Shock Bracket Bolt Failure on Phaeton

[CoachTom]

Recently took our 2012 Phaeton 40 QBH in to get Koni Shocks and a Safe-T -Plus stabilizer bar installed. The coach rode really 'loose' especially in the rear. Hard on entry on an overpass or bad roads. Tire pressures were per Michelin Chart based on axle loads. Recovery from bumps, bridges humps and general driving was not smooth at all.

The tech discovered BOTH rear shock top mounting brackets had failed. One was completed off (leaning against the axle) where the bolts sheared where it attaches to the frame and the other had one nut of one bolt half off. The other bolt was missing. NO WONDER THE RIDE WAS HORRIBLE!

The coach has 35k miles. The remaining bolt was a grade 5. It appears the grade 5 bolts failed on both shocks. Replaced with grade 8 and went a 1/16 larger to 1/2 inch.

FYI everyone.

[dvredc5]

Wow, seems like Tiffin used inadequate grade bolts for this. Anyone else seems this on their Tiffin? Question, is the Powerglide chassis or something else?

[CoachTom]

This is a standard Freightliner Chassis.

[FryDaddy]

I’m not positive but seems the chassis manufacturer would have installed the shocks. So I don’t think it’s on Tiffin, unless they replace shocks as they do a new build?

It’s sure aggravating and Terribly unsafe!

Glad you guys found it!