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txhood · 05-28-2013, 07:35 PM

I took my mother on a trip this past week in my new 23' class C on Ford E350 chassis. She complained of being beaten to death on the rear bed while riding. Is there anything that would soften the ride in the rear of the coach?

Aguyfromcalg · 05-28-2013, 07:58 PM

Change the mattress.

The one you have isn't very comfortable to sleep on when parked.
Bought a new mattress for my class c from Ikea

Some will say to add air bags to the rear axle and to change the shocks.
If you search on here you will find discussions on all three.

cb1000rider · 05-28-2013, 08:47 PM

The other thing that I notice, starting in about 2005 is that the bushings between the coach and the frame tend to get compressed and worn out... You coach probably suffers also, as it's older than 2005.

SarahW · 05-28-2013, 11:16 PM

The back end overhang of any motorhome is going to be the bounciest place in the RV while underway. She needs to move closer to the front.

clyon51 · 05-28-2013, 11:35 PM

Well, it could be just the nature of the beast. It could be the tires are overinflated. This would cause a hard banging effect on expansion joints or other short lenght bumps in the road. Hard to tell without detailed info.

DebbieMH · 05-29-2013, 12:35 AM

When riding in the back, it is going to be very bumpy. She needs to ride in the passenger seat up front. Or get used to the bounce!

CampDaven · 05-29-2013, 05:25 AM

Pretty much like riding in the back of a school bus. But back then it was like a carnival ride, so was preferred!

Murf2u · 06-01-2013, 07:09 AM

Yup, it's rough back there, no doubt and since in most jurisdictions it's illegal to ride back there I doubt the manufacturers give it much thought either.

vsheetz · 06-01-2013, 08:30 AM

Tire pressure properly adjusted?

Go Dawgs · 06-13-2013, 10:47 AM

As it is a brand new coach I would first load it for use and go get it weighed. Then check for tire pressure for all tires. I would bet that you are overinflated on all tires. Sticker on door should help. Unless you are on a very bumpy road or driving extremely fast you shouldn't get that much bounce. It won't be perfect smooth, but should be able to nap back there. I have an 03 Chateau 26Q and after replacing the dual tires it rides very smooth.

Triker56 · 06-13-2013, 05:16 PM

When did they start putting seat belts on the rear bed?
Is that something new?

DebbieMH · 06-14-2013, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

When did they start putting seat belts on the rear bed?
Is that something new?

I know riding without a seat belt is not the safe way to go in a RV - but it happens and is part of why people purchase a C or an A and not a TT. I've napped in the back, I've used the restroom, I've gotten a snack out of the frig. I've even made coffee while my DH drove. That is part of the fun of a RV. The majority of the time, I'm in a seat belt, but don't down the OP if her mother wants to nap. She knows the risks.

minsider · 06-20-2013, 02:13 AM

Is the mattress pretty hard? Harder mattresses tend to transfer a lot of vibration and motion. Adding a memory foam topper might help dampen the vibration.

If you end up doing the new mattress route, I'd suggest seeking out something with individually pocketed coils (originally developed by Simmons but lots of manufacturers use them now...remember the bowling ball commercials back in the 90's?). They move independently from each other and don't transfer as much motion. Continuous wire innerspring mattresses (most rv mattresses with springs use this system) are just like they sound. One continuous wire that transfers motion.

Memory foam mattresses (if they have enough memory foam in the top) also do a pretty good job of eliminating motion and vibration.

Good luck!