Steering and Ride

[RVin On Up]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, as we purchased a 2000 DS 3858 in early April. We absolutely love it and we have put 1200 miles on it already! We had 3 travel trailers over the past 5 years, and this was a huge update for us. I have read probably half of the posts on this forum dating back at least a year, as I am a big researcher. I have already implemented many of the suggestions, the biggest probably being the PermaBond tape on the roof seams.

My question is concerning steering and ride on our coach. I don't believe the shocks have ever been changed, and we just rolled over 72k miles. She's a little bouncy on certain surfaces. Is it time even if they look OK? Also, I find myself constantly doing steering corrections, especially on windy days (which have been constant in Florida this spring). Wind blows, steer right, then it lets up, and I steer back left. 3-4" on the steering wheel. I know I'm a big sail, but I'm wondering if maybe steering box or front end components need some service based on years and mileage. (tire air pressures are correct based on weight, tires are virtually new, coach tracks perfectly with no crosswind, and she has the bigger 275 steer tires) Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Sorry for the long first post!

[RVin On Up]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, as we purchased a 2000 DS 3858 in early April. We absolutely love it and we have put 1200 miles on it already! We had 3 travel trailers over the past 5 years, and this was a huge update for us. I have read probably half of the posts on this forum dating back at least a year, as I am a big researcher. I have already implemented many of the suggestions, the biggest probably being the PermaBond tape on the roof seams.

My question is concerning steering and ride on our coach. I don't believe the shocks have ever been changed, and we just rolled over 72k miles. She's a little bouncy on certain surfaces. Is it time even if they look OK? Also, I find myself constantly doing steering corrections, especially on windy days (which have been constant in Florida this spring). Wind blows, steer right, then it lets up, and I steer back left. 3-4" on the steering wheel. I know I'm a big sail, but I'm wondering if maybe steering box or front end components need some service based on years and mileage. (tire air pressures are correct based on weight, tires are virtually new, coach tracks perfectly with no crosswind, and she has the bigger 275 steer tires) Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Sorry for the long first post!

[Route 66]

Mike & Sandee, WELCOME TO iRV2.

WE have the most helpful and knowledgeable members here, and they will be glad to try and help.

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
Welcome to iRV2. Wandering is a problem with many coaches. There have been some threads discussing this topic. Having the coach chassis components checked out by a certified chassis shop is one of the first steps to take. Front end alignment to minimize wandering could be something to consider. After these tasks are complete and the coach wanders more than you like, the after market products are something to look at. These threads may offer some information on what you can try and why you might want to try it.

Windy Driving
Drives Like A Hunting Dog

[whizbang]

You definately want new shocks. On our 1998 DSDP 3857, we installed Bilsteins at 60,000 miles --- a huge improvement. Do this before you spend money on other suspenion items. Your shocks are shot.

[bontemp]

Based on our experience, you should schedule a service trip to the chassis manufacturer's factory and have them troubleshoot the problems - they are the most capable

["007"]

Welcome Mike & Sandee Howell and Brian Wingert to the Newmar forum and irv2.
As you can see plenty of help on the forum and thanks for joining in.
When my coach was new the first thing changed were the shocks have added other upgrades and the coach couldn't be happier.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.

[Norm Payne]

Mike and Sandee,

Welcome to IRV2. The 2000 Dutch Star came on two chassis. The standard chassis was a Freightliner with a CAT engine and the upgrade was a Spartan chassis with a Cummins engine. The Freightliner has a solid front axle and the Spartan has an Independence Front Suspension.

If you will post which chassis you have we may be able to help you more.

[RVin On Up]

Thanks for all the replys so far, and for the welcome to the forum! Sorry I didn't state that we have the Spartan chassis. Anyone have any experience with Cummins' Coach Care locations? Spartan website lists them as authorized shops for their chassis, and they sure would be more convenient to home for a service visit.

In the meantime, we are enjoying our coach SO much. We looked at a lot of coaches at a lot of different price points, and couldn't be happier with the Newmar construction, build quality, fit & finish, etc. I'll get more of our RVing friends over to Newmar soon hopefully!

[GaryKD]

I have no experience with Coach Care. There is another choice for you to consider. Cummins Power South. They are a large outfit with quite a few outlets. Go here for their location in Florida. I will be using them for my fuel line/bracket recall.