Community Forums

woodycapt · 08-26-2016, 09:17 AM

We recently purchased an Anthem 2016 (new) and traded in our 2013 Aspire.
We love the new coach and especially love the ride. The front end is so different from my Aspire (although we did like the Entegra experience or would not have bought another).
We have heard much about changing the front shocks to Koni's. I think our current ride is pretty darn fine. What advice is out there regarding switching to the Koni's.
Thanks
Woody & Ann

Hayman · 08-26-2016, 09:54 AM

We also have a 16 Anthem with about 5500 miles and so far am pleased with the ride. The 17's have larger front shocks . We are on a 5-6k mile trip and I am considering a DIY change to the Koni's while parked this winter before heading out next spring.

Smitty3509 · 08-26-2016, 10:08 AM

I'm going up to the Spartan owners class in October, and talked to the shop over the phone. He said personal preference, he doesn't notice the difference. Some guys on the forum say they feel a difference, but the older coach owners swear by them. So I'm on hold, I don't have enough miles on it to complain yet.

DebbieMH · 08-26-2016, 10:10 AM

If you are happy with the feel, don't spend the $$. It might have just been us "classics" that it helps.

vsheetz · 08-26-2016, 10:22 AM

If not broke, don't fix.

JimnEllen · 08-26-2016, 11:17 AM

Last year I had Spartan put Koni shocks on the front axle of my 2014 44B Anthem.

IMHO it's the best dollar for dollar upgrade you can do to your coach.

Jim

brobox · 08-26-2016, 11:58 AM

If you coach "bangs" going over bridge expansion joints, or hitting pot holes, the Koni's will put an end to that. If your front end floats over those conditions, no need for the Koni's.

lowejug · 08-26-2016, 01:14 PM

I have a 14 anthem ,I just put the front konis on 2 weeks ago,, we drove 1600 miles to middlebury for our pdi ,, my opinion
Thus far would be a slight difference on the positive side, a bit softer but not as overwellming difference as others are reporting at least to me,
I may be on the high side on my front tires, I will keep playing with it, either way for about 500 bucks u can't go wrong either way

brianw8602 · 08-26-2016, 01:28 PM

Woody, you might recall last year I think half of our Spartan Academy class had them installed. Made a huge difference on our 15 Anthem. I was so impressed, I had them installed on our 16 before we ever drove it. That being said, I am still impressed with how the 16 handles but truthfully can't say if the Konis are the reason. Next time we hook up, I'll let you drive it and you will have something to compare it to. Say hi to Ann for us.

Brian

Ready2Travel · 08-26-2016, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

If you coach "bangs" going over bridge expansion joints, or hitting pot holes, the Koni's will put an end to that. If your front end floats over those conditions, no need for the Koni's.

My 2004 Winnebago banged going over pot holes and it was remedied by Freightliner in 2004, hasn't done it since. Fixed it by adjusting the ride height.

brobox · 08-26-2016, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ready2Travel

My 2004 Winnebago banged going over pot holes and it was remedied by Freightliner in 2004, hasn't done it since. Fixed it by adjusting the ride height.

Had my ride height checked and adjusted 4 times....didn't help until I replaced the factory shocks. For some, the Koni's will be a major improvement, others not so much. Fortunate for me, they solved my major problem. I just put 3,100 miles on the coach and it is the best handling 3,100 miles I have had out of 18,000 miles.

ikold · 08-26-2016, 09:27 PM

I think they've largely fixed the problem of the classics in the '16-17's. I've got a '14 Cornerstone and the Koni switch made a night and day difference. Front end was harsh and wandered prior to and after Koni's and ride height adjustment it rides wonderfully.

woodycapt · 08-27-2016, 06:20 AM

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think based on what you all have said, I will sit tight until I am unhappy with the ride and front end in particular.
Safe traveling
Woody

waterboy10 · 08-27-2016, 06:39 AM

We also had a 13 Aspire and moved to a 16 Anthem 44B while at the factory opening. We like the 16 better for sure and were OK with the ride except on heavy expansion joints and bridge approaches. Switched to the Konis and are quite satisfied. Made a big difference on the interstates.