Community Forums

LewF · 11-29-2008, 06:28 AM

I recently had Koni FSD shocks installed on our 2007 HR Endeavor. I have seen others comment on these shocks and wanted to relate our positive experience. With the old shocks (we have about 8000 miles on the coach so they were not really "old") we experienced severe jolts on some rough interstate highways, pavement joints and bridge joints. So severe that some of the cabinetry joints are working loose and I can't imagine what else is loosening up. I am happy to say that the Konis have nearly completely eliminated this problem. I would describe the change as a smoother "bump" over irregularities as compared to the sharp jolts with the OEM shocks. They were expensive but worth it to us.

We also had an STP steering damper installed and I think I am satisfied with it. Gusty winds and passing trucks don't push the coach around as much now but the coach seems to steer a bit harder and seems to require a bit of left rudder all the time to track down the middle of the right lane - not much. I have to drive a bit more to have a solid impression of the damper. I must admit that the coach doesn't seems to require the constant attention to steering that it did without the damper and that is good.

I would appreciate feedback and experience from anyone with the STP damper on a 41ft diesel pusher. Thanks.

LewF · 11-29-2008, 06:28 AM

I recently had Koni FSD shocks installed on our 2007 HR Endeavor. I have seen others comment on these shocks and wanted to relate our positive experience. With the old shocks (we have about 8000 miles on the coach so they were not really "old") we experienced severe jolts on some rough interstate highways, pavement joints and bridge joints. So severe that some of the cabinetry joints are working loose and I can't imagine what else is loosening up. I am happy to say that the Konis have nearly completely eliminated this problem. I would describe the change as a smoother "bump" over irregularities as compared to the sharp jolts with the OEM shocks. They were expensive but worth it to us.

We also had an STP steering damper installed and I think I am satisfied with it. Gusty winds and passing trucks don't push the coach around as much now but the coach seems to steer a bit harder and seems to require a bit of left rudder all the time to track down the middle of the right lane - not much. I have to drive a bit more to have a solid impression of the damper. I must admit that the coach doesn't seems to require the constant attention to steering that it did without the damper and that is good.

I would appreciate feedback and experience from anyone with the STP damper on a 41ft diesel pusher. Thanks.

walt2137 · 11-29-2008, 10:34 AM

No experience with the STP but have had a Blueox trucenter since they first came out, now on my 3 edition of the trucenter all at no extra cost from Blueox. The trucenter does a super job and we also have Koni old style for a few yrs and are satisfied with them.

Walt 2000 Dyn

rvtips · 11-29-2008, 02:55 PM

Did replace all the shocks,front and rear ?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LewF:
I recently had Koni FSD shocks installed on our 2007 HR Endeavor. I have seen others comment on these shocks and wanted to relate our positive experience. With the old shocks (we have about 8000 miles on the coach so they were not really "old") we experienced severe jolts on some rough interstate highways, pavement joints and bridge joints. So severe that some of the cabinetry joints are working loose and I can't imagine what else is loosening up. I am happy to say that the Konis have nearly completely eliminated this problem. I would describe the change as a smoother "bump" over irregularities as compared to the sharp jolts with the OEM shocks. They were expensive but worth it to us.

We also had an STP steering damper installed and I think I am satisfied with it. Gusty winds and passing trucks don't push the coach around as much now but the coach seems to steer a bit harder and seems to require a bit of left rudder all the time to track down the middle of the right lane - not much. I have to drive a bit more to have a solid impression of the damper. I must admit that the coach doesn't seems to require the constant attention to steering that it did without the damper and that is good.

I would appreciate feedback and experience from anyone with the STP damper on a 41ft diesel pusher. Thanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

nodine · 11-30-2008, 02:53 AM

Lew,

I replaced all 8 OEM shocks on our 2006 Diplomat about two months ago and cannot get over how much better she rides and handles. You did not mention if you installed the steering damper at the same time as the shock upgrade. I noticed that our coach handles the wind and passing trucks much better with the Koni shocks. It is a pleasure to drive now and I have no plans to do anything else to improve the handling. I had a steering damper installed on our previous coach and it made very little improvement. For awhile I longed for a tag axle to improve handling but I am happy now after the ride height adjustment and the Koni shocks.

Not sure where you purchased your coach or if you have ever used Buddy Gregg for service. We purchased our Diplomat from Lazydays but I had Buddy Gregg adjust the ride height and there was a significant improvement in handling and ride after that.

Bob

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LewF:
I recently had Koni FSD shocks installed on our 2007 HR Endeavor. I have seen others comment on these shocks and wanted to relate our positive experience. With the old shocks (we have about 8000 miles on the coach so they were not really "old") we experienced severe jolts on some rough interstate highways, pavement joints and bridge joints. So severe that some of the cabinetry joints are working loose and I can't imagine what else is loosening up. I am happy to say that the Konis have nearly completely eliminated this problem. I would describe the change as a smoother "bump" over irregularities as compared to the sharp jolts with the OEM shocks. They were expensive but worth it to us.

We also had an STP steering damper installed and I think I am satisfied with it. Gusty winds and passing trucks don't push the coach around as much now but the coach seems to steer a bit harder and seems to require a bit of left rudder all the time to track down the middle of the right lane - not much. I have to drive a bit more to have a solid impression of the damper. I must admit that the coach doesn't seems to require the constant attention to steering that it did without the damper and that is good.

I would appreciate feedback and experience from anyone with the STP damper on a 41ft diesel pusher. Thanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

CoolJourney · 11-30-2008, 05:37 AM

We have the Safe-T-Plus on our 41' 2007 Diplomat, but still have the stock shocks. We had the STP installed at Henderson's Lineup in Grants Pass, Oregon. My reason for getting the STP was mostly to help correct the problem of the coach wandering left and right. Henderson's checked our alignment, ride height, weight distribution and anything else needed to "tune-out" the wandering problem. Initially I thought the STP helped, but after having it for awhile I think it introduced some issues of its own. Previously, our coach needed small adjustments most of the time (every second or two) to keep it centered in the lane. Now, when I am on a straight seemingly level road holding the steering wheel firmly and centered on the roadway, the coach seems to track straight for awhile then it will start to wander left or right. I make a small adjustment to bring it back to center and then in 5 seconds or so it moves again. If I make no steering adjustment it will continue to move in the direction it started to wander. Interestingly, when I am testing this, occasionally (when traffic permits) I will not make a steering adjustment just to see whether it will come back to center. Sometimes it will, but most of the time not. When I am on a turn the coach doesn't wander at all and tracks true to my steering input. So for me, it appears that the STP gave me a few more seconds of straight travel compared to the way the coach handled previously. Since the STP also provides more control in a front tire blowout situation I guess it is worth it. Maybe I am too picky about the way the coach handles, but I am still in search of a solution. These beasts do not leave much room in the lane, which probably magnifies my perception of the problem.

Hope this helps.

Bill

LewF · 11-30-2008, 05:55 AM

Bob, we used Buddy Gregg's in Knoxville to do our work as well. We installed the Koni shocks and the STP damper at the same time about a month ago. I will call David at Buddy Gregg on Monday and see if I can schedule a quick trip over to check the ride height and adjust if necessary. On the rear the left side is right on but the right side is 1/4 low - I wonder if this may be causing the coach to need some left steering input on the highway. (incidentally, we live in Oak Ridge)

Phillip, yes we replaced all 8 shocks - my checkbook is still complaining.

Bill, thanks for the feedback on the STP. Your experience sounds like it matches mine. I don't have to pay continuous attention to steering like I did without it but steering seems to be a bit harder. Don't get me wrong, I am amazed at how well the coach handles and tracks but am searching for perfection like you. (I raced Porsches at one time so I am sure I am spoiled and have the wrong baseline to compare against - the coach is definitely not a Porsche.)

woward · 11-30-2008, 06:58 AM

How do you check ride height on these coaches? And, how is it "adjusted"?

Thanks,

Bill

LewF · 11-30-2008, 07:25 AM

Go to http://robmorgan.net/Dip/index.htm to see the directions Rob has posted. Also see the other very helpful information he has posted there.

nodine · 12-01-2008, 01:14 AM

Lew,

These Monaco Diplomats seem to be very sensitive to ride height. I would certainly have the ride height checked at Buddy's. I do a lot of my own work but do not have a level location large enough to adjust the ride height. My concrete pad is sloped for drainage.

Motorhomes are a long way from a Porsche. With the heavy engine out back on a diesel pusher achieving good handling can be difficult. We came from dualy trucks and 5th wheels and were not ready for the poor handling of a motorhome. I traded my first motorhome after 3 1/2 months due to poor handling. I am happy now partly due to the adjustments made to the Diplomat and partly because I have gotten used to driving a motorhome. I still think the best handling would be acheived by a tag axle. The tag will pen down the rear of the coach and keep the rear end side to side movement from affecting the front wheels.

I contract in Oak Ridge but live in North East Knox County.

Bob

[QUOTE].... On the rear the left side is right on but the right side is 1/4 low - I wonder if this may be causing the coach to need some left steering input on the highway. (incidentally, we live in Oak Ridge)
........
QUOTE]

Andy M · 12-01-2008, 05:56 PM

Here ya go: http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/for...1082232/m/7021059442

Dancing Bear · 12-01-2008, 06:26 PM

Where is the best place to purchase the shocks. Are they difficult to install?

DAN L · 12-01-2008, 11:31 PM

I got mine from shox.com.
konis are more difficult to install on a moho than on a car.
an impact wrench and a 150 ft LB. torque wr. make the job go a little faster.
my koni fsd's are performing well.

BudtheDiplomat · 12-04-2008, 05:53 PM

I wonder if there is a difference between the Koni's for the '07 Diplomat and the '08 Diplomat.

I couldn't get an answer from the reps at Koni. They said they'd get back to me...3 months ago, again 2 months ago, and again one month ago...

The '08 Dip has some differences in overall length. I read somewhere that the Koni's don't extend far enough for the '08 Dip, but with my pre-Alzheimers I can't remember where I read it.

The '07, '08, and '09 are all on the RR8R Chassis. I wonder if there have been any changes in the chassis construction for these years?