Community Forums

chico59jr · 04-27-2017, 05:32 PM

I purchase a Fleetwood Storm 32BH and on the first trip the ride in some area was rough. I am looking at modifying the suspension, does anyone that has a fleetwood have any recommendation?

BDWEAK · 04-27-2017, 05:54 PM

You do realize you are driving a house on a truck frame. With that said, and not knowing how old your unit is, you can try different shocks. Maybe air shocks. My Storm rides and drives like a loaded truck. If the road is bad the ride is rough, if the road is smooth the ride is fine.

Cacique · 04-27-2017, 06:00 PM

What platform

vsheetz · 04-27-2017, 06:02 PM

First thing is to ensure tire pressures are set accordingly to the actual weight of the coach. If they are higher than need be or at max, the ride can be overly harsh.

Cacique · 04-27-2017, 06:03 PM

If it is a Workhorse I can tell you what I did but ifnit ir Ford then i have no idea

Cacique · 04-27-2017, 06:06 PM

Just checked it is a Ford so I leave it to the Ford owners. Good luck on your new RV

chico59jr · 04-28-2017, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cacique

What platform

It is a 2012 Fleetwood Storm 32BN on a F53 frame.

redcolorado · 04-28-2017, 01:56 PM

Do a 4 corner weigh and set your tire pressure per your tire manufacturer chart. Do this with the coach loaded for travel. Move all the weight you can to between the axles. Weight behind the rear axle unloads the front end making it wander.
As others have said "you are driving a truck". The Koni shocks helped on mine, but it is still a truck.

Waiter21 · 04-28-2017, 02:08 PM

Truck with leaf spring suspension, probably worst ride ever.

Tire pressure first. run the lowest tire pressure allowable for your weight, DO NOT run tires lo low.
Air bags will help.
Shocks will help handling, not so much ride.
CHF will help handling, not so much ride.

z3406 · 04-29-2017, 07:13 AM

May I suggest you look at this part of the Forum
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/
Pay special attention to the Cheap Handling Fix discussion. That thread has every possible chassis modification mentioned.

computerguy · 04-29-2017, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

Truck with leaf spring suspension, probably worst ride ever...

Although a truck with leafsprings is not a custom rv chassis with an air ride I disagree it is "the worst ride ever". Not even close.
For a couple hundred dollars mine rides very nice. And yes, I am comparing to a DP as I owned one.
Now, worst ride ever, I can say a UHaul truck or Penske truck is far worse than my 2016 Bounder. Not even a close comparison.
But everyone has their own opinions...

Cacique · 04-29-2017, 07:53 AM

I own a 2009 Pace Arrow on a Workhorse W24 and love my ride. I have driven several DP and for a gas unit it is smooth and very quiet. Has nothing to do with a truck. I have also driven several small trucks.

mojoracing · 05-02-2017, 05:19 AM

Adjust tire pressure to the lowest allowable on tire pressure chart for your brand of tire. Consider SUMO springs or air bags not so much for weight capacity but for comfort. If it is an older coach, consider putting the new bilstein shocks on it that now come stock from the factory. I have read good things about koni however. Also, if you have 19.5" tires and wheels, consider upgrading to 22.5's. BIG difference. As someone else has said, I find mine rides very nicely on all but the worst highways. I recently had the opportunity to drive several Penske trucks both air suspension and spring, and I will tell you, go rent one and drive it unloaded for a few miles! You will be begging to get back in your motorhome! LOL!