Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 05-14-2018, 07:21 PM

Hi,

Just drove my new to me 2008 Itasca Latitude home.

The drive went very well, at 60mph Scan gauge showed an average of 8.5mpg.

The wheel pulled slightly to the right but an alignment when loaded up with my gear will sort that out.

I did notice a bit of bouncing at times on dips, this could be to do that the tire pressure is set to 100psi and the coach was empty except for a full tank of gas.

It took me a few goes to get it in the storage bay as it turns completely differently to my F53.

I was passed by 5-6 semis and a double trailer and did not feel them at all.

I do plan to fit a steering stabilizer.

olskool4x4 · 05-14-2018, 08:07 PM

I installed front Sumo Springs to stop the bounce. I had to make my own mount for them to sit on.

UFO Pilot · 05-14-2018, 09:15 PM

Koni shocks will help stop the bouncing. The harsh ride can be helped by running the correct air pressure if it is too high. Mine has always gone straight down the road.

Unicorn Driver · 05-15-2018, 04:35 AM

Morning both,

I have heard great things about both types of shocks.

It could have been the road crown as well. Michigan is not known for having great road surfaces, some of the road surfaces are abysmal.

As mentioned in my other thread I could only get TPMS sensors on the back and not the front, hopefully can get that resolved before my shake down trip.

I do not have access to 4 corner weighing but will ask a local grain elevator can I do it.

I then need to figure out what PSI to run the tires.

Oh, last but not least is a steering stabilizer. I have been offered a half price True center but its 10 years old and never used. I called Blue Ox and they said its the same as the current model.

Unicorn Driver · 05-16-2018, 12:15 PM

Once I get the coach loaded and proper air pressure will see if I need new shocks.

UFO Pilot · 05-16-2018, 12:26 PM

All of the UFO Chassis had a problem with "porpoising" or "rebounding", you hit a bump and the RV goes up and down a few times. Koni's fix the problem.

Unicorn Driver · 05-16-2018, 12:29 PM

Thanks,

Mine definitley bounced on the way home, how can I check what shocks are installed?

Which model should I order?

UFO Pilot · 05-16-2018, 12:34 PM

My factory Bilstien's were yellow. The Koni's are gold, mine are FSD's. They are pricey, I paid $800 installed in 2010.
https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Koni-Shocks/Workhorse

Unicorn Driver · 05-16-2018, 01:03 PM

I just ordered them from Brazels, that and the Safety Plus Blue was 1273$. Labour will cost me sbout 300-400$ I am happy with that.

Koni FSD in the rear and Evo 99 in the front.

Russ Silber · 05-16-2018, 01:15 PM

Good friend had UFO chassis. Went through 3 engines in one year. Cooling system problems etc. Thats why they are no longer manufactured.
Hop you get an after market policy.[emoji15]

Unicorn Driver · 05-16-2018, 01:18 PM

Hi Russ,

I did not get an aftermarket policy.

How long ago was this and what year was the coach?

You are making me second guess my decision not to get a warranty.

CJ7365 · 05-16-2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ Silber

Good friend had UFO chassis. Went through 3 engines in one year. Cooling system problems etc. Thats why they are no longer manufactured.
Hop you get an after market policy.[emoji15]

Hmmmm, I would think that if one has a cooling problem, one would be alert to gauges on the dash, therefore, when the engine is getting hot, shut it down before it has further problems.

Sorry your friend has bad luck with 3 engines, hmmm sounds like there may be more to the story.

When the UFO chassis came out there was a problem with the water pump shaft but there was a new design of the water pump to correct this.

Your remark as to the UFO chassis not being built anymore due to overheating is totally false.

Russ Silber · 05-16-2018, 01:26 PM

John abd Joan. Purchased it use in 2013 used. Looked absolutely brand new already had new engine at that time. First engine went on first trip out west took 1 week to get it replaced. Second engine cracked block abd true rod etc same overheat problems. Traded it in for diesel pusher (brand new Tiffin RED).,Could not take any more problems. First replacement covered by Lazy Days under warranty.

Russ Silber · 05-16-2018, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ Silber

John abd Joan. Purchased it use in 2013 used. Looked absolutely brand new already had new engine at that time. First engine went on first trip out west took 1 week to get it replaced. Second engine cracked block abd true rod etc same overheat problems. Traded it in for diesel pusher (brand new Tiffin RED).,Could not take any more problems. First replacement covered by Lazy Days under warranty.

Was also I believe 2008 ir 9.