Community Forums

The-fishers · 03-13-2022, 09:24 AM

Hi, looking for recommendations on how I can improve the ride in our DS. Certainly roads are much worse today than a few years ago but we’re tired of the bumps and jars from expansion joints and divots. What can we do to keep our teeth from rattling out?

wolfe10 · 03-13-2022, 09:30 AM

Please tell us what you have done so far:

Tire pressure to that recommended for your actual weights?

OE or aftermarket shocks?

Other?

Skip426 · 03-13-2022, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Please tell us what you have done so far:

Tire pressure to that recommended for your actual weights?

OE or aftermarket shocks?

Other?

Chassis manufacturer ?

Dutch Star Don · 03-13-2022, 03:01 PM

First thing I did on both my 2014 DS and 2019 DS (Freightliner) was change the shocks. I put Koni EVO's on the front and Koni FSD's on the rear. I installed Centramatics on all three axles and run the tires to the correct air pressure for my weight.

The Koni's eliminate the front end chop and reduce some of the impact of potholes to the cab.

When I buy a coach, the first thing I do is upgrade the suspension/ride and then worry about upgrading other things like electronics and comfort items.

**pasdad1** · 03-13-2022, 07:16 PM

What is your front tire pressure?

How much fresh water do you carry? Try it empty, and also try it full to see what difference you feel.

Roads make a huge difference…..we have driven over some highways that makes me wonder if my tires are square - lol

And then other roads are as smooth as silk.

Have you checked ride height? You want the air bags filled with the correct amount of air….

Balanced tires? I put centramatics on all the axles so they are
always self balancing….

UMXHAULER · 03-13-2022, 08:12 PM

I agree, many roads are horrible now. I get irritated more by the noise inside the coach than the rough ride at times. Tire pressures are key and cheap! After that, I would go with at least the front shocks Don mentions. Also, ride height was mentioned-that should be checked as well because if it's too low, the air springs will be much harsher. The rear end of a tag axle coach never feels harsh as far as I can tell-it just floats over everything.

The-fishers · 03-14-2022, 05:33 AM

Hi I have a freightliner. I have run water full, 1/2 full but usually about 25 gal. Tire pressures are set by weight by freightliner at Gaffney. This is my second DS and the other also hated the rough roads. I swear some are worse than some Jeep trails I’ve been on! This latest trip the roads jarred the seals out of the shower walls and threw items off the closet shelves. I think I’ll explore the shocks. I’ve never heard of centramatics but I’ll consider that too.

2cyber71 · 03-14-2022, 05:52 AM

I would weigh the motorhome myself.
I always weigh with a full tank of fuel
Once you have the weights, then adjust your tire pressures according to the tire manufacturer pressure /weight chart.
10 lbs too much will change your ride tremendously. 10 lbs too little and you risk a blow out

If I ran what my sticker from Freightliner said, I’d break my suspension.
It says 120 cold max. The stupid dealer delivered my RV with 120 lbs. driving home was terrible. But I fixed it
I run 105 cold all around.

mnmountains · 03-14-2022, 08:02 AM

It is a known issue with the 4369 due to the beefed up front end. I really wanted to lower our front tire pressures. I had it weighed and discussed the results with Newmar and Michelin. Unfortunately, both recommend 130 PSI front, 85 rear and 85 tag. The ride is very rough. We've been up to Alaska twice with it and I swear we were going flat several times.

So the conclusion I have come up with is that we just deal with it.

Ken

UMXHAULER · 03-14-2022, 10:01 AM

Since I have a 4081 and have never drove or ridden in a 43 ft. DS, I was just wondering how the ride and handling compare if anyone has personal experience. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the 4369 for the extra storage and large bathroom.

wolfe10 · 03-14-2022, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-fishers

Tire pressures are set by weight by freightliner at Gaffney.

Sorry, we don't know what that means.

Did they weigh individual wheel positions? Axle weights?

Did they then set tire pressure based on this?

On the GVWR sticker?

Other?

GW4607 · 03-14-2022, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

Sorry, we don't know what that means.

Did they weigh individual wheel positions? Axle weights?

Did they then set tire pressure based on this?

On the GVWR sticker?

Other?

At the FCC service facility in Gaffney they will do 4 or 6 point weight. Based on your weight, tire size and tire manufacture they will set pressure to recommended psi.

The-fishers · 03-14-2022, 01:17 PM

That is what they have done…I think they did all 6 points on my first visit then went to 4. Running 105# front and 90# rear and tag. By the way my previous coach was a 40’ and the ride was a little better. New Shocks are in my future. Thanks

UMXHAULER · 03-14-2022, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-fishers

That is what they have done…I think they did all 6 points on my first visit then went to 4. Running 105# front and 90# rear and tag. By the way my previous coach was a 40’ and the ride was a little better. New Shocks are in my future. Thanks

I am glad to hear the 40' is a little smoother. It's funny, because all the YouTube videos by dealers always tout the huge 365 front tires on the 43' and say the bigger the tire, the smoother the ride. This is the exact opposite of what I would expect and not so in any vehicle I have ever owned. I suspect they only have the 365's because they need them for the load capacity and nothing else.