Goldencrazy
madison wi
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Joined: 06/21/2007
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About eight grand for all the changes, Kelderman. Roadmaster steering, rear trac by blue ox.
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1waybro
Cherry Hill, NJ
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Joined: 03/21/2004
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frankdamp wrote:We have an '02 on the F-53 chassis. It rides like the 11-ton truck that it is. Having driven transit coaches for a while, I don't find it "dangerous". Sure, it needs more concentration than my Kia minivan.
There's no way to make a Rolls Royce ride from an F-53. the old preverb about silk purses and sow's ears comes to mind. With limited funds, my priority is USING the thing, not p****ing away thousands of dollars on suspension mods. If I'd wanted Prevost handling and ride quality, I wouldn't have bought an F-53.
To each his own. I'd rather spend my dollars on gas and CG fees, rather then on trying to get a perfect ride that I can't afford to use.
No truer words have been spoken except for p-----ing away..... any modification that improves something or perception of that something is not p-----ing away anything if you have the funds allocated for it.
The op was describing how he moved forward with his needs because of his want of a better ride. He did a great job of describing just that.
A "want" is different than a "need"... in other words, I want NEW, I want a DP ride, but I need a Gasser price.
op decided that he could place some money at it until he achieved his goal of a better ride. He helped others with how the steer-safe helps as a safety steering device but did not improve ride quality as much as preceived or advertised. This may save others when deciding to spend funds for improved ride quality.
op: thanks for the post... I only placed shocks on my W22 because I throw nickels around like manhole covers...... (Scotch Irish descent) .
My ride is ok for the amount of use. When I start moving toward more usage, I will go with some more mods for a better ride.
2003 Southwind 36RS Workhorse Chassis
Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience
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1waybro
Cherry Hill, NJ
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Joined: 03/21/2004
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frankdamp wrote:We have an '02 on the F-53 chassis. It rides like the 11-ton truck that it is. Having driven transit coaches for a while, I don't find it "dangerous". Sure, it needs more concentration than my Kia minivan.
There's no way to make a Rolls Royce ride from an F-53. the old preverb about silk purses and sow's ears comes to mind. With limited funds, my priority is USING the thing, not p****ing away thousands of dollars on suspension mods. If I'd wanted Prevost handling and ride quality, I wouldn't have bought an F-53.
To each his own. I'd rather spend my dollars on gas and CG fees, rather then on trying to get a perfect ride that I can't afford to use.
No truer words have been spoken except for p-----ing away..... any modification that improves something or perception of that something is not p-----ing away anything if you have the funds allocated for it.
The op was describing how he moved forward with his needs because of his want of a better ride. He did a great job of describing just that.
A "want" is different than a "need"... in other words, I want NEW, I want a DP ride, but I need a Gasser price.
op decided that he could place some money at it until he achieved his goal of a better ride. He helped others with how the steer-safe helps as a safety steering device but did not improve ride quality as much as preceived or advertised. This may save others when deciding to spend funds for improved ride quality.
op: thanks for the post... I only placed shocks on my W22 because I throw nickels around like manhole covers...... (Scotch Irish descent).
My ride is ok for the amount of use. When I start moving toward more usage, I will go with some more mods for a better ride.
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liborko
Surrey, B.C.
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Joined: 02/27/2006
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For the life of me, I don't understand why people start replacing shock absorbers when they want better ride. The shock absorbers have one function and one only: to suppress oscillations. They DO NOT ABSORB SHOCKS. That is a job of springs. A 7000lbs spring needs 7000lbs of load to compress one inch. That is how SAE rates springs. If 7000lbs spring does not have 7000lbs load, it will be overloaded or underloaded and ride will suffer. That is why air suspensions work better, because you can adjust the air pressure just the right way for best ride. And there is nothing wrong with Bilstein shock absorbers. You can't buy better shocks than Bilstein so stop wasting money.
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Goldencrazy
madison wi
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I agree that it is the lack of weight on the springs. I did install Koni shocks on previous motorhome and they helped with bridge jts and expansion joints. I also agree that I would not have made the changes if we were not planning on using it a lot.
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ClassAGeek
NYS
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Joined: 05/20/2011
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The best news: Using the lowest tire pressure allowed by your tire manufacturer for your CAT weighed coach costs $0 and will provide he best return on your $0 investment .
A TPMS lets your reduce pressure with greater safety and accuracy - particularly as outside air temperature changes. A good one costs $500 for your coach and toad but is a good idea in any event. I run at least 10 psi lower than I otherwise would in summer thanks to better tracking of pressure before and during a trip - and that translates into F-53 ride improvements that you can bank on. See thread The Case for Lower Tire Pressure if interested.
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Happy Ford F-53 Class A Owner (2008 Gulf Stream)
2010 Ford Fusion Toad (with 6 speed manual transmission - the only way to tow)
Brake Buddy Vantage, Blue Ox Aladdin Tow Bar,
TST RV 507 TPMS, Power Master Voltage Controller
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Retired VSP
Bedford, Virginia
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Joined: 08/24/2011
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I have four Bilsteins for sale for two months - advertised on Craig's List, Camping World and no takers....only asking $25 each - 5700 miles.....I'm confused, why do they refer to these little cylinders as "shock absorbers"? I'll have to admit, I believe I took off four perfectly good Bilsteins and replaced with Koni FSD's. Some improvement but not much...like a lot of posts, I believe air pressure is a big factor. The more I read from different posts the more confused I get....heavy is better, no lighter is better...full fuel and full water. Identify and fix the rattles....world of difference.
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the breeze
albert lea mn
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Joined: 04/01/2003
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i have a 07 Damon 30ft with a f53 chassis. it has 10,000 miles on it. is there any chance the shocks will get softer with more miles on them.? thanks.
"make it your goal to lead a quiet life, mind your own business and work with your hands."
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skipole
Sandia Park, NM
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Joined: 03/31/2008
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Just got notified by my mechanic that the parts are in for the Kelderman front and rear upgrade and the rear pan hard bar for my 2012 Itasca Sunstar 30T. The installation is supposed to be next week.
Thanks to all who posted on the Kelderman for all the help in making the decision. Especially to GoldenCrazy for putting up with all the questions. I'll be using GC's pressure settings as my baseline.
Will post comments on the ride after the installation is complete and we get a few miles on the rig.
Ski
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holstein13
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Joined: 12/04/2010
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Awesome Skipole,
Keep us posted. I'm sure you'll be pleased.
2011 Fleetwood Storm 32BH
2011 Scion XB
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