Rough Ride

ron55 · 10-05-2006, 04:40 AM

Pot holes, tar strips and bridges, my dash hits so hard it is going to come apart. I have 86 cold psi all around and Bilstein shocks. Anybody running 80psi, or suggestions?

ron55 · 10-05-2006, 04:40 AM

Pot holes, tar strips and bridges, my dash hits so hard it is going to come apart. I have 86 cold psi all around and Bilstein shocks. Anybody running 80psi, or suggestions?

hawg6 · 10-05-2006, 05:00 AM

I have a 2004 Damon on a W22 chassis, which I upgraded with the package Workhorse offered to change the front stablizer bar and replace the OEM shocks, that were failing, with Bilstiens. The handling improved 100%, but the ride became rough in the areas you mention. I recently changed the Bilstiens to Koni FSD's and would never go back. A world of difference in the ride. I have not heard of anyone changing to the Koni FSD's that have not been satisfied. They are somewhat expensive, but worth every penny, in my opinion.

FLYTYER · 10-05-2006, 05:08 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RON55:
Pot holes, tar strips and bridges, my dash hits so hard it is going to come apart. I have 86 cold psi all around and Bilstein shocks. Anybody running 80psi, or suggestions? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Your description reads harsh, but maybe if you state more about the ride and handling it will help everyone understand better.

Does the front end bottom out and jolt the chassis?

Does the dash bounce?

Is there any porpoising?

Does the steering feel tight and responsive?

How does the rear respond to bumps, potholes, rough roads, etc. ??

I found that with 90 psi in the front tires and 95 psi in the rears, the ride and handling improved dramatically. WCC recommended to me.

I also have the Monroe RV Magnum shocks all around which gives a little softer ride than Bilsteins. WCC replaced OEM shocks with Monroes when I complained about the ride and handling.

hawg6 · 10-05-2006, 05:12 AM

Forgot to note; I'm running 95psi front and 90 psi rear tire pressures, in accordance with the MH manufacture's reccommendation and Michelin tire guide for the axel capacities. Could probably go to lower tire pressures, based on actual weight, but do not see the need with the ride I have with the Koni shocks.

DriVer · 10-05-2006, 05:16 AM

If you're looking more for an SUV type of ride the best thing to get closer to that perception would be a set of the Koni FSD shock absorbers.

Brazels RV Performance · 10-05-2006, 06:04 AM

Ron,

Let me send you a set of Koni's to try??? If you like them send me a check,if not send them back.What do you think??

wa7hra · 10-05-2006, 07:06 AM

In my humble opinion, I feel tires should be inflated in accordance with the tire manufacturers reccomendation. In my particular case, Michelin reccomends that my front tires, which are both carrying 3600 lbs according to certified scales, be inflated to 75 psi, which is what they have carried for the last 22,000 miles. I check the tire wear about every 5000 miles with a tread depth gage (a cheap item in the auto parts stores) and find that the tread wear is normal on both front tires which indicates proper inflation.

I am satisfied with both ride and handling.

Bob, wa7hra

ron55 · 10-05-2006, 09:48 AM

It's stiff, I don't think it would ever bottom out. no porpoising. I have a trac bar on the rear. It is great on smooth interstate roads, but bumps like bridges and potholes it is a unbelievable hard hit. I don't think the dash can handle much more

FLYTYER · 10-06-2006, 05:26 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RON55:
It's stiff, I don't think it would ever bottom out. no porpoising. I have a trac bar on the rear. It is great on smooth interstate roads, but bumps like bridges and potholes it is a unbelievable hard hit. I don't think the dash can handle much more </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would change the shocks...Mike made you a great offer, take him up on it !!

jonny33v · 10-06-2006, 09:15 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RON55:
It's stiff, I don't think it would ever bottom out. no porpoising. I have a trac bar on the rear. It is great on smooth interstate roads, but bumps like bridges and potholes it is a unbelievable hard hit. I don't think the dash can handle much more </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ron55,
I also have an 05 Voyage 33V with the same rough ride. I just ordered a set of the Koni shocks from Mike at Brazels. I should have them in a week or so. I will let you know what the results are.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 10-06-2006, 01:13 PM

I'm running mine fronts at 77 psi. My front axle weight is near the top of the 75 psi bracket in the Michelin inflation tables, so I added a couple pounds for good measure.

When I ran 85 in the front the ride was noticeable harsher and also noisier. Reducung it just those few psi made quite a difference.

My rears are at 85 psi, per the Michelin tables for my axle weight.