Bounder: 2000 32H Front Suspension Diagnosis Wanted

[kirkcrawford]

I recently bought a 2000 Bounder 32H. When I got it I knew there was a balance issue with the front tires. I had it aligned and the front wheels balanced right away. They said that they had to put a shim in for the alignment and had to balance both tires and the right tire was "way out of round" The alignment shop balanced the tires on the vehicle. They say that they can make the tires go faster there and thus provide a better balance.

I was able to get the right front tire replaced for free since the dealer I bought it from, had just purchased both front tires. The right tire has now just been balanced at the tire shop on their external machine. The front end vibration is a lot less now, but it is still there. I have taken our maiden voyage on Memorial Day and got out of the pot holed/cement Los Angeles freeway system. When I had the coach on smooth new asphalt, there was very little front end vibrations. Yet when I get back to the usual California rough roads, I get more vibrations in the front end. I can feel it in the steering. It doesn't pull left or right, or seem to be trying to steer for me. When big rigs pass, there is no big issue. I have had the front suspension off the ground via the leveling jacks and pulled on the springs, and the shackles seem tight. I was told the shocks are not original by the RV inspector. They are painted yellow. Could my problem now be due to worn out shocks? Can I test the shocks?

This is my first Class A as an adult. My father had a Revcon when I was in high school.

Any advice would be appreciated.

-Kirk

[macnkat]

How many miles are on it?

[kirkcrawford]

59k on the odometer

[kirkcrawford]

I looked closer at my existing shocks. They are Monroe. Here are some pics:

[ga traveler]

On a F53 with slat springs, you will feel every ridge, bump,seperator or wiggle.
i installed Ride Rite air bags on mine. I always advised my customers to go with them too. All my customers were very happy with the air bags. They are very easy to install. Only 1 hole to drill on each side.

[macnkat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler On a F53 with slat springs, you will feel every ridge, bump,seperator or wiggle. i installed Ride Rite air bags on mine. I always advised my customers to go with them too. All my customers were very happy with the air bags. They are very easy to install. Only 1 hole to drill on each side.

A quick Google search found those bags ga traveler, are you using them front and rear?

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by macnkat A quick Google search found those bags ga traveler, are you using them front and rear?

I only installed them on the front. About 25% of my customers liked them so much they insisted on having them on the rear. I felt that the rear improvement was not as dramatic as the front. (although much better) If you install them on the front, fill to 24psi.

[Gary RVRoamer]

It would not be a bad idea to replace the Monroe shocks, but I suspect you are feeling normal road vibration. This is a medium truck chassis and not as smooth as your car. The air bags will help.

[macnkat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler I only installed them on the front. About 25% of my customers liked them so much they insisted on having them on the rear. I felt that the rear improvement was not as dramatic as the front. (although much better) If you install them on the front, fill to 24psi.

Very nice...this is on my list of "next to do".