Alignment & Shocks

[Purcy2000]

I have enjoyed my '06 Dynasty for a few weeks now, and just got back from a 700 mi trip. I don't have any experience driving other MH's, so the ride seems good, but not as good as some here say that their S-series chasis ride. There is some play in the steering, nothing serious, but I am definitely making small constant corrections to keep it tracking straight. I am considering taking it and having the front-end aligned this week, as well as a chasis, engine, and generator serviced and checked out. A couple of questions for those with more experience driving these things..

1. At 55K miles, does a front end alignment and chasis check seem to be a wise decision?
2. Can I expect the original Bilstein shocks to be in good working order and no need to assume they need replacing?
3. I've read some about various steering stabilzers/centering arms (like Blue OX trucenter) as a benfefit on these things. Shouldn't this coach handle just fine if all of the chasis and suspension components are in adjustment and in good working order?
4. I contacted Ray's Champion Spring in Fort Worth (i'm an hour and a half south of FW) regarding the alignment and service of the coach. Anyone have any experience with these guys?

Thanks!

[Rex]

You should have a 4-wheel alignment done. If you have a Tag, have it in the process also. The Blue-Ox is helpful.

Bilstein now has a different shock for Monaco that is supposed to be lifetime, and it is their answer to Koni shocks. I personally think Koni is better, but it is also more expensive. Are you sure you have Bilstein shocks rather than Monroe? If they are Monroe, they need to be replaced as you only get about 35000 out of them before they are done.

Unless Monaco changed the source, your steering box is not adjustable.

Best alignment shop anywhere is Josam in Orlando. Give them a call 407-438-7020 and talk to Barry Hampton. If you can’t go there, perhaps he can recommend someone in your area.

[texnet]

We purchased an 03 Dynasty 42' with tag back in Feb. The coach had 67,000 miles on it at the time of purchase. We drove it about 1500 miles and I noticed play in the steering so when I took it in for new Michelin X Coach tires I had them also run it through the alignment shop. What they found was 2 tire rod ends and the drag link were all loose so I had them replace them. When we got the coach back I still noticed teh basic same amount of play in the steering so I went back to have them check things out again. They checked it all and no problems found on the alignment but they did find the tech had inflated the tire pressure on the drive and tag axles a little too much. After lowering the tire pressure the coach seemed to be better. I have adjusted the tire pressure a couple of times since then and driven the coach another 2500 + miles. Either I am getting more use to the coach or the tire pressure adjustments have solved the problem as I can now drive the coach with one hand while on a fairly straight road.

FYI I had driven a 34' gas for 31000 miles and a 39' coach for 2500 miles prior to this coach and did not have any problem with keeping them straight down the road with one hand, so I feel the tire pressure adjustments are the main change that worked.

If you haven't weighed your coach then use the tire pressure settings that are posted inside the coach, but you will get the best ride and steering after you have it aliigned and weighed so you can adjust your tire pressure properly.

I had the 34' gasser aligned by Champion Springs about 2 years ago... I had the 42' Dyansty aligned by Cowser Tire Service in North Fort Worth where I got the tires. The price to align the 42' coach was HALF the price Champion Springs charged... so anytime I need an alignment, tires or other suspension items it will be Cowser Tire.

Cowser Tire
1700 NE Loop 820
Fort Worth, Tx 76106

817-625-8473

Chuch Frymire was my sales rep and I would recommend him and Cowser anytime.

I have no association with Cowser or Chuck other than being a satisfied customer.

[Steve Ownby]

Your series s chassis should be very stable in the handling department. You should check and adjust the following:

1. Full chassis alignment
2. Adjust ride height to spec
3. Adjust air pressure on tag axle so tag will be carrying between 5-8000 pounds. This usually means between 40-50 pounds of pressure on the gauge.
4. When the front axle alignment is set, it helps directional stability if they set the caster at the top of the allowable range.
5. The shocks should be Bilsteins and should be fine. You should check the top & bottom mounts on each shock as there have been cases of a mounting stud breaking off. If the shock has failed you will see heavy streaks of oil running down the outside of the tubes.
6. Have your coach weighed and adjust air pressure in tires to level indicated in manufacturer tire pressure chart.

Let us know how it turns out.