

Ray

By: Ray Palandri

Ray Palandri — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:28:42 +0000

Thanks Lug_Nut,

I’ll try TRW again and look into the Howard Steering System also.

Thanks,

Ray

By: Lug_Nut

Lug_Nut — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:01:02 +0000

Ray, I’ve heard good reports on the Howard steering systems which are an after market add-on. Also, I wouldn’t give up yet as far as seeing if the ColumnDrive (TRW’s name for the Comfort Drive) is going to be offered as an aftermarket in the future.

By: Ray Palandri

Ray Palandri — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:03:51 +0000

Lug_Nut,

Are there any after market add-ons that will come close to the Comfort Drive in performance. (as you can see, I’m disappointed that CD won’t be available after market) Having just returned from a 500 mile and very windy day of driving, I would certainly welcome something that would aid in the constant job of correcting that one has to do when driving one of these big rigs.

It’s the tension of having to constantly correct that really leaves me tired at the end of the day. I like driving and can, and have driven a car straight through for a 1,000 miles without being as tired as I have been in the motor home after only 300 or 400 miles.

Thanks for your input,

Ray

By: Ray Palandri

Ray Palandri — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:48:13 +0000

Lug_Nut,

I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like a great product and would be a welcome addition to my rig.

Thanks for your quick response. Let me know if the situation ever changes.

Thanks again,

Ray