RV bounces while driving

[sh1729]

99 DP 35ft rexhall anthem spartan chassis 20k miles . new to me. I've noticed it bounces alot while on the freeway when I drive on an overpass or bridge especially when there is a change in pavement, enough i have to hit the brakes to get it to stop. month old bilstein shocks so thats not the problem. any ideas...??? going to yellowstone in sept and would really like to resolve issue before.

[speedman42]

I have the same issue with my 98 American Dream on a Spartan Chassis. I am looking forward to the reply's to this post. Please give us some suggestions. I also have new Bilstien shocks

[Eagle123]

I would replace the shocks with Konis. You can save money with blisteins, but if a smooth ride is important, you get what you pay for. Helps with passing trucks and wind. Make the ride much less noisy and keeps everything in the coach from vibrated, include your body. Everyone reports a huge improvement with handling and ride quality.
Bill

[Eagle123]

Blistein are gas shocks, konis are hydraulic. but you since you just replaced your shocks, call spartan or a/c and get the specs on your ride height. You can check that yourself and super easy to adjust. Don't craw under the bus without jack stands, and also use your leveling jacks, Never get under there when it is aired up. The only other thing that can make a harsh ride is your tires could have too much air. Motorhome tires like goodyear and michelin have soft side walls. Contiinental and other make some too. Truck tires will give a harsh ride, but are safe.

[palehorse89]

Koni's were the single best upgrade to improve my ride, big difference in the ride. I had Blisteins on it ......... well worth the money to buy the Koni's!, no more bounce on the front end, running them on the highest setting.

[stik]

Originally Posted by sh1729

99 DP 35ft rexhall anthem spartan chassis 20k miles . new to me. I've noticed it bounces alot while on the freeway when I drive on an overpass or bridge especially when there is a change in pavement, enough i have to hit the brakes to get it to stop. month old bilstein shocks so thats not the problem. any ideas...??? going to yellowstone in sept and would really like to resolve issue before.

Sounds like you and speedman42 both need to call Spartan. Same chassis manufacturer, same shock manufacturer and both reporting bouncing (porpoising?) which is a classic worn shock symptom. Since you both say "new shocks" could it be wrong shocks for your application? Just a thought.

[stik]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

Koni's were the single best upgrade to improve my ride, big difference in the ride. I had Blisteins on it ......... well worth the money to buy the Koni's!, no more bounce on the front end, running them on the highest setting.

Palehorse89, just curious as to how many miles you had on the old Bilsteins when you changed over to Koni's

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by stik

Palehorse89, just curious as to how many miles you had on the old Bilsteins when you changed over to Koni's

28,000 miles........

[hartb1999]

I have 110 lbs air front on a tradition liberty chassie 71,000 mi.exelent ride koni

[gacamp]

I have Bilsteins on my Eagle put on new 5000 miles ago. It takes one heck of a bump before I get any bounce and never any porpoiseing, just a nice smooth ride. Did you get you shocks from Spartan? Maybe you did not get the right shock for your chassis.

[IamJerryP]

Very typical behavior for a broken shock. Have you physically looked at them to see if a bolt came loose, or signs of damage to the shock????
probably a bad shock, should be warranted.

[jd956jd956]

KONIs were world of difference for my 1997 Eagle on Spartan chassis. One of best upgrades period.


1997 American Eagle
2013 FJ Cruiser 4x4 Toad

[SteveLevin]

I will say that I have Bilsteins on my Spartan and it rides fine -- certainly no porpoising as described. Even over the 680 here in the Bay Area which has to be one of the nastiest pieces of tarmac called an Interstate.

Steve

[KIX]

Another vote for Koni's vs. Bilstein