Community Forums

NO-ETA · 11-29-2022, 09:16 AM

Hello - need some help trying to get a better ride out of this rig. It has the Freightliner chassis with solid front axle. Will new shocks help? If so, which ones are the best?

- air pressure is correct after weighing both axles

Bumps on highway make the whole front end shake!

DeWat · 11-29-2022, 09:52 AM

Just a thought before investing bigger dollars, ride height and alignment. They're both a shot in the dark, but checking them may reveal another underlying problem.

PKI · 11-29-2022, 12:04 PM

Slow down, lighten the front end (not too much), optimize air pressure in steers, go to Koni dampers, avoid bad road surfaces (use all the lane), and SLOW DOWN.

The after-market steering dampers help you control the steering on straight axle rigs. Worth considering.

Note - road impacts impart a horizontal force and a vertical force. Dampers absorb vertical force and tire pressure absorbs the horizontal force. It's a balance.

EDIT - a 2020 should not have enough miles to destroy the dampers. Consequently, unless I had money to burn, I'd address all other options first. But I wanted Koni's after the first 2500 miles. Still saving for them.

NO-ETA · 11-29-2022, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

Slow down, lighten the front end (not too much), optimize air pressure in steers, go to Koni dampers, avoid bad road surfaces (use all the lane), and SLOW DOWN.

The after-market steering dampers help you control the steering on straight axle rigs. Worth considering.

Note - road impacts impart a horizontal force and a vertical force. Dampers absorb vertical force and tire pressure absorbs the horizontal force. It's a balance.

EDIT - a 2020 should not have enough miles to destroy the dampers. Consequently, unless I had money to burn, I'd address all other options first. But I wanted Koni's after the first 2500 miles. Still saving for them.

Thank you. Do you have a recommendation on best place to have installed?

PKI · 11-30-2022, 09:40 AM

Bay Diesel in Red Bay, Al.

Phill Holingsworth Family RV in Jackson, CA.

One owner had a mobil tire shop pull the wheels and did the damper install as a DIY project.

NO-ETA · 12-01-2022, 07:42 AM

Headed to Saf-T-Plus in Tallapoosa, GA for steering stabilizer and shocks

wolfe10 · 12-01-2022, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NO-ETA

Headed to Saf-T-Plus in Tallapoosa, GA for steering stabilizer

While I like Safe T Plus, that is sure NOT where I would start for a ride quality issue.

As already mentioned, after setting tire pressure to actual load, the very next step is to verify RIDE HEIGHT as that has a material impact on ride quality.

Next would be Koni shocks.

NO-ETA · 12-02-2022, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

While I like Safe T Plus, that is sure NOT where I would start for a ride quality issue.

As already mentioned, after setting tire pressure to actual load, the very next step is to verify RIDE HEIGHT as that has a material impact on ride quality.

Next would be Koni shocks.

Agreed. Ride height verified (10” drive axle, 9.75” rear on FL). SafTPlus is installing KONI’s also.

vettenuts · 12-02-2022, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NO-ETA

Headed to Saf-T-Plus in Tallapoosa, GA for steering stabilizer and shocks

Be interested in your experience. Thinking of having them install the steering stabilizer after we leave Florida in the spring.

alank · 12-02-2022, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NO-ETA

Agreed. Ride height verified (10” drive axle, 9.75” rear on FL). SafTPlus is installing KONI’s also.

Are you sure the ride heights are verified the way you typed them, or is there a typo?

Shaking the whole front end would make me question the ride height adjustment also, but then we don't know what speed you're traveling or the condition of the roads you're on, they may shake any coach.

Adding a steering stabilizer won't do anything for your ride.

Installing the Koni FSD shocks should improve the ride even though some have said they didn't notice any difference. Only the FSD shocks have the selective dampening.

If you want better handling, I suggest an alignment adjustment. I like .03* total toe, camber is not normally adjustable, and a caster setting that provides 3/4" of trail. I've adjusted 4 coach chassis this way and wouldn't keep doing the same thing if it didn't work. The 3/4" trail adjustment won't be within Freightliner or Ford specifications.

Shell Man · 12-06-2022, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NO-ETA

Hello - need some help trying to get a better ride out of this rig. It has the Freightliner chassis with solid front axle. Will new shocks help? If so, which ones are the best?

- air pressure is correct after weighing both axles

Bumps on highway make the whole front end shake!

I have a Newmar with the Freightliner chassis. Switched to Koni shocks and it made a big difference. Worth the investment.

HerbieHauler · 12-06-2022, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NO-ETA

Headed to Saf-T-Plus in Tallapoosa, GA for steering stabilizer and shocks

We had the Safe-T-Plus and shocks added to our Freightliner chassis and all I can say is night and day ride.. I am a true believer in the Safe-T-Plus set up. If you would like a discount for the Safe-T-Plus and/or the shocks, you can use discount code: (HNG-1031)

I hope it helps you with the stability and ride of your coach the way it helped us...

HerbieHauler · 12-06-2022, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Be interested in your experience. Thinking of having them install the steering stabilizer after we leave Florida in the spring.

We had the Safe-T-Plus and the shocks installed all the way around on our freightliner chassis before we went to Florida and I have to say that it made a real difference in the ride of our coach.. The steering is very controlled and the wind no longer affect the coach the way it use to. The Tech said that the OEM shock on our coach was bad (Only 2 years old). After having the new shocks installed and putting another 400 miles on the coach, I believe him.
If you consider getting the Safe-T-Plus steering system and shocks, Here is a discount code you can use to help you save some money..
Use Code: (HNG-1031)
Tell them that Herbie from Redjaguar 100 Travels sent you.

NO-ETA · 12-06-2022, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Be interested in your experience. Thinking of having them install the steering stabilizer after we leave Florida in the spring.

I just got back from Saf-T-Plus in Tallapoosa. It is a short 4 hr drive from Nashville area. I had the stabilizer and Koni shocks installed. Big difference in my rig. I didn’t realize how much I was fighting the wind and passing 18 wheelers. KONI’s are well worth the money and smoothed out the harsh bumps.