UPDATED - 1998 P-32 Front Ride Height

[Kazoo Tom]

I own the motorhome in my signiture. The front end rides several inches lower than the rear. The angle is readily visible when looking at it on level ground. The front is so low that when leveling on reasonably level ground the front wheels end up about 1" off the ground.

I need some help in determining how to measure the ride height, and where to go to get it corrected.

[Kazoo Tom]

I own the motorhome in my signiture. The front end rides several inches lower than the rear. The angle is readily visible when looking at it on level ground. The front is so low that when leveling on reasonably level ground the front wheels end up about 1" off the ground.

I need some help in determining how to measure the ride height, and where to go to get it corrected.

[DriVer]

I'm hoping that Mike will respond to this but I know he's at an FMCA Rally at the moment.

Here's something that may be helpful.

P SERIES FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND AIR BAG CYLINDER

The air bag cylinders should be inspected periodically for signs of deterioration, damage or
leaks. To verify possible leaks with the air bag removed from the vehicle, inflate the bag and
submerge it in water and check for air bubbles. The standard track suspension system, 4,880 lb.
or 5,500 lb. GAWR, utilizes an Airlift Heavy Duty Bag, Workhorse part no. W8803508. The
wide track suspension system, 6,000 lb. GAWR, utilized a high-pressure air cylinder from its
introduction in Nov. 1999 to Aug. 14, 2001, Workhorse part no. W0001111. Beginning on
August 15, 2001 a new coil spring, Workhorse part no. W0000991, was integrated along with
the Airlift Heavy Duty Bag, Workhorse part no. W88035508, on all wide track 6,000 lb.
GAWR suspensions. The new coil spring originally was blue in color for ease of identification
during the change then returned to the standard black starting in the production week of
December 1, 2003. Regardless of the spring color the new coil spring is approximately 12%
stiffer then the previous spring and is a direct replacement for all P32 chassis. Inflation
pressures in either air bag cylinder should be maintained at 50 PSI minimum to avoid chafing.
Maximum pressure for the Airlift bag used on the 4,880 lb., 5,500 lb. and the 6000 lb. post
Aug. 15, 2001 GAWR suspensions is 90 PSI. The high-pressure air cylinder use from Nov. 1999
to Aug. 15, 2001 on the wide track 6000 lb. GAWR suspensions has a maximum of 110 PSI.
Air bag cylinder pressures will vary depending on load and preferred ride quality. Workhorse
suggests initially setting the cylinders at 50-60 PSI for the 4,880 lb. axle and 80-90 PSI for the
5,500 lb. and 6,000 lb. axles. Finally air bag pressure should be adjusted for personal comfort
and load within outlined recommendations. The general rule is higher inflation pressure
firmer the ride quality.
Note: From the factory, Workhorse only supplies air cylinders on the front suspension; any
rear air cylinders are aftermarket or installed by the body manufacturer.

[Kazoo Tom]

DriVer, thanks for the response. The air bags are fine and holding air properly. I have been thinking of changing to the Henderson springs to eliminate the air bag. The major problem is that I believe the front ride height is way too low, the motorhome does not ride level. I am hoping that Mike or someone else can give me a handle on how to properly measure the ride height, and how to correct it. BTW, I have the 5500 lb front suspension.

[Redlands Truck and RV]

Kazoo Tom,

We like to see 2 1/4" ride height on the P32. If you need assistance in your area call George at Champion Wheel and Axle in Elgin Illinois. 847.742.9294

Thanks,

[Kazoo Tom]

Keith, thanks for the reply. Can you tell me how to measure the ride height. Where do I measure to and from?

[Redlands Truck and RV]

You should see a rectangle rubber snubber on the lower A arm and right above it is it's stop. The distance between these 2 are where we take our measurements.

Feel free to call me when you're doing it and I can walk you through it.

Thanks,

[max49]

Just look under the A frame. You'll see where the 'stop is, where it hits if and when you 'bottom out ' the spring. The measurement will be in the ball park of 2" or so. You should have the MH sitting on pretty level ground.
My measurement is about 1 & 7/8". I've tried here but No one will tell me if this is 'out of spec' and should be repaired under warranty.
From what I've read on here, the P-32 is famous for being a low rider in the front. Actually the back too.
I saw my exact Daybreak on a Ford and the Ford looked like it was ready for some offroading compared to my WH. It sat higher and a lot more ground clearance.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by max49:
I saw my exact Daybreak on a Ford and the Ford looked like it was ready for some offroading compared to my WH. It sat higher and a lot more ground clearance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Max, True that! The Ford sits on an I-Beam. Your model on a W-Series would probably give you the same impression.

The air bags are owner adjustable however you have to know how to do it properly. Workhorse says that you should adjust the airbags to meet your requirements. Of course you want to make sure that you get your ship trimmed so it looks good and rides well.

[Kazoo Tom]

Thank you Keith for your response. It has been raining here for several days, as soon as it dries out a bit I will crawl underneath it and try to get the measurement. Are there any adjustments that can raise the ride height? Or is the only answer replacing the springs?

[Redlands Truck and RV]

New springs are your only answer. It takes us 3.6 hours for the spring installation. Make sure you get it aligned afterward as well.

Call me with any questions,

[Kazoo Tom]

Thanks again for the response, it is most appreciated. I'll post an update as soon as I can get under it to get the measurements.

[Kazoo Tom]

It has dried out long enough for me to crawl under the front end. From the rubber bumper to the stop the measurement is 1.75". My current axle rating for the front is 5500#. Please let me know what my options are. It sounds like I won't get 2" increase in front, can the rear be lowered a bit also to achieve a level ride height?

[Richard 34A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I saw my exact Daybreak on a Ford and the Ford looked like it was ready for some offroading compared to my WH. It sat higher and a lot more ground clearance. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I once owned a 1995 Flair on a Ford chassis; a family member owns the same model on a Chevrolet chassis and it sat considerable lower. Turned out that while the Chevrolet chassis did sit a lot lower, part of the problem was that the front springs (I think only the front) had collapsed. He had them replaced at Camping World and was told that it was a very common problem and repair. I don't remember the cost but do remember that his extended warranty didn't cover the repairs.