Newmar caravan

[efstewart]

On Wednesday morning 10-26-11, we were driving North on I-15 from Las Vegas Nevada, on through St. George, and then onto I-70 east, when we counted at least 20 Dutch Stars and other motorhomes travelling south. Just wondering if a Dutch Star rally was going on? It was nice to see so many Dutch Stars, since I have one and am thinking about getting a new or newer one.

[efstewart]

Does anyone have a Dutch Star or Ventana, years 2007-2012, and can comment on any improved ride. I am looking for one that is very smooth over bumps and cracks. I just test drove a 2011 Entregra Aspire, and I loved the ride and workmanship. It felt much smoother and quieter that my 2006 Dutch Star. I know that Koni shocks can help, but could not help that much. Also, we are looking for more slides, better floor plans, and newer technology. That Aspire is going to be hard to beat, except it is a little out of my price range. Any comments?

[siggyd]

My 2011 DSDP on the FL XCR chassis with the ISF in front and the Comfort
steering has a very fine ride,much better the my old 05 KSDP,FL XR chassis with the fixed I-beam axle in front.
Siggy

[efstewart]

Sounds good, how does it handle over freeway expansion joints and cracks, any rattling in the cabinets (like mine)? Also, can you recommend a dealer?

[Floridakamper]

Ah.....boy did this thread change direction from the first post!!!!

[GaryKD]

Hi Floridakamper,
You're correct. But the OP did it to himself.

["007"]

efstewart, if you have to much air in your tires on any coach you will have a hard ride.
Have coach weight and use tire MFG tables for maybe a softer ride.
It may eliminate blowouts of tires also.
Putting in the air pressure on labels near drivers door are for a unloaded coach.

[efstewart]

First of all I apologize for the posting of two different subjects. It was unintentional, just the work of an inexperienced forum communicator. I hit the reply button instead of a new post. (I don't even know what "OP" stands for as posted by GaryKD). Now if you will forgive me, I still depend upon the world's greatest forum on RVs to steer me into the right direction. This forum has helped me through many a problem as a first time motorhome owner. And I believe that it will help me even more as I contemplate the idea of possibly getting a new motorhome or keeping the current one.

As far as the ride is concerned, I have done all of the corrections recommended before (air pressure, weight, alignment,etc.) except for the Koni shocks. I suspect that the Koni's would help a little, but not enough to give me the smooth ride I want as I approach retirement (28 days and counting) and start to take long trips across the U.S. So keep those replies coming, positive or negative, and thanks for the money and time you trekkers have saved me.

[Floridakamper]

efstewart, nothing to apologize for. After reading your original post, I was hoping to find out where all those Newmar's were going. And "OP" stands for Original Poster.

["007"]

efstewart, something I forgot to mention about ride is loading your load of what your carrying in compartments below so your chassis suspension works well.
If the weight is more in the rear your front end is going to feel odd as you drive and good shocks can make a big difference also.
OEM sometimes is not the best because of total price that MFG is trying to keep low for sales.

[efstewart]

Copy, "007", I will put more weight up front and see if that helps. Is there a thread on do it yourself install of Koni Shocks, and where to buy? I like doing things myself, and always enjoy buying new tools.

["007"]

Here is a thread on changing out your shocks and the maker of shocks does have instructions.
I have changed all my different coach shocks.
There are plenty of ads with the different shocks and our vendors also have them.

[JohnParker]

So, where were all the Dutch Stars headed?

[Romeo]

Yeah, I was waiting for that also. It got kind of buried in the secondary subject.