Community Forums

sdemino · 05-06-2010, 08:12 AM

I own my new Phaeton for about 3 months now. I'm new to motorhomes so here is my question. I was traveling up interstate 95 from Orlando to Hilton Head island, Sc, In Georgia, I crossed some bridges that caused the motorhome to Bounce extremly hard. It was so hard that the washing machine is in need of repair. All clothes were on the floor in the closet. Now, when the Motorhome was delivered to me the wash machine was also in need of repair, looks like same problem.
Since I am in Hilton Head SC, I decided to head over to Freightliner in Gaffney. My question, has anyone else experienced this? I'm hoping that this is not normal.

bdpreece · 05-06-2010, 10:55 AM

From what I have read and also experienced Freightliner coaches have a considerable roll when taken over uneven roads. Our washer used to move all over until I braced it in the compartment better. If you want some relief from this problem search on "SuperSteer Motion Control Units".

Cruzer · 05-06-2010, 01:04 PM

Check your tire pressures first. They may be cranked up to the maximum placarded pressure rating. Have your coach weighed and then check the Michelin tire pressure tables online to see how much pressure you really need in those tires. It's good to add an extra 5 PSI as a safety factor. If you have excessive tire pressure the coach will ride rough and tend to bounce more on rippled surfaces.

LVJ58 · 05-06-2010, 02:10 PM

You might try calling Tiffin and perhaps someone there can assist you in resolving your issue. From what I understand they give outstanding factory support to their customers.

historyljc · 05-06-2010, 08:29 PM

In addition to all of the above advice, sometimes you just have to slow down. Some places in some of the interstates that I have traveled, I must keep the speed down to as low as 45 mph to keep the rough road from tearing up everything in the coach. I have my tire pressure according to the Michelin weight chart, SuperSteer MCUs installed and Koni shocks to replace the Sachs originals.

sdemino · 05-07-2010, 07:24 AM

Thanks for the replies. I will see what Freightliner says and keep you posted. Has anyone actually experienced the bounce i am talking about. The washer is held down by clamps so it dosent move. The problem is it just breaks. Like i said this happend on delivery, was repaired and now has happened again.

sdemino · 05-12-2010, 01:34 PM

All fixed. Now to get the other things repaired that broke because of the hard ride. Its like i;m in a totally different coach, nice ride, and so much less noise. Ok what it was, two nuts that hold on a threaded rod to acentuate air into the rear airbags fell off. Therefore they were doing nothing. Stooped by Gaffney, fixed in two Hrs. what a relief. Now this is what I expected.
Thanks for the help

jdanbowman · 05-12-2010, 02:05 PM

We have only had my Phaeton for 3 weeks but we did go over some rough highways on our first trip from Fort Worth to Loveland, Co. Our Phaeton has the Power Glide chassis and the roads didn't affect our Washer/Dryer operation.

Dan Bowman
2010 40' Phaeton Power Glide

sfischer · 05-12-2010, 07:25 PM

sdemino, it sounds like you are talking about the ride height control valve assembly.

Hidesert · 06-02-2010, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the good information here. Just bought our new 2010 Phaeton, 40'. Haven't left our dealer yet, still having extras added, solar panels, washer dryer, power cord reel, etc. We both love it so far.
Don