Community Forums

Bo · 04-02-2005, 06:10 PM

We just returned from an extended trip with our new, to us, 2001 Starflyte by Dynamax and my biggest disappointment was in the ride and handling. The rig only had 12,000 miles on it when we left. The front suspension seems overly soft and bounces luke a 50s Buick when crossing dips. That I can live with but the handling in crosswinds is dangerous. I had the rig jump a half lane with 35 mph gusts and it was always a white knuckle drive whenever there was a crosswind over 10 mph. This is my first motorhome and you can see by my signature that I have a slide in camper and fifth wheel both of which handle much better than this E350. Is what I'm experiencing typical of the van chassis? I am ready to start mods to improve the handling and will start with shocks. I've decided on Bilsteins but find that for this small model they only offer their mildest tuning, no HD, and I'd like HDs. HDs are available for E series class Cs over 30 ft and it appears they will fit on the shorter chassis as well. Will they be too stiff for a reasonable ride? Anyone try this? Second on the list is to replace the steering dampener. I'm open to suggestions on the best replacement dampener. Then will come rear air bags and sway bar. BTW: on later models of this model MH Dynamax did use Bilstein shocks and air bags. The 2001 model was the last to use the Coachman design. Anyway I am open for all suggestions for improving the handling in wind. I hope this isn't characteristic of Class Cs in general.

Bo · 04-02-2005, 06:10 PM

We just returned from an extended trip with our new, to us, 2001 Starflyte by Dynamax and my biggest disappointment was in the ride and handling. The rig only had 12,000 miles on it when we left. The front suspension seems overly soft and bounces luke a 50s Buick when crossing dips. That I can live with but the handling in crosswinds is dangerous. I had the rig jump a half lane with 35 mph gusts and it was always a white knuckle drive whenever there was a crosswind over 10 mph. This is my first motorhome and you can see by my signature that I have a slide in camper and fifth wheel both of which handle much better than this E350. Is what I'm experiencing typical of the van chassis? I am ready to start mods to improve the handling and will start with shocks. I've decided on Bilsteins but find that for this small model they only offer their mildest tuning, no HD, and I'd like HDs. HDs are available for E series class Cs over 30 ft and it appears they will fit on the shorter chassis as well. Will they be too stiff for a reasonable ride? Anyone try this? Second on the list is to replace the steering dampener. I'm open to suggestions on the best replacement dampener. Then will come rear air bags and sway bar. BTW: on later models of this model MH Dynamax did use Bilstein shocks and air bags. The 2001 model was the last to use the Coachman design. Anyway I am open for all suggestions for improving the handling in wind. I hope this isn't characteristic of Class Cs in general.

TXiceman · 04-03-2005, 12:59 PM

FORGET the steering dampner!. The best thing to do to the B+ is put on Bilstein shocks and IPD antiroll bars (www.ipdusa.com). Thes will fix the problem and stop the coach from the side to side rolling. All the steering dampers do is to cover up the real problem.

Been ther and done that with a 31' Class C and that is what it takes to fix it. Now the class B's with SRW really need DRW>

Ken

Ken

Gary RVRoamer · 04-04-2005, 06:41 AM

I agree with txiceman. Go with good shocks and an anti-sway bar. A steering damper won't solve any of the problems you descrubed.

Before doing any of that, get the front end aligned by a really competent truck shop (and with water and fuel onboard similar to your normal travel weight). Have them check for work tie rods, bell crank, etc. too.

TXiceman · 04-04-2005, 08:04 AM

Getting the coach loaded and aligned is a given. One thing that a lot of folks do not realize is that Ford is the worst place possible to get a truck front end alignment. Their technicians (and I use the term loosely)only know in or out of alignment and don't understand a loaded chassis.

Find a good independent truck suspension shop and let them do the alignment.

Ken