Question Steering knob

[Joe Dutchstar]

Does anyone have any thoughts on a steering wheel knob, AKA Suicide Knob?

I used one of these on the CanyonStar which allowed easy parking and backing dolly into tight campsites. Also Installed one in the Ford Flex for everyday driving. The Ford has a high ratio steering, 17.4:1, needs lots of input for basic maneuvering.
Tesla is around 10:1.


Checking off the list of items for the DSDP.

 

[mjeds]

I had one on my 1932 3 window and my 1939 Ford Tudor with manual steering. that's all I can offer.

 

[Rich W.]

I’d give comfort drive a chance to win you over first. You can adjust the effort down to nearly nothing for maneuvering and since it re-centers itself, the knob might become an obstruction rather than just letting the wheel slide through your hands.

 

[jaydee325]

With the self centering action of the comfort steer, I think one of those knobs would be great for busting your knuckles!!

 

[Headhunter]

Try comfort drive first. You will not need the knob..!!!

 

[RKins]

I kinda remember those as being illegal....

 

[DennisT]

I had one in a vehicle back in the day.

No validation but I had heard they were illegal also.

 

[mjeds]

I kinda remember those as being illegal....

only on vehicles equipped with airbags IIRC.

were not illegal on my '32 and '39. of course, those didn't require seatbelts, turn signals, or 2 brake/tail lights either.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

I've read that in some states, Oregon and Michigan, truckers might fail inspection. Not sure of any others.

I find when backing up in tight spaces or maneuvering in campgrounds, this is a very useful tool.
I mount the knob on the inside of the wheel so it is typically out of the way during normal operation.

 

[Buly]

Years ago, friend of mine’s mother broke her arm. She got really frustrated trying to drive single handed. So I installed one of the knobs on the steering wheel.
After her arm healed, she will not let me take it off. She lowed having it.
I do not recommend or disapprove on using it. Just my experience.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Interesting Oregon DMV states in

OAR 437-003-3225​

Vehicles for Highway and Road Operation Characteristics and Maintenance​

(6)​

Steering. Do not allow spinner knobs on vehicles without power steering. Spinner knobs must be on the inside of the steering wheel.

However, for personal vehicles there does not appear to be any prohibition on Knobs

State Laws
Searching through each state’s statutes, there were no laws in the 50 states banning the use of steering wheel knobs on regular cars. In fact, some states require the use of a steering aid if you are a handicapped person. Michigan has put in writing that they are not outlawed.


ALso, these knobs are promoted for the disabled

SmartSteer ergonomic spinner knob - Bever Mobility

SmartSteer is an ergonomically designed multifunction spinner knob for disabled. It operates secondary functions like turn signals, wipers/washer

www.bevermobility.com

 

[mjeds]

that looks like it turns your steering into a video game joystick..

 

[Rich W.]

I've read that in some states, Oregon and Michigan, truckers might fail inspection. Not sure of any others.

I find when backing up in tight spaces or maneuvering in campgrounds, this is a very useful tool.
I mount the knob on the inside of the wheel so it is typically out of the way during normal operation.

I think you’ll find you can steer with one finger with CD.

 

[JRS]

I always have my Comfort Drive set at 3 and drives great. Love the ease of it. Personally will never get a knob