FWIW Ride Improvement

[Ecker]

I have been having trouble with very hard ride i.e. when hitting those rises between each concrete section or at bridges. I lowered my tire pressures to acceptable minimums but no improvement. I read about the changing of tires in years past but was skeptical that it could correct this problem. After two past failed attempts to get to Spartan, I made it Friday and requested they take it step by step. First adjust ride height (found to be low on front despite having been checked and deamed ok by another shop), align the coach (several parameters not on the money), weigh it, set tire pressure (we're properly set but lowered rears 5# since plenty of room to do so) and then test drove it with tech through MI back country. The ride and handling was arguably better than previously but impacts to bumps was no improvement. We then changed to 30% less shock and took it out. The problem was resolved. I drove it 120 miles on the Interstate and IN Toll Road (where I have had to previously go into passing lane to reduce bump impacts and the ride was what I think one could call perfect in the right lane. I only wish I had been able to get there earlier.

Spartan said that I might get some front end bouncing on rough roads but no sign of it so far and I'll take it to get the smooth ride if it does occur.

[Ecker]

I have been having trouble with very hard ride i.e. when hitting those rises between each concrete section or at bridges. I lowered my tire pressures to acceptable minimums but no improvement. I read about the changing of tires in years past but was skeptical that it could correct this problem. After two past failed attempts to get to Spartan, I made it Friday and requested they take it step by step. First adjust ride height (found to be low on front despite having been checked and deamed ok by another shop), align the coach (several parameters not on the money), weigh it, set tire pressure (we're properly set but lowered rears 5# since plenty of room to do so) and then test drove it with tech through MI back country. The ride and handling was arguably better than previously but impacts to bumps was no improvement. We then changed to 30% less shock and took it out. The problem was resolved. I drove it 120 miles on the Interstate and IN Toll Road (where I have had to previously go into passing lane to reduce bump impacts and the ride was what I think one could call perfect in the right lane. I only wish I had been able to get there earlier.

Spartan said that I might get some front end bouncing on rough roads but no sign of it so far and I'll take it to get the smooth ride if it does occur.

[ua40j]

Glad you got your ride 'settled'. I followed most of the tweaking, but I'm confused about one thing. What does 30% less shock mean?

[Latitude]

OK ecker What is '30% less shock'

[Doc Mark]

Ecker - I too want to know what is a 30% less shock?

[Doc Mark]

Well guys - since we haven't heard back from Ecker - & he doesn't allow private messages , I guess we'll never know what 30 % less shock means.

I wonder if Spartan changed out the front shocks for ones with a less-firm return rate?

[Route 66]

Doc, I take it to mean 30% less resistance or less firm ride, allowing more movement, which would make a softer ride, but perhaps a bit bouncier.

[bontemp]

Our situation is much like ECKER's above -- We made the change to Michelin XRV-305's on the fronts of our 05 DSDP, lowered the air pressure and did get some improvement in the ride - now we wonder if we should take the next step and go to these 30% shocks - the coach still hits hard on uneven concrete road sections etc. -- we too could live with a little more "bounce" to keep our false teeth from falling out due to the jarring -- any other advice or experiences? (PLEASE - nothing about Denture Cream etc!!)

[Brigadoon]

The "30%" shocks are shocks with 30% less compression as compaired to the stock shock. We were offered this shock when we were at Spartan for harsh ride issues a year ago. I chose the 10% less compression shock and it, along with a tire size change, has worked out well. However, I'm considering changing to the 30% less compression shock as well.

[tmitchell]

What was the brand name and model of shocks, you are referring to? I assume you mean that they have variable valving. I was going to go with the FSD model shock, but read where they are not recommended for IFS front ends.
Thanks,
Tom

[racer0624]

Earlier this year in a visit to Spartan we had them install the 30% shocks. I really don't notice any extra tendency to porpoise and was told by the tech that folks with a high tongue weight tow that unloads the front end probably would.

[tmitchell]

John,
Do you know what the brand name and model of the shocks they installed? Was there a noticeable difference in ride quality on rough road surfaces?
Since the Koni ,FSD, shocks cannot be used on a front axle,that has IFS, Spartan must have used either Monroes or Bilsteins. I did a search and could not find any mention of a 30% softer shock replacement for either of these brands.
Thanks for any help,
Tom

[racer0624]

Tom,

They are Bilsteins and the ride is better. There's still some "jarring" but it's not as bad.

[tmitchell]

John,
Thanks, I will check into the Bilstein site and see if I can figure which model shock gives the softer ride. In May, I switched from 275/70R22.5 Michelin LRJ XZA1 tires to 275/80R22.5 Michelin LRH XZA3 tires. This helped the ride on rough roads some, but not as much as I had hoped.
Tom