Long one

Verteuil Man

Verteuil Man

Joined
May 5, 2022
Posts
1,948
Likes collected
10,597
Location
Kidsgrove, North Staffordshire.
Funster No
88,502
MH
Hymer B778 PL
Exp
Since 1992
Hello.

I have an issue with being comfortable when driving the motorhome. Being just over 6ft I have the seat high and back so my legs fit in and can operate the pedals easily. However this means I steer with my fingers which becomes irritating after a while so I am constantly changing hands. I suppose I could fit a larger diameter wheel but when parked up it would restrict how far the captains seat will go back. Then there is the air bag to consider.

Does anyone have a solution for a long one?
 
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fit a steering ball and it gives a lot more control at arms length. I am 6ft4 and build like a brick outhouse, so have similar issues
 
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I'm just over 6ft and I solved a number of issues when I first bought my Fiat Ducato X250 by removing the swivel from the drivers seat.
I can now see the dials/dash clearly and reach the hand-brake lever, never mind what anyone tells you, that few inches make all the difference! :LOL:

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Sit on a pad to raise the seat high so you can move your seat forwards to get back on the pedals and then your closer to the steering wheel.

It appears that a lot of motorhome manufactures replace the original box the seat is mounted on with a lower one to compensate for the swivel plate thickness, but luckily Elddis have not so my seat is higher than normal and I do not have your problem.
If your seat mounting box has been changed for a lower version, then maybe source a normal high seat box from a scrapper to raise the height.
 
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Sorted👍👍
1680537989651.jpeg
 
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Two on Tour said:
Sit on a pad to raise the seat high so you can move your seat forwards to get back on the pedals and then your closer to the steering wheel.

It appears that a lot of motorhome manufactures replace the original box the seat is mounted on with a lower one to compensate for the swivel plate thickness, but luckily Elddis have not so my seat is higher than normal and I do not have your problem.
If your seat mounting box has been changed for a lower version, then maybe source a normal high seat box from a scrapper to raise the height.
Click to expand...
Getting the height is not the problem. I will try going up more and moving a tad closer. If not a ball it will be. More tomorrow after the next leg up to Cruelly.
 
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Have you checked to see if the steering wheel pulls out towards you as well as moving up and down, it does on our Mercedes 👍 without that I would have the same problem
 
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DavidG58 said:
Have you checked to see if the steering wheel pulls out towards you as well as moving up and down, it does on our Mercedes 👍 without that I would have the same problem
Click to expand...
Mine just move in and out so I have move room for the swivel chair. Does not move up and down.

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I have adjusted the swivel seat as high as it will go and moved it forward a click which is comfortable for driving with the pedals. My hands are definitely closer to the wheel but I think a steering aid ball would help. Thanks for the help. Normally being tall the first thing I do is wind the seat down so my swede does not hit the door frame getting in and the headlining when driving.
 
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I am 6'2" (185cm for later generations!) and position my seat fore and aft with my knee close to the ignition key on a Ducato-based dashboard to access the pedals properly. With my seat-back fairly vertical I feel comfortable but would be much happier with an adjustable steering wheel. Perhaps a ball would help me too. With a previous full Ducato cab I looked out of the top few inches of the screen and squinted around the vertical side-window bar to see the driver's mirror but the A class cab has solved that problem.
 
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Having researched steering wheel knobs/balls, knowing nothing previously about them, I'm left with this information;

  • Some say they're illegal unless you're disabled
  • Some say they damage steering wheels (some cause more damage than others) and this may lead to MoT issues
  • They're also known as 'suicide knobs'
  • Some say you must inform DVLA if you use one, others say not because they're removable
  • Halfords sell them, which may make you think they're legal. However, they might only be selling them for off-road use, forklifts etc.

Does anyone know for certain what the legalities are for these, please, and also whether those legalities would transfer to countries outside the UK?

Thank you :)
 
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I have found this regarding steering inspections for MOT's. So blogs say the "myth" that they are illegal stems from them being nick named suicide knobs.

Ask the question another way. Why are the illegal?

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 2. Steering - Guidance - GOV.UK

Mechanical condition, steering wheel and column or handlebar, forks and yokes, steering play and electronic power steering (EPS) rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests.
www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
 
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I had them on my work vans and on the MoHo much easier for driving, I don't have one on the car though as not so much force needed.

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Verteuil Man said:
This has come to my attention.

Adaptations to help you drive | Motability Scheme

Find out about adaptations that can help you drive your vehicle.
www.motability.co.uk www.motability.co.uk
Click to expand...

If you add one, would you need to inform your insurer? I'm wondering if they might invalidate an insurance, if the underwriters look on them as 'modifications', since underwriters will look for any small reason not to pay out :rolleyes:
 
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I think the Ducato seating position is designed to be very sit-up-and-beg. Lower legs almost vertical with knees up against the dash. Seat base flat and further forward than you'd expect. Seat back very vertical. Wheel telescoped out. It's not laid back like you'd normally find in a car.
 
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Im 6"3. My advice........Buy a 9 speed auto and push the seat right back. Recline as far as you can and steer with 1, possibly 2 fingers, alternating between hands as required. Try not to fall asleep.

I await the wrath of the 10 to 2 brigade.
 
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Are you sure the steering doesn’t raise and lower. All the Ducato based motorhomes I’ve had have a clamp on the column that you release and can then raise or lower accordingly
 
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Guigsy said:
I think the Ducato seating position is designed to be very sit-up-and-beg. Lower legs almost vertical with knees up against the dash. Seat base flat and further forward than you'd expect. Seat back very vertical. Wheel telescoped out. It's not laid back like you'd normally find in a car.
Click to expand...
I know what you mean, but I have issues with my ankles. The medical profession have not yet come up with a handle but I cannot bend my feet back towards !y shins. The left is worse than the right. A lady who was a specialist in such things said Charcot Marie's Tooth but later scans and blood tests say not (other than I drink to much).
Anyway sitting back a bit is a must.
 
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stevewagner said:
Are you sure the steering doesn’t raise and lower. All the Ducato based motorhomes I’ve had have a clamp on the column that you release and can then raise or lower accordingly
Click to expand...
It only pulls in and out. Not up and down.

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Two on Tour said:
luckily Elddis have not so my seat is higher than normal and I do not have your problem.
Click to expand...

How tall are you?

At 6’3”, I cannot see any of the instrument dials on the current ducato based MHs from my normal driving position as the binnacle cowl hides them. I need the seat lowering not raising. 🤷‍♂️

Ian
 
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I have fitted balls to all the vans I have owned and driven, plus most of the 4x4s. Never had any problem with MOT inspections. As mentioned as they bolt on/off they are not a permanent adaption to a vehicle for the insurance. My current one is attached so it can be swivelled inward out of the way. This allowed my wife to drive without it and allows the seat to swivel and slide back against the wheel

The suicide knob name came from the rubbish ones that used to be marketed. They were plastic and could snap easily. I use leather ones with a solid steel bracket. The leather is textured to aid grip

If we are ever on a site or rally together, I will happily allow you to play with my ball ::bigsmile:
 
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TheBig1 said:
I have fitted balls to all the vans I have owned and driven, plus most of the 4x4s. Never had any problem with MOT inspections. As mentioned as they bolt on/off they are not a permanent adaption to a vehicle for the insurance. My current one is attached so it can be swivelled inward out of the way. This allowed my wife to drive without it and allows the seat to swivel and slide back against the wheel

The suicide knob name came from the rubbish ones that used to be marketed. They were plastic and could snap easily. I use leather ones with a solid steel bracket. The leather is textured to aid grip

If we are ever on a site or rally together, I will happily allow you to play with my ball ::bigsmile:
Click to expand...
An offer one could not refuse. Does one have a link to the ball you use?
 
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