Service Bulletin 32-04, Freightliner

[FleetMan]

FYI. I found this info on another forum.

Freightliner released Service Bulletin 32-04 for the XC S chassis that included new shocks, anti-sway bars and shims to remove squeaks in the springs. That package significantly changes the handling and ride for the better. Freightliner would only pay to have that package installed during the warranty period for customers who complained about ride and handling. The former owner of ours didn't complain in that timeframe and we were left to pay for its installation ourselves. Even at that, the results were well worth our investment, considering that we didn't have to pay for the considerable depreciation between his purchase and ours.

[FleetMan]

FYI. I found this info on another forum.

Freightliner released Service Bulletin 32-04 for the XC S chassis that included new shocks, anti-sway bars and shims to remove squeaks in the springs. That package significantly changes the handling and ride for the better. Freightliner would only pay to have that package installed during the warranty period for customers who complained about ride and handling. The former owner of ours didn't complain in that timeframe and we were left to pay for its installation ourselves. Even at that, the results were well worth our investment, considering that we didn't have to pay for the considerable depreciation between his purchase and ours.

[chasfm11]

Yep, Fleetman, that was my post. I put the shocks and shims on myself but chickened out on the anti-sway bars. I had Gaffney do them and it took two guys 16 hours. If you will look back through the past topics on this forum, you'll find more information on this subject.

Other IRV2 users (J Walker, Hooligan) were very helpful to me in making the decision to do the sway bars. It was a 6 day, $1,700 investment (trip and labor) but it was definitely worth it. Besides, we treated the trip as a vacation, visiting friends and peeping at the leaf color.

[Pusherman]

What year chassis was this service bulletin for? Is this for chassis's built in 2006?

[chasfm11]

No. The XCS chassis (being different from the XC chassis) was used only for a few years in the late 90s and early 2000s. I'm not sure exactly when the last ones were made.

The major difference between XC and XCS was the air bag suspension versus springs. In that, the XCS is more like a Workhorse chassis, particularly as it relates to shocks, etc. The XC and XCS do share some common elements but it depends on the year of each. The newer XC chassis has been improved and is even somewhat different from the older versions. Typically, the XCS was used for shorter wheelbase DPs like my 36 and some Damon 35 footers while the XC was used for 38 foot and longer.

There may be Service Bulletins for the XC. The best thing to do is sign of for Access Freightliner. There, you can see all of the service bulletins that apply to your specific serial number chassis. Or, at least, you should be able to see those SBs according to Freightliner.

Hope this helps.

[10sne1]

Anyone know where I can get the complete text of this Service Bulletin? I have applied for Access Freightliner...and am waiting. But would like to read this in the meantime.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FleetMan:
FYI. I found this info on another forum.

Freightliner released Service Bulletin 32-04 for the XC S chassis that included new shocks, anti-sway bars and shims to remove squeaks in the springs. That package significantly changes the handling and ride for the better. Freightliner would only pay to have that package installed during the warranty period for customers who complained about ride and handling. The former owner of ours didn't complain in that timeframe and we were left to pay for its installation ourselves. Even at that, the results were well worth our investment, considering that we didn't have to pay for the considerable depreciation between his purchase and ours. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[chasfm11]

10sne1, if you will send me a private message with the e-mail address that you want me to use, I'll send the full description to you. I think that I can translate what I have into the Adobe Acrobat type file.

[wdbates]

My Tropical has the XCS chassis and is a short wheelbase chassis built in 4-06 (07 box) handeling is poor. How can I find out more info on Bulletin 32-04.
I am also confused about towing as My Tropical is rated for towing 10,000lbs but am told that no mods can be made to engin because of trans being 5 speed?

[chasfm11]

First, I wonder if your chassis is an XCS or an XC. My best information is that the production of the XCS chassis stopped by 2002 but perhaps Freightliner has revived it.

Your most accurate source of information on your specific chassis is Freightliner Custom Chassis support at (800)385-4357. With the last 6 digits of your VIN, you can discuss with a knowledgeable tech your chassis components and any applicable Service Bulletins, including your concerns about your vehicle's handling. Now would be a great time to call them since any work should be covered by warranty.

The 32-04 is really a set of instructions to install the 3 components and provides no details about what they do. The shims to stop the squeaking of the front springs have been changed to phenolic blocks, the rear shock absorbers listed are no longer available from either Freightliner or Monroe and installing the anti-sway bars is not for the faint of heart. I had them put on at the Gaffney plant and it took two techs working 16 hours to do it. The drilling template provided in the Service Bulletin didn't line up with my chassis rails, for example.

[Workingnoway]

I have an xc chassis. I complained to FCCC. If you complain get a complaint number. If enough people complain about the xc then maybe we will get a service bulletin. My 37.5' falls between the two sizes stated above.

workingnoway

[Gary RVRoamer]

Freightliner no longer advertises the XCS as a separate chassis, but the XC can be configured as an XCS, as in wdbates' Tropi-cal. Each motorhome manufacturer specifies the configuration when they order their chassis, so a problem in one brand does not aytomaticallymean a like problem in another.

Freightliner lists on their website the chassis specs for each motorhome type that builds on Freghtliner. Here's the spec for bates' 06 Tropi-cal: 2006 Tropi-cal chassis

For others, go to this page and look for your brand name: FL Chassis specs index

[hondo122]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RV Roamer:
Freightliner no longer advertises the XCS as a separate chassis, but the XC can be configured as an XCS, as in wdbates' Tropi-cal. Each motorhome manufacturer specifies the configuration when they order their chassis, so a problem in one brand does not aytomaticallymean a like problem in another.

Freightliner lists on their website the chassis specs for each motorhome type that builds on Freghtliner. Here's the spec for bates' 06 Tropi-cal: 2006 Tropi-cal chassis

For others, go to this page and look for your brand name: FL Chassis specs index </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Roamer thanks for the tip on the FL site. Great for comparing specs. between years as well as models. I have been wondering the difference between the Discovery 330HP and Excursion 350HP, same trans., same radiator and rear axle ratio. Seems like an easy 20HP upgrade if I can find someone to do the reprogram.

[JRP]

Workingnoway <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have an xc chassis. I complained to FCCC </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Complained about what? You didn't say, what was your complaint?

After 2 yrs and 20,000 miles, my only complaint is the poor service from local Freightliner truck shops, who don't want to be bothered with motorhome service. They have convinced me to do my own service, even though I'd prefer to pay someone else to do it. We need a "Gaffney" like service center out west.

Jim

[Unofficial Ftl Emp]

I can have this bulletin tommorow ill post it then...