Yahoo Message Number: 89396 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89396)
Hello all
I have never been happy with my inspire handling and have done local alignment with little change then i added all road king shocks. The shocks stoped any bottoming but still drifts left and right constantly so then i thought tire so i replaced the toyos, which were wearing fine, with michelin xza's and still no improvement. Currently i have an apointment with hendersons lineup in Grants pass Or. for the 1st of next month on our way to the FMCA northwest area rally. My question is should i hold with hendersons or should i go to country coach in Juction City. From seattle hendersons is 7 hours then 3 hours back to albany so Juction would us less fuel and time but in the end i want the best results. Any advice? Its interesting to find my handling post clear back to 09.
Rod
05 Inspire
51473
Yahoo Message Number: 89402 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89402)
Rod
Kaiser Brake and Alignment in Eugene has an excellent reputation.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 89403 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89403)
We took ours to a heavy duty frame and alignment shop in Tampa FL and had them check the "toe-in" Once they reset that our wander problems greatly improved.
Lonny & Diane Livingston
'04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 89414 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89414)
Henderson did a good job on my short wheelbase 02 32' Allure some years back. I am going to take my 07 42' Allure into them for a ride height check because I was pleased with their work. Chassis work is their primary business. Guess I'm saying I would do the 3 hour drive. 7 Feathers in Canyonville is a nice place to stop heading south and Grants Pass is only 40 miles further south.
Bill
07 Allure
07 Jeep
Yahoo Message Number: 89418 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89418)
Rod
Henderson did a great job for us on our Inspire. That was 5 years ago and we have not touched the alignment since. Not cheap but we are still happy. Tire wear has been flat and no cupping and yes we have installed new tires a couple years ago.
Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677
Yahoo Message Number: 89419 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89419)
Rod
Henderson did a great job for us on our Inspire. That was 5 years ago and we have not touched the alignment since. Not cheap but we are still happy. Tire wear has been flat and no cupping and yes we have installed new tires a couple years ago.
Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677
Yahoo Message Number: 89420 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89420)
Rod
Henderson did a great job for us on our Inspire. That was 5 years ago and we have not touched the alignment since. Not cheap but we are still happy. Tire wear has been flat and no cupping and yes we have installed new tires a couple years ago.
Ned Herrmann
06 Inspire 51677
Yahoo Message Number: 89423 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89423)
Does anyone have a recommendation for California for this type of work, tires, stocks alignment etc.?
Wally Falch
wfalch@... (wfalch@...)
Yahoo Message Number: 89424 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89424)
Wally
I just had a four wheel alignment at Colton Truck last week. Not cheap but I am sure that it was done right. For tires the FMCA advantage program is the best price around. I talked to Paul at Bob Dickman in Junction City and he stated that they now offer the FMCA program.
Steve Dailey
08 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 89428 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89428)
Thank you, hoping to get a recommendation to get everything done in one place
Wally Falch
Wfalch@... (Wfalch@...)
Yahoo Message Number: 89429 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89429)
Colton Truck in So Cal (I 10 & 215) is the best. Talk to Ed Doltar 1 909 825-4080
Yahoo Message Number: 89432 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89432)
Hi Wally,
I understand the desire for 'one stop shopping' to get as much done at the same place as possible. However these are both important items, and I would get the best tires an the best price you can find, independent of your suspension analysis. Tires should last you seven years, so it only a once in seven years inconvenience to shop for them:)!
I know their are several good suspension shops in the North West. If you need extra handling mod's, say Super steer Motion Control Units (has been a good mod for our 2004 Allure), or other components. You will find that Henderson's is a group that have their own products that many other suspension shops turn around and buy from. So, IMO - hard to go wrong with having Henderson's Lineup do your suspension analysis.
Best of luck,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 89466 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89466)
I think I should stay with hendersons . I talked to country coach and they said they would road test and get it right but I am just not sure about the new country coach service.
Rod
Yahoo Message Number: 89469 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89469)
Rod,
You might want to reconsider. We took out CC to the factory last year for an alignment. The Gentleman that did the work was with CC during their hayday. He did an excellent job and knows the chassis's inside and out. He even let me watch and explained everything he was doing and why. It was an eye opener! He will check and adjust the ride height as part of the job, which it turns out is the cause of many alignment problems. He will be using the same equipment that was used when your coach was built. Plus it will help CC get back up and running which would be good for all us CC owners.
Just my opinion,
Barney
07 Insire 52059
Yahoo Message Number: 89470 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89470)
Barney - I'm glad your experience with the New CC was positive. I sure want them to do well, and start building again.
Just an interesting observation that the 2003 and 2004 era 40' Allures (and perhaps Intrigues and Magna's too), came out of that factory with suspensions that just were not up to the job. The shocks were the main problem, and as you may have heard on other posts, Koni strongly encouraged CC to not use the shock they had chosen for these coaches. They knew they were not up to the job. Now I suspect the old guard at CC also were not in favor of this shock, but were 'directed' by then owner National that 'Those are the socks you will use'. I have not doubt their was a turf warfare going on, and anyone that has worked at a company that was 'taken over' knows - usually the new masters always knows best:)! (This shock on the IFS front end of our 40 coach, is the same one that was on my F53 18K I-Beam suspension.)
While it is very possible that CC has now changed the factory setting spec's for my specific coach, when I networked with them on road height, they still provided the same old factory settings that they had always had. I think it was Mikee on this board, that 'suggested' that a ride height set at the 'very top end of the recommended range', had the best chance of providing a more controlled ride.
When I networked with Colton, and also Henderson's - they concurred that setting the rig on the high side for the front end, was the way to go. (I also decided to go with the Road Kings and the Super Steer Motion Control Units too, per Henderson's recommendation.)
This is the reason I recommended the OP go to Henderson's. They have a wide breath of experience on correcting and improving many manufactures chassis ride, improving on what the factory said was the way to go. They also saw various equipment needs for various chassis, and found sources or designed and built their own items - to also improve handling. Sure, they are making a living, but they are also adding great value to the RV community.
IMO, the better you can get your handling to be, the safer you are in an emergency situation.
Again, sure not slamming the New CC - and want only the best for them... But in the case of chassis and suspension 'fixing' - I think they are not at the top of the list.
Opinions vary:)!
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017, 40' Tag
(Michelin XZE*, Centramatics, Crossfires, Road Kings, SS Motion Control Units, Four Corner weight with PSI set accordingly, Colton front/drive/tag alignment and ride height set to the upper limit of the range - that is how my suspension is set to roll. Probably overkill, but I noted incremental improvements all along the way as different mod's were made. HVH Active Air would be an improvement on this, but boy what a price tag for that system:)!)
Yahoo Message Number: 89473 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89473)
We will be finding out how well Country Coach does on wheel alignment. We are getting the suspension rubber bushings and rear shocks replaced, and a wheel alignment will have to be done as well. We should get the coach back next week--we'll let you know how it works out.
Per
95 Affinity 5259
Yahoo Message Number: 89475 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89475)
Well, I have asked a question and recieved a answer. There is another post regarding alignment and looks like Henderson's is the leading vote getter. So, i want to explain my thought process to see if it makes sense. I have 2 new (8 month old) Goodyear tires on the front and I want to put 6 Michelin tires in the rear. I then would like the coach to be checked for height & alignment. I was thinking that they would also check the shocks. I have seen another discussion on HWH versus KONI, I reconize that some off this might be subjective, there is so much knowledge here, I appreciate your help. your .
Wally & Elta Mae
2007Allure 470 #31535.
Yahoo Message Number: 89481 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/89481)
Wally
Colton does good chassis work but not where I would buy tires. Sounds like a trip to Oregon and the Ca taxes will pay for the trip.
Dan 2006 Allure 31348
Yahoo Message Number: 90429 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90429)
Hello all
An update
I was hoping to get on her and boast about how happy I was with my handling problems but not so. Hendersons did drive and say it has a centering problem and he was having trouble keeping it driving straight. They weighed the coach and put it on the rack. They tried to add more castor and I think got 1/2 degree. After they were done took another drive and the problem was still there. They say the ifs came with problems and sometimes its just the way the suspension was designed. In other words blamed the manufacture. They sold me a super steer to self install thinking it might help. My wife tried to drive a few miles after the repair and said she felt it was to dangerus for her to drive. While at the last rally one of our club members showed up with a magna he bought so now my wife is thinking we should get rid of the inspire and upgrade to a tag. Anyway disappointed with hendersons. I used a tank of fuel and two days also out a grand and still wanders. I noticed to things while driving back. It handled better when I filled up with fuel and its seems even a large car driving passed me will push the front of the coach. I hadn't noticed before but any breeze or pressure from the side will push the front of the rv.I wonder if getting more caster makes the rv more sensitive. Thats my report if I ever get this figured out I will post.
Yahoo Message Number: 90430 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90430)
Did you get a front end alignment or a 4 wheel alignment? Meaning including the rear as well as the front. Was the rear suspension checked for play, worn bushings .etc?
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 90432 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90432)
Rod,
We had wandering on our coach as well. We had Eric at Country Coach do a full chassis inspection vlast month, and the wandering is all but gone. He had to replace several rubber bushings as well as doing the 4-wheel alignment, and it was a tremendous differeence in the coach. I highly recommend yo try Country Coach.
Per
95 Affinity 5259
Yahoo Message Number: 90436 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90436)
Hi mikee
Yes they checked the rear axle. I didn't see them spend any time on the rear and also didn't see them check ride height.
rod
Yahoo Message Number: 90438 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90438)
Was not sitting with you when they told you that about how some coaches have built in problems that are not easily 'adjusted/corrected' out. They've always had a good reputation, and I've referred many coach owners to them for handling problems over the years. Though I myself have never been to their business. The board members on other boards that had had work completed by them, I trusted, thus my reason for referring them to Henderson's. I've also bought components from them for our old T28 Bounder on a 99 F53 chassis, that really improved the handling substantially. I have and recommend their Super Steer Motion Control Units for out Country Coaches.
Rod - I'm assuming you have checked to see if your coach fits into this recall related to the IFS? If not, I would check to see if your coach is involved, and see if this helps. Contacting Holland USA was very easy for us, when we checked a recall on our 2004 Allure. They told me how to tell if my recall had been accomplished.
http://www.arfc.org/rvs/country_coach/inspire/recalls/000021173000114272000000001/recall.aspx (http://www.arfc.org/rvs/country_coach/inspire/recalls/000021173000114272000000001/recall.aspx)
2005 COUNTRY COACH INSPIRE RECALL - #04V259000
RECALL FOR STEERING
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH AN INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (IFS) GEN II BUILT BY HOLLAND USA, THE GEAR PLATE SUPPORT GUSSETS WERE REMOVED. THIS CAN ALLOW THE PLATE TO FLEX DURING A STATIC STEER CONDITION.
Please keep us updated on what you find out, and if you like the coach for all the same reasons you bought it - stay with it until it is resolved. But, if you both are 'hooked' on RV'ing and can afford it, the Magna with Tag with BIG CAT - is a totally different experience...
Best of luck, be safe, and keep having fun! Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 90439 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90439)
Were going to a dealer today to try and test drive an inspire to see if perhaps my expectations are just to high.
Rod
Yahoo Message Number: 90441 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90441)
Rod, I also have a 2005 CC Inspire 36'. I also HAD a wandering problem. Here's what I have done to solve the problem. I installed SteerSafe Steering Stabilizer, adjusted my Koni shocks to their stiffest level, had my alignment done by Pro Tire in Denton TX Pat is the man you want, and finally replaced my sway bar mounting bushings and end link bushings. Energy Suspension custom made heavy duty urethane bushings for my coach. Kevin Tager at Energy Suspension if great to work with. I didn't spend a lot of money, total under $700, and got great results. My coach now handles great.
I hope this helps!
RJ
2005 Inspire #51264
Yahoo Message Number: 90443 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90443)
This is from a former Inspire owner who experienced the same issue. The biggest change I saw was when I made a serious effort to front load the vehicle. I also did new tires which helped as well but I found that keeping the load as far forward as possible gave the best results.
Never did anything with the front end but was happy with handling after I figured that one out.
Richard Owen
Yahoo Message Number: 90444 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90444)
Hey there Rod. We met a coupke passing thru with a 05 Magna Tag that have been living with a similar problem since they bought it three years ago. Alignments with various frame shops, new tires, and too many aftermarket parts later they have come to the conclusion it's not fixable. A ex cc tech in Dallas told him that the factory referred to these coaches as " a problem Child" and were models with new configurations of Chassis/ suspension parts that just didnt work out. So now what is to be done? Its frustrating for those with no answers.
OJinOk
Yahoo Message Number: 90450 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90450)
Rod - In addition to comparison test driving against a different unit. No matter what, it is worth a phone call to the suspension builder, and see if your specific front end is involved with the recall. If so, that is your first basic move, IMO. Then, have all of the bushings and rubber components (front AND rear) checked out, to see if the front end flex accelerated wear.
If any of them are close, I like the input on having custom urethane bushings made, as that will also tighten the ride.
For blow out reasons, if a Safety T or Steer Safe will mount (forget the one you said that Henderson's sold you), that would be a good safety edge to have. But, if the Blue Ox Tru Center will fit your coach (it won't on our Allure), I'd ask Henderson's to swap that out for the one they sold you.
And spot on advice about loading the front end as much as possible. I know another Inspire owner, and he felt that his Inspire is just a tad bit tail weighted for his likings.
And a bit of an opinion difference shift from 'stiffening' the front shocks on an overly sensitive front end. If anything, you want to less the impact on the front end from stiffer shocks. If they will fit your coach, that is where a pair of Koni FSD's might help some too. They control rebound on the 'down stroke' vs the normal shocks controlling during the 'up stroke'. This means they FSD's can never contribute to add a stiffer ride. We saw some improvement on our older 99 F53 18K Lbs chassis - that was very tail heavy, especially with a rear full gas and water tank (Fleetwood mounted the 75 gal water tank in the very back right side! I always teased my DW that if I punched it, I good get the front end off of the ground...:)!)
One last bit of input. You mentioned even a car will blow you a bit. That backs up the light front end problem. But I will share that also on our old Bounder, with the very front light end - we were first 'sucked in' and then 'blown out' as the Semi's would come up and pass us. I spent several thousand dollars on suspension component upgrades, and big improvements on overall handling. Trucks still go us. So, I added Air Tabs - at under $250 for my coach, they were the cheapest mod I made to help handling. BIG IMPROVEMENT. Trucks going buy were not near as dramatic, still felt them on the 'blown out' part, but near as much. Hardly any 'Sucked In' as they overtook us from the rear. Another dramatic improvement, was in how well the coach handled shifting cross winds. Where I used to be a white knuckle driver in even light shifting cross winds. The Air Tabs improvement on the impact of these shifting cross winds, was very noticeable. Sure, once they started getting up 30 knots, I'd for sure feel them and slow way down. But the 10-20 knot shifting cross winds, were not too much of a problem with the Air Tabs. And finally, in rains, our rear camera always seemed to get blotted out or impacted by water. Air Tabs kept the back of the coach clean (dirt too), and very seldom did we have water on the camera after this. With a bit extra work on pre painting them to match our Bounder's paint scheme, they were not near as noticeable. On many boards, for some reason people who never have had Air Tabs - seem to feel we're all damaged between the ears for 'thinking' we saw any improvements Heck, add in slight improvements to MPG, which I did see - and we were quite often called Snake Oil salesman:)! When we paint our rig in 2015, I will have Air Tabs added then. Mostly for the cleaner back end, and toad, as I doubt they will help my handling as much with the 40' and tags.
But Rod - I'm an arm chair tech on this one, and have never driven an Inspire, so factor that in my 'free' advice:)!
Best of luck, and please keep us updated as this progresses! Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 90453 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/90453)
Hello all
I test drove another inspire today with same suspension. It was empty and really beat up. Sorta sad to see a coach so abused but it did drive better then mine so I know theres some hope. My wife is leaning toward an upgrade but mine is freshly maintained with new batts, tires, ect so im indifferent but still need a plan. I have an email into neway so I hope to hear back in a few days. I also thought I might call road king. Thanks for everyones advise.
I will update.
Rod