Community Forums

Muhkanik · 02-14-2019, 03:13 PM

I recently purchased a '94 Dutch Star and it seems to be pushed around a lot by other passing vehicles (especially tractor trailers!!). I've had the suspension/steering checked and have been told that everything looks fine.
My first guess is that I should change the shocks due to not knowing how old they are. I'd like to put air bags on it but I can't seem to find anything that directly fits. Any advice?

Filmshooter · 02-14-2019, 03:25 PM

You will find that older RVs weigh less than newer ones & will respond to wind/passing trucks more. We have a ‘94 National Dolphin that when loaded for travel weighs in at 22,700#. That’s about half the weight of a newer one. We have found that tire inflation is critical & an “expert” might not be. When we put new tires on, Les Schwab set the pressures at 100 psi. Eas all over the road! Stopped at another Schwab to check pressure & guy told us pressure was too high for our weight. Dropped to 80 psi & ride is much better. Hope this helps.

twinboat · 02-14-2019, 03:31 PM

Install heavy duty anti sway bars. Not to expensive and easy to do.

Start with the rear one. They will keep the chassis from leaning as the trucks go by. The leaning side to side is what causes the MH to move side to side in the traffic lane.

HJLowell · 02-14-2019, 03:39 PM

Look at the Henderson suspension
Super steer site.

He helped me out with everything I needed for an 88 Airstream motor home.
I did it all in a day , front and back axle s. It made a big difference.

MSHappyCampers · 02-14-2019, 04:34 PM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! I'm not a Dutch Star guy so can't help with that. Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

momdoc · 02-14-2019, 07:21 PM

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new coach.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. You might want to look at the Vintage RV thread here for good info on older coaches.

Enjoy the adventure!

"007" · 02-15-2019, 02:48 PM

Welcome to irv2 and the world of Newmar.
This link will help and the Workhorse link possibly in it.
Your coach is probably on a Ford chassis and using the link will lead you to the Newmar forum where we can discuss options to correct some of your problems.
Enjoy the forums and safe travels.

Muhkanik · 02-16-2019, 08:04 AM

Filmshooter and 007:
I looked through the posts about tire inflation and that really opened my eyes. I've already printed off the Firestone inflation guide and once we figure out what our "normal" load is, I'll make an appointment at the local scales.
Momdoc:
Thanks for the advice! Looks like a lot of good info in there and some inspiration for remodels.
007 and Twinboat:
It's on a Spartan chassis so it looks like adding sway bars and/or air bags isn't possible due to it's age. No one has anything that fits.
Saying all that leads me to.......
John Haggard:
Super Steer has a Safe-T-Plus Steering Control system that fits and is supposed to help.

I'm going to replace all the shocks and get weighed so I can properly adjust the tire pressures and see what that does for us. In the mean time, I'll do a little more research on the Super Steer products to see if they're worth the money.
Thanks for the help everyone!