W series upgrades??

[js9315]

After looking at the prices of new coaches we have decided to fix the issues that bother us with our present coach and run the wheels off of it; so we will be starting on some interior and exterior modifications.

Probably the biggest complaint we have is the rough ride on less than perfect roads. I believe that Workhorse once offered an air ride system for the W series chassis but cannot find any information about it now, anyone have any experience with this??

Second thing is the upgrade for the dash A/C, mine has quit working completely (might just need a recharge) but I would like to investigate the upgraded system...

Thanks

[js9315]

After looking at the prices of new coaches we have decided to fix the issues that bother us with our present coach and run the wheels off of it; so we will be starting on some interior and exterior modifications.

Probably the biggest complaint we have is the rough ride on less than perfect roads. I believe that Workhorse once offered an air ride system for the W series chassis but cannot find any information about it now, anyone have any experience with this??

Second thing is the upgrade for the dash A/C, mine has quit working completely (might just need a recharge) but I would like to investigate the upgraded system...

Thanks

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by js9315:
Probably the biggest complaint we have is the rough ride on less than perfect roads. I believe that Workhorse once offered an air ride system for the W series chassis but cannot find any information about it now, anyone have any experience with this?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Workhorse parts did have the Stabil-Air system listed as an option however the SKU has been dropped. Camping World did install these systems a couple of years ago however I don't believe they are selling the system at this time unless they can get one direct from the Stabil-Air supplier. The original supplier has since been purchased by another company and I'm not certain if you can get the system anymore from that company or if systems that are in inventory are being exhausted.

If you search for Stabil-Air on e-Bay I believe that you might find it there. Now getting a reputable person to install the system is another matter altogether.

Stabil-Air took something like 3 days to install and cost close to $6,000. One of the components of the Stabil-Air system that I adopted are the Koni FSD shocks absorbers.

These shock absorbers alone significantly improved my ride quality. The promise of Stabil-Air began spinning down when the auto leveling feature was dropped because it practically took a day to correctly install it and configure it.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Second thing is the upgrade for the dash A/C, mine has quit working completely (might just need a recharge) but I would like to investigate the upgraded system... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The upgrade to the stock dash air system is called Crystal-Cool. I have had a Crystal Cool system installed and was not pleased with it. The system did not live up to its billing and currently I am looking at getting my dash air system functioning which it isn't at the present time. The Crystal-Cool system took a day's labor to install and the system itself wasn't cheap.

Your stock dash air is a fairly straight forward air conditioning system and as such it should be repairable by most service centers. Attempt to resolve your air conditioning issue via conventional means first and seek the options if you can't resolve the dash air issue at a later date.

Upgrading your equipment should be done wisely and fortunately you have come to the best place to obtain information on how to proceed. You'll find our members here will want to share their expediences with you so you will be getting quite a few responses.

[edgray]

While looking for air-ride packages, you may also want to google "Kelderman" or something close to that, as I think they have advertised in some RV mags that they have an air ride add-on kit. ED

[js9315]

I did come across the Kelderman system and the price actually looks reasonable. I reviewed the installation procedures for the F-53 and it seems straight forward enough. I will be contacting them in the near future to get more information.

Thanks

[Steady Eddie]

"..Probably the biggest complaint we have is the rough ride on less than perfect roads.."
==============================
Good Morning--
I see by your sig line that you already have the good Koni shocks. I went with the Monroe RV Gas Magnum shocks and was happy.

The only low-buck ride improvement left is tire air pressure. But you get into an area of poor return with tire wear at the reduced pressure. I ran the whole course from 110 PSI down to 85 PSI and with every pressure reduction, we saw or felt the ride improve. But at 85 PSI the outside edges of the tread was wearing. Finally,
we got decent wear at 95 PSI all around, but as you have found out, the ride suffers.

We found that traveling at a reduced speed really helps the ride as you are not slamming into the pot-holes and expansion strips as hard.

My Chassis is most like a W-20 WCC...

[Corkey]

FYI, ... I Googled Sabil-Air, and the first hit was Camping World for $5499. Followed by a load of other hits. I was going to post a few, but why spoil the fun.

Here is the Google search.

[Tom N]

A rough ride is often cause by overinflating ones tires.

What air pressure are you running in your tires??

Have you had your coach weighed and adjusted your tire pressures, using the tire manufactures load/pressure tables, to your loaded weight???

-Tom

[Clay L]

In 2005 or maybe late 2004 WH changed the 2 inch front stabilizer bar to a 2 1/2 inch bar. Have you made that upgrade yet? It is a major improvement in sway and roll.

[js9315]

I do have the Koni FSD's, I have weighed my coach and have lowered the tire pressures to 90 frt/85 rear. I have not upgraded the front sway bar.

The Koni's made a dramatic improvement in the ride, stopped the porpoising and helped with the sway. I do not have a problem with sway going down the road and do not suffer any detrimental effects when I am passed by the 18 wheelers. I drive 57 - 60 mph. My 'complaint' is with the general crappy condition of the roads and the way it is transmitted into the coach. Going across I-10 and I-12 in Louisana the pounding drives me nuts and the 27" TV above my head sounds like it is going to be in my lap. Just trying to see if there is anything else I can do to make the coach ride better and perhaps last longer.

I recently drove a Winnebago 39W (UFO) and was amazed how much quieter it was and smoother it rode over the same roads, what's the secret? Does having the engine (and weight) in the back make that much of a difference?? Would adding something like the Firestone Ride Rite air springs take some of the harshness out of the ride??

There may be nothing more that I can do (that's why I am asking here), the coach is performing as designed. Might have to start a paving company and start fixing roads...

Thanks, Jeff

[Steady Eddie]

Jeff---
We often move over one lane if the traffic is light. The truck (slow) lanes are really beat up. But the states aren't helping us out with that as they now are passing laws that will take away that option. By this summer, I have read that some 29 states will begin giving tickets out to RVs that are not in the slow lane. This I understand on a 4-lane highway.
No hogging of the passing lane, but on a 6-lane, with a rough slow lane, by moving over one lane, that still gives an open lane for passing on your left. I often move over and stay there so that merging traffic has an open slow lane to merge into. It is a safety deal, as Mr. Joe Q. Public seems to have no idea of how to merge onto a freeway. I am right at 60 feet when towing our JGC. But I do try the smooth lane.

[BellaBo]

If I remember I10 has the worst roads through LA. Katrina probably didn't help.

I was considering Air Lift air bags but it was explained to me that the air bags actually may make the ride worse as they extend the spring and it has less flex. They may be ok for leveling but not for ride improvement. Koni shocks were suggested for ride improvement.

My trip to the Tampa RV show was the first chance I had to test my new rear Trac Bar and it made a big difference in handling.

[FLYTYER]

Installed the rear Air Lift system and once properly inflated we now enjoy a far softer ride. The front system will be installed this Spring.

[BellaBo]

FLYTYER....
Did you notice any changes in handling other than a softer ride?

I had decided against the Air Lift after the input from a Workhorse Rep. But it may still be worth pursuing. They are a relatively inexpensive change compared to other options.
Thanks