King Aire

Steve Kieffer · 02-10-2012, 04:48 AM

I'm considering trading in my '09 SIG for a new coach. One of the candidates is a King Aire.

We took our first look and test drive the other days. I had a few observations that maybe someone would comment about.

What is the purpose of the front overhang and cover over the windshield wipers? With this construction how do you clean the windshield from ground level?

I was surprised at the harsh front end ride. Even small road bumps caused a sharp hit in the front end suspension which was transferred to the body. Is this normal?

I didn't see an auxiliary air brake outlet at the back for connection to my Toad. Did I miss something?

FlyingDiver · 02-10-2012, 05:53 AM

Not sure what you mean about the windshield wipers. The park position is hidden behind the front cap, but I don't see how that interferes with cleaning the windshield. You need a ladder to get to most of the windshield anyway.

The front tires were probably overinflated. The factory usually inflates them to the correct pressure for max load, which is quite heavy. Our front end is a couple thousand under the limit, so I've got 105psi in them instead of the 120psi required at max. Makes a big difference.

There's an air tank outlet inside the engine compartment, but that's not designed for a toad brake connection. If you're using an air-operated toad brake (like the SMI Air Force One), you need to have their coach-side reserve tank and air plumbing installed. I've never heard of any RV that includes a toad compatible air connection as factory standard.

joe

Steve Kieffer · 02-10-2012, 06:00 AM

My '09 SIG has a factory installed air connection for the Toad. This is a standard item.

Steve Kieffer · 02-10-2012, 06:06 AM

The front cap and separate fiberglass piece that covers the extends approx. 6" beyond the windshield hiding the wipers and lower edge of the windshield.

When we're driving, which is most of the time because we use the coach for touring, not as a home, I often have to clean the windshield once or twice a day. Frequently I do this at a fuel stop, while fueling. And I currently can do it from the ground using a long-handle microfiber scrubber/squeegee combo head.

Looks like, if I get the King Aire, I'll have to figure out where to stow a ladder that is accessible when the compartment doors can only be partially opened at a fueling station. More hassles.

So why did they design this feature into the coach? What advantage does it provide?

FlyingDiver · 02-10-2012, 06:07 AM

Interesting. Well, Newmar doesn't do that. I don't think Tiffen does either, at least I've never seen any mention of it.

I don't bother trying to clean the bottom few inches of the windshield from the ground. You can't see anything through that section anyway, since you're looking into the back of the front cap. Granted, I have an '08, and they redesigned the front cap for '12, so maybe the current configuration is worse than on mine. I'll have to take a look at that next time I see a '12 or later. I think it's purely a cosmetic design issue, just like cars with "hidden" wipers.

joe

Iron Man · 02-10-2012, 07:57 AM

We have an Essex and I do not have a big issue with cleaning the windshield, I make my wife do it!!

Just kidding she is not tall enough. I usually clean it at fuel stops and use the cleaner brush at the fuel pump. I just clean as far up as I can which easily covers my viewing area. At the bottom I turn the squeege sidways and cover that area right above the the windshield wipers. When we stop I clean the whole windshield. I had to add and Air Force 1 system to get an air tap at the rear of the coach for the toad brakes.