Community Forums

SEAN1951 · 12-12-2019, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain kc42

we have been class a rving for about 6 years, first on a monaco dp and now our american eagle. With 30k miles under us we are still not used to the 'bang' of hitting a pothole or bad expansion joint at highway speed. It usually is followed by some salty language from the passenger seat and a sideways look toward the driver.

Yesterday, on a 200 mile milk run bringing the coach home from the repair shop in decatur, in, it was the topic off conversation: 'i swear we bottomed out on that one!', 'no sweetie, it is normal.' (this was our first run after a left front steer tire at 67 mph a couple months ago so nerves were high)

nonetheless, what do you hear and experience? What is normal when you hit a hole or bad expansion joint? Appreciate all responses. Thank you

had a wonderful trip to florida for turkey eating holiday, cracked drivers windshield from top to bottom and had a blow out on tow dolly with the car on it. I-95 and i-4 sc to orlando

Mike_Cathi · 12-12-2019, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramps66

New Orleans Louisiana to Beaumont Texas going over all the bridges it’s like a carnival ride
Like a downhill snow skier going over the moguls

Good to know. That route is on our plans for 2020. We will keep it slow and easy. I will try to be driving so my DH can complain about me hitting bumps as he is trying to type a text message

F4Gary · 12-12-2019, 09:59 PM

My advise in I-20 is slow down in Mississippi. It's not bad in Arkansas and pretty good in Texas.

Bmaintz8 · 12-13-2019, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

My advise in I-20 is slow down in Mississippi. It's not bad in Arkansas and pretty good in Texas.

I-20 was always bumpy west of Jackson & just before Vicksburg due to type of soil...
Plan on stopping at the casino at Vicksburg for eats & a nap..

Bob

Racefan1948 · 12-13-2019, 08:55 AM

The worst roads I have encountered are I 65 north thru Indiana and the Indiana and Illinois toll roads. You would think as much as you pay for tolls these would be the best upkept roads, but not the case. I was pulling a 35 ft. fifth wheel up to Wisconsin and hit a pot hole so hard it jerked the steering wheel out of my hands. Pulled over and checked and didn't see any damage so continued on after changing my underware. Florida has by far the best roads.

Bmaintz8 · 12-13-2019, 09:41 AM

Come up with a software package that would go "WARNING, pot hole ahead, slow down"...

Jabber Jaw · 12-13-2019, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Try some new shocks. I've replaced the shocks on both of my Dutch Stars, right after I bought them new. I added Koni's to both. Initially, the only Koni available for independent front suspension, was the Koni Red. I tried them and they were no better. Eventually, Koni came out with the Koni EVO, for IFS front ends. I changed over to the EVO's and noticed quite a reduction of the harsh impact on expansion joints and pot holes. I could see my front shades get quite a bonce going on the expansion joints. The EVO's eliminated that. Now, I often hear some pot holes thunk, but don't feel them transmit through to the coach.

If you don't have IFS, the Koni FSD's will give you the same improvement. The FSD's work great on the rear.

Some may think I'm nuts for replacing new shocks, yet others will spend thousands on electronics and drive down the road in a rough riding coach. I like to fix the ride first, then improve things like the stereo.

Don, as you know, per our phone conversation, I picked up my new Canyon Star at Newmar, the week of October 14th. During the "test drive", which was about 115 miles, we were able to give the chassis a great test. Even with a brand new coach, new shocks, etc, we got the expansion joint and bridge transition shock & bang! I believe this was an adequate test for the F-53 suspension!
Prior to leaving, I took the coach to the local Ford dealer in Bremen, and had them do some work for me. I had already purchased new Koni shocks, Saf-T-Plus stabilizer, & an Ultra-Trac rear track bar. They installed these for me, & as a Sumo Spring Dealer, while there, I had the Sumo front springs installed too.
Just pulling out of the Dealership provide a noticeable difference; less lean & no bumps across the curb. On the return trip to the Newmar Service Center, I could feel a improved difference in ride!
After the 770 mile return trip through the mountains, especially West Virginia & Virginia; some rough Interstates that were under repair, bridges being fixed, roads being paved,etc; the INVESTMENT, yes I call it an investment, in the suspension changes to a brand new coach were worth every penny spent!
Would I do it again? YES, in a heartbeat! Spend a couple thousand up front to save untold thousands in potential issues, ride comfort, and satisfaction!
Did it totally solve the bridge transition, pot hole, expansion joint issue, NO!
But it sure made it a heck of a lot better!
Folks, spend the money to improve, enhance the ride characteristics, and your comfort, and don't look back! No matter what the type, brand, etc, coach you may own!

jeddpearl · 12-15-2019, 08:26 AM

I have to agree with the truckers on this one. The only thing I would add is that Michigan is right up there in line with Indiana.

NXR · 12-15-2019, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Spend a couple thousand up front to save untold thousands in potential issues, ride comfort, and satisfaction!

That was my thought as well. All of that banging, jolting and shuddering has to do other damage that was not ride-related. We just did a thousand mile trip and the ride was very good and I figure the collateral damage also had to be reduced.

Ray

SEAN1951 · 12-15-2019, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nxr

that was my thought as well. All of that banging, jolting and shuddering has to do other damage that was not ride-related. We just did a thousand mile trip and the ride was very good and i figure the collateral damage also had to be reduced.

Ray

it seems that we are taken this personally !!! Ha ha i wish all a merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year

tmelsonjr · 12-15-2019, 10:02 PM

amen brother!

Reacher · 12-16-2019, 10:20 AM

Trust me the language gets saltier when you try and dodge those hazards and empty a few cabinets!

Reacher · 12-17-2019, 09:13 AM

Just kidding, actually my rig has one of the best rides right out of the box (for a gasser) without any aftermarket expense.

JpalmerCass · 12-17-2019, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reacher

Just kidding, actually my rig has one of the best rides right out of the box (for a gasser) without any aftermarket expense.

Your 252" wheelbase and short rear overhang probably helps, at least with the handling. Many coaches the size of yours are on shorter wheelbases with long overhangs.

My 32SA is on a 228" wheelbase, the longest wheelbase of a coach its size. It has a short overhang and exhibits none of the handling problems many complain about with Ford gasser Class As. It's also on the 24,000 chassis, most coaches this size are on the 22,000 chassis.

Now the ride; that's another story---fine on smooth roads but bad on rough ones. I'm in a quandary about what to do about that, if anything.