Community Forums

JJoyce8977 · 06-07-2016, 06:19 PM

Hi all!

We are considering buying a 2016 Dutchstar 4018 with the 14,600 front axle. Has anyone had the "airbag fix" to address the overweight issue? If so, are you happy with the modification?
We could get a fair price on this model, but we don't want to get into trouble if the airbag fix is problematic.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts. We are active readers of this forum and have learned so much from the wise members here.

Best,

Kevin and Jennifer

Motowood100 · 06-08-2016, 08:14 AM

We have had our 2016 4018 since February and have not heard anything from Newmar about when the fix will be available. We will have it done whenever it's available. It is an amazing coach and we've been very happy with the coach as a whole.

Gordon Dewald · 06-08-2016, 08:42 AM

IMO it makes sense to have the increased capacity axle. I do not think there are many who will say that driving an axle overloaded is OK.

Sky_Boss · 06-08-2016, 09:38 AM

IMHO...I would get it done. It is way too early to tell but not doing it could be a factor in resale. Of course, having more of a cushion between current and upgraded rated axle weight is of value to many.

Compared to the upgraded axle for the 43' models, I would think an airbag upgrade would be fairly simple. That is a GUESS.

Spk64 · 06-08-2016, 09:52 AM

Is there an airbag fix for some coaches and a full axle on others?
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/nort...de-293489.html

If it were my coach I would also go ahead and get upgraded.

Dutch Star Don · 06-08-2016, 10:00 AM

I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the upgrade will actually soften the ride of the 40', which would be an upgrade in itself.

Sky_Boss · 06-08-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spk64

Is there an airbag fix for some coaches and a full axle on others?
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/nort...de-293489.html

If it were my coach I would also go ahead and get upgraded.

2 situations. The 43' DSDPs are eligible for a new front axle. The 40' DSDP get an air bag upgrade.

Flynryan15 · 06-09-2016, 06:42 AM

If you don't do it I imagine when you decide to trade, sell or upgrade your coach you would take a beating.

tjZ06 · 06-09-2016, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sky_Boss

2 situations. The 43' DSDPs are eligible for a new front axle. The 40' DSDP get an air bag upgrade.

Does anybody know what they did on the '17s? Did all DSDPs get the full, higher-rated front end parts, or did the 40's still just get the up-rated bags like the recall units?

-TJ

Gordon Dewald · 06-09-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I'm not sure, but I'm thinking the upgrade will actually soften the ride of the 40', which would be an upgrade in itself.

It may soften the ride but I think the bottle neck is the tires. The tires would be at the maximum pressure. Not sure if that is for the 40, the 43 or both.

tjZ06 · 06-10-2016, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

It may soften the ride but I think the bottle neck is the tires. The tires would be at the maximum pressure. Not sure if that is for the 40, the 43 or both.

Do you feel like the 40' rides rough?

-TJ

Gordon Dewald · 06-11-2016, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjZ06

Do you feel like the 40' rides rough?

-TJ

I don't know. Have not ridden in one. Just thinking about the axle change but not the tires.

Recollection is the axle or airbags were being replaced as required but not the wheels and tires. If the axle capacity is increased and not the tires it stands to reason that the tires must be at or near max capacity which would require the minimum pressure for the max tire capacity.

A tire that is inflated to it's max capacity pressure (say 120 lb) will ride harsher than a larger (higher capacity) tire that the pressure is reduced to carry the actual axle weight (say 100 lbs).

freeride95 · 06-12-2016, 05:01 AM

We ordered our 2016 DS 4018 unit with the upgraded front axle air bags and rims. The FWS slide on the 2016 model is tile, unlike the 2015 with carpet. The additional weight adds up. If you want to be sure you can load items in the basement without exceeding the front axle load capacity I would definitely get the fix. Newmar sent a letter out to all owners of the 2016 DS 40' and 43' offering to do the upgrade at no charge.