Yahoo Message Number: 26153 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26153)
I have Koni shocks in my 1998 Intrigue, does anyone know if these shock absorbers are adjustable (similar to their line of automotive shocks) ?? I seem to have too much oscillation of the front end going over dips in the road at highway speeds. I would like to adjust the front shocks, by stiffening the upstroke and then stiffen the down stroke of the rear shocks. Are there any other methods to correct my oscillating problem ??
Paul/PAR
98 Intrigue 40'
# 10487
Paul Resnick
PAR Porsche Specialists
PAR Motorsports
PAR Seating Specialists
"Recaro" Warehouse Distributor
"Hans Device" Dealer/Distributor
"Cool Shirt" Warehouse Distributor
"ATL Fuel Cell" Warehouse Distributor
www.parcars.com (http://www.parcars.com/)
paul@... (paul@...)
Fax: 914-637-6078
Tel: 914-637-8800
Yahoo Message Number: 26155 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26155)
I had that problem with my coach. Shortly afterward, the front ride height valve went out. When I finally got it fixed, the oscillating stopped.
Everett
36' Intrigue 10758
Yahoo Message Number: 26164 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26164)
Not sure anyone answered your original question. But, yes most Koni's, vintage 1998 were adjustable from low, to medium, to firm.
My experience with a 99 Allure and an 05 Allure was that they rode better set to firm without so much oscillations. However, if this has just started, I would think that you would want to look at some of the other suggested fixes, before adjusting them.
Ray and Rue
05 Allure 31176
Yahoo Message Number: 26166 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26166)
Paul
I adjusted mine this spring and was really happy I did. Farelly easy to do. Just removed bottom bolt and made the adjustment.
Darold
51682 '06 Inspire Modena
Yahoo Message Number: 26168 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26168)
Paul
Not too long ago there was a thread on this subject.
Search for Koni Shocks. As I recall there was something in either the files or picture sections as well and there is info on this, including step by stop work on the Koni web page. I need to do the same thing!
Bob Amory
2002 Allure 30760
Yahoo Message Number: 26185 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26185)
Darold Could you be more detailed in how to adjust the shocks. No big deal on the bottom bolt, but how do you know where it is currently set. Thanks.
Ned 2006 Inspire 51677
Yahoo Message Number: 26189 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26189)
Darold,
Do you remember if the Koni shocks have a single adjustment for both the upstroke and rebound or do they have separate adjusting screws. Did you have to compress the shock and then turn it to either direction to stiffen or soften the ride?
Paul
98 Intrigue 40'
#10487
Yahoo Message Number: 26216 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26216)
My original CC aLLURE was a 1998 #30255 and came with Monroes. I had the Konis installed and set to firm and it made all the difference. But, the ride, handling and noise level have been improoved a magintude by my current 2004 Intrigue. TWI Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 26277 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26277)
Sorry, forgot to sign off on message.
AL
00 affinity #5851
Yahoo Message Number: 26278 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26278)
I have the CC affinity 40 ft no tag and want to check the settings on my front shocks. What setting do most owners set there's at ? 50 K miles on coach.
Yahoo Message Number: 26280 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26280)
Pual far as I know their is only a single adj., yes I pushed all the way in and made adjustment.
I have a direction sheet if you need a copy or I think I printed from the their site.
Darold
06 Inspire 51682
Yahoo Message Number: 26282 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26282)
Ned
After the bottom of the shock is free push it all the way up in then turn and feel for the teeth to engage then make your adjustment. I can get you a copy of the directions or I think I found them on line.
Darold
Inspire 51682
Yahoo Message Number: 26297 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26297)
Darold,
It has been many years since I sold and used Koni shocks, I don't remember, once you compress the shock do you turn the shock clockwise to stiffen the ride?
Paul/PAR
Intrigue #10487
Paul Resnick
PAR Porsche Specialists
PAR Motorsports
PAR Seating Specialists
"Recaro" Warehouse Distributor
"Hans Device" Dealer/Distributor
"Cool Shirt" Warehouse Distributor
"ATL Fuel Cell" Warehouse Distributor
www.parcars.com (http://www.parcars.com/)
paul@... (paul@...)
Fax: 914-637-6078
Tel: 914-637-8800
Yahoo Message Number: 26310 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26310)
Paul
It might be easier to read the web page then if I tell you backwards by chance. I did it upside down under the coach. You can also fell the difference right in you hands after you make the change, atleast I did.
http://www.koni-na.com/adjustment.cfm (http://www.koni-na.com/adjustment.cfm) Start in the middle of the page at procedre 76-thru unless yours are an older model
Darold
06 inspire 51682
Yahoo Message Number: 26312 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26312)
I found this Koni web site (http://www.konirv.com/adjustment.html (http://www.konirv.com/adjustment.html)) which is RV specific for how to adjust your Koni RV shocks. My question is how do you "fully collapse the shock absorber"? Do you first jack up your coach in the front end somehow, and then place another jack under the wheel (or some other front end part?) to be adjusted and jack it up to "fully collapse the shock absorber"? Are the shocks "fully collapsed" with the coach sitting on the ground in a normal travel mode?
Harry
'06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26313 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26313)
Harry,
Are you going to increase the stiffness of the shock. This is what most seem to want.
AL
00 affinity #5851
Yahoo Message Number: 26314 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26314)
Harry,
You don't have to jack anything. Turn your wheel to get access to lower bolt for removal. This will allow you to "fully collapse" the shock.
AL
00 affinity #5851
Yahoo Message Number: 26318 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26318)
Al,
To make sure. I simply turn the wheel to access the shock's lower bolt. I take the bolt off and can now swivel the shock out (the top of the shock is till attached to a suspension piece of the coach) and fully compress it, allowing me to make the adjustment. I then pull the shock back out to the proper length to reattach. Is this correct? And, if so, is it fairly easy for the mechanically challenged to do?
Thanx,
Harry
'06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26319 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26319)
Al,
Yes, that is what I was thinking about trying to do. I took delivery of the coach this past June and have about 2500 miles on it now. On a city, limited access, arterial here in ABQ (speed limit 55), I was going about 45 and hit a dip in the road and the coach bottomed out. I thought by increasing the stiffness of the shocks, I could avoid that happening in the future. (Of course, I could also avoid that particular intersection, but it might happen somewhere else also.) Any advice would be appreciated on how to properly do this adjustment.
Thanx,
Harry
'06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26322 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26322)
Hi, I have been following this thread so I can adjust mine. Do we know which direction to rotate the shock to stiffen it? Clockwise or counter-clockwise? Thanks.
Larry 03 Allure #30856
Yahoo Message Number: 26325 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26325)
Larry,
I followed the directions from the factory sheet. You may want to do the same so you can do it correctly. Some owners are tell about just removing one end of the shock and adjusting. OK, but you will need to reverse the directions from the factory because they describe the process with the shock off and turning the other end of the shock. If this is confusing, try reading their instructions.
Now I am confused.
Paul,
01' Intrigue #11309
Yahoo Message Number: 26338 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26338)
Larry,
Go back to message #26312. Harry provided a Koni link for rvs that will explain how to adjust when one only removes the bottom shock mount. It tells you which way to turn to stiffen shock rebound.
Hope this helps.........
Steve
Intrigue #10673
Yahoo Message Number: 26342 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26342)
OK, yes I have it now Steve. Thanks
Larry #30856
Yahoo Message Number: 26382 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26382)
Harry, I did the shock adjustment this morning. All went fine with no glitches, bumps or "oh my god".
My shock adjustments were at 1/2 turn from soft. With the adjustment range mentioned at Koni of 5-- 1/2 turns I increased mine to 3-- 1/2 turns. Followed the instructions from the Koni web site. Will be using the coach this weekend, should be able to feel the difference. This probably will help do away with the banging on some roadway surfaces.
AL
00 affinity #5851
Yahoo Message Number: 26384 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26384)
Thanx, Al, for the update. Confirm for me: you took out the lower bolt on the shock, compressed the shock, and made the adjustments. Then reattached the shock, correct? Is there a torque spec on reattaching the lower bolt of the shock? Let me know if you actually notice a difference in the ride.
Harry
'06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26389 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26389)
Harry, I used a 1/2 " electric impact wrench on the 1 1/2 " nut. After several seconds of impact nut turned right off, bolt came out easy. The shock slides real easy upwards. When you top out I turned it carefully until it engaged internal nut. Marked starting position with a sharpie line and turned slowly to stop. That's how I' am positive the adjustment was only 1/2 turn. I then did 3--1/2 turns firm. Marked my adjustment on the outside of shock with the sharpie pen. Both shocks were adjusted the same. I have a good memory but it just short.
Let the impact bang on the nut for a few seconds. After my first trip I'll recheck the tightness.
Let me know what your beginning adjust was. I was wondering what adjustment the factory sets shock at.
AL
00 affinity #5851
Yahoo Message Number: 26391 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26391)
Thanx, AL. Great description. Now I have a reason to tell the Mrs that I need an air impact wrench! Is this site great or what!! :)
I'll let you know what mine was set at.
Thanx again,
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26393 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26393)
You get what you pay for with an air impact wrench. The best one is an Ingersol Rand. It runs about 269.00 street price. The 30 dollar ones at Home Depot and Northern Tool wont loosen squat..
MIkee
Thanx, AL. Great description. Now I have a reason to tell the Mrs that I need an air impact wrench! Is this site great or what!! :)
I'll let you know what mine was set at.
Thanx again,
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26396 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26396)
Mikee,
Thanx for the tip. Not only do I need the wrench, but I'll need the air source also. Any comments on Craftsman air impact wrenches?
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26397 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26397)
For the most part the are not very strong. Ingersol Rand and Snap On make the 2 best out there right now. Look at the torque rating. Both IR and Snap On have ones that are 1000 lbs loosen and 6 to 700 tighten. The 200 lb wrenches are useless.
Mikee
Mikee,
Thanx for the tip. Not only do I need the wrench, but I'll need the air source also. Any comments on Craftsman air impact wrenches?
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26540 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26540)
Al,
I finally got under the coach this afternoon. Here is what I found on my 2006 36' Inspire Sienna: Konis are held on with a nut that is definitely smaller than 1½" but larger than 1 1/16". I'll have to go back to Sears to get 1 1/8" socket. Also, good thing I didn't get that air impact wrench (yet). There is no way that it would fit onto the nut as there is a suspension arm just a few inches aft of where the nut for the shock is blocking a straight shot to the nut for an air gun. I hope I can break the nut loose with a breaker bar. If I can't I'm not sure how I'll get it off.
Harry
Yahoo Message Number: 26576 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26576)
Al,
I got under the coach again today with a buddy and we managed to get the Konis disconnected at the bottom nut. (Had to use a breaker bar and 1 1/8" socket.) Pushed up and CCW on the shock until engagement. It would then only rotate about ½ turn CCW before hitting the stop (sounds like it was set just like yours). Then we reset the shock CW just short of the max firm position. Both shocks appeared to be able to be set the same. I hope to take the coach out around 9 Nov to PHX so I'll let you know if I notice any difference. Thanx again for your tips. I really appreciate your thoughts.
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26640 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26640)
I wanted to post an update about Koni shocks since the Adjustment issue comes up at times.
Starting in Feb/06, Koni started shipping a new shock to CC to be used on the Intrigues and below that have the Neway front end. This shock is the new FSD and it is NOT adjustable and does not require adjusting.
Here is a link to it.
http://www.konirv.com/fsd/ (http://www.konirv.com/fsd/)
Due to the front end weight the new Magna and Affinity will still use the adjustable Koni shock for now.
If the shock is Red it is adjustable. If it is Gold it is not adjustable.
This is what I learned from Justin at Koni Tech. support and this applies to Intrigue and below that have the Red shocks. They no longer make this shock. If you need to change the shocks you will purchase the new FSD shocks, that is unless Koni, CC, or someone still has the old ones in stock. Justin indicates that the ride charasteristics of the FSD is better than the old Red design.
I replaced all my shocks about a year ago but my right front shock has lost it's damping ability and I am replacing that one; it's under a lifetime warranty. I almost went with the new FSD but since Koni still had 3 of my front shocks in stock I decided to just replace the bad one. If I went with the FSD I would have had to replace both.
Just FYI.
Richard Aquino
2001 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 26646 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26646)
I have an '06 Inspire mfg in 4/06. The specs on the window sticker say "Holland/Neway independent front suspension - full air suspension system. IPD anti-sway bar, and Koni adjustable shock absorbers." So my questions is: Are the Koni shocks adjustable or not.
designerinspire2006 #51883
Yahoo Message Number: 26647 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26647)
I have an '06 Inspire which came out of the factory in June 06. It definitely has the red adjustable Konis.
Harry
06 Inspire 51933
Yahoo Message Number: 26649 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26649)
I have no idea when the new FSD shocks started going onto new coaches but if it's Red it's adjustable; If it's Gold it is not adjustable and from what I understand it self adjusts to the required condition at the time. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Richard Aquino
2001 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 45487 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/45487)
All..
I have adjusted the front shocks on my coach to a beneficial result. This said, has anyone adjusted the rear? If so, how did it effect ride quality and control?
ddtuttle
aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443
Yahoo Message Number: 45488 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/45488)
My experience with the rear shock tells me that they have very little effect on the ride quality or control as compared to the front shocks. I broke the two rear shocks on my coach dual axle and didn't realize it at the time. I drove it that way for a year and a half before a mechanic at a Cummins facility discovered it. Once he mentioned it I remembered the loud bang but could not find the cause at the time. I didn't notice any difference in the ride at all either before or after they were replaced. I was riding on the shocks on the tag axle so somehow I don't think that minor adjustments are going to show a lot of difference. Front shocks are a different story. Mind you I didn't say that rear shocks are not necessary but for a different reason. I was at risk if pulling the air bags off their mounts while running with broken rear shocks but fortunately I got away with it.
That is my experience but I am sure that others will feel differently. Collect all the opinions and make a choice. That is the best part of this group.
Don Seager
2004 Allure 31046
Yahoo Message Number: 45491 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/45491)
Billy,
I have not adjusted rear shocks due to tools size required and location of shocks. Our 01' Intrigue had just reached 50K and I had adjusted the front shocks twice and still had Porpoising. Shocks do ware out. We made the move to Road King at the Amana Rally. As soon as we pulled out of the campground we could feel the difference. As we drove up the road we just looked at each other and smiled. CC uses Konic shocks but they should be using a much heaver truck shock. We now have a very smooth ride like a Magna for just $1800.
Last, I don't sell shocks or have any connections to Road King. When your shocks get 50K miles or you experience that bounce that take you out of your seat, replace your shocks with Road Kings. Henderson did the installation on site.
Paul & Nancy Cummings
01' Intrigue, # 11309
Yahoo Message Number: 48711 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48711)
We are about to change out the shocks, front and rear. The Koni shocks now on the coach are not adjustable (yellow in color) and were put on a couple of years ago by Buddy Gregg in Knoxville. The ride did not improve much at all after they were put on. We have ordered Koni adjustables for the front and Koni FSDs for the rear. Going to have the bushings checked again. They were worn out and replaced about 4 years ago. How does one know how to adjust the front shocks? We are in a small town in the North Georgia mountains and will be using a local mechanic to do the job.
Thanks!
Janie, 2002 Intrigue 36', 11342
Yahoo Message Number: 48716 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48716)
Janie, I replaced the "red" Konis with the FSDs all the way around. There didn't seem to me any difference in the ride at all. I wish I had gone ahead and spent the extra $$ and installed the Road King shocks. I will probably have them installed next year at the Redmond FMCA convention.
Here is a link on Koni shock adjustment. http://www.koni.com/193.html (http://www.koni.com/193.html)
Don
'02 Intrigue #11427
Yahoo Message Number: 48720 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48720)
We are about to replace the shock on our 07 Inspire with Koni adj (red). Went to the Koni web site, ajustment, and they give a good visual description oh how to do it. Just search KONI Shocks. Good luck.
Mickey, 51957
Yahoo Message Number: 48724 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48724)
This seems to be going backwards. Our '05 came with adjustable :red Koni's and on the stiffest setting they still let the front suspension bottom out. And before everyone jumps in with did I check this and tha, yes, it's all been checked includign ride height, alignment, etc.
CC changed to the "improved valving" Koni's soon after the '05 model and folks still complain. It appears the Koni's aren't the answer particularly considering our front end weighs more than 3,000 lbs UNDER the max rating. If these shocks can't handle that I question their ability to handle anything near the rated weight.
If I don't drive very carefully and hit anything over a minor dip in the road the chances are good there will be a loud bang when the suspension bottoms out. We had to repair a broken antisway bar bracket and ride height valve early in the coach's life because of this problem. Careful driving has prevented another problem - for now.
When we replace (not if) they won't be Konis. I am following the discussions of others experiences before dropping the kind of money the replacements demand.
Why are you installing shocks that even the factory dropped? Last time I spoke with a Koni rep they were not recommending the red shocks for the Inspire.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 48725 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48725)
Bob
I am with you and am going to go to Road Kings, I think they will be worth the price
Jim
07 Allure
Yahoo Message Number: 48730 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48730)
Jim,
PLEASE let me know how they work out. Some months back there was a flurry of activity on the board about the Road Kings but I saw no clear indication they are the answer. We need an answer as we would like to make it to Alaska sometime soon and with the permafrost pavement heaving common up there good shocks are not a luxury. They could be the difference between a pleasant trip and a disaster with injuries.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 48733 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48733)
We too need to buy and have new shocks installed within the next 2-3 weeks and would appreciate further information. We would also like to have an idea as to the cost of Road Kings. Mike and Mary Frederick06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 48735 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48735)
Mike or Mary I see your coach # is close to mine, 51795.
Just off the phone with the Road King folks, (google road king shocks), 1500.00 + shipping. Curious to know miles and reason for changing shocks, will our ride and handling be that much improved?
Mike 51795
Yahoo Message Number: 48738 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48738)
Mike or Mary,
answered my own question, actually the fellow @ Road King did, told Koni's are designed to wear out or just not last, @ 30k they do not handle as new, and worse @ 50k told they're the same type for cars and trucks, Road Kings for MH's are made for MH's, also ride the same @ 100k as they do new, warrantly is for as long as you own the coach.
Of coarse all this comes from a Road King Salesmen, although thinking he sold me, thoughts anyone? Pricey though 1500.00 + shipping
Mike 51795
Yahoo Message Number: 48741 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48741)
Realizing that I am now an "expert" on Koni's, got about 100 miles on my new set, I'm not sure the ride could get any better or justify the difference between $150 and $400 per shock. I'll let you know in a couple of years, we put about 7500 miles/year on the MH.
Way back I bought lifetime shocks for a car and I couldn't convince the manufacturer that the shocks were not good, he kept telling me they were in spec and the car rode like crap after about 3 years, finally replaced them at my cost with "non lifetime" guaranteed shocks and considerably lower cost. Left a bad taste in mhy mouth!
Joe
98 Intrigue 10578
Yahoo Message Number: 48742 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48742)
Realizing that I am now an "expert" on Koni's, got about 100 miles on my new set, I'm not sure the ride could get any better or justify the difference between $150 and $400 per shock. I'll let you know in a couple of years, we put about 7500 miles/year on the MH.
Way back I bought lifetime shocks for a car and I couldn't convince the manufacturer that the shocks were not good, he kept telling me they were in spec and the car rode like crap after about 3 years, finally replaced them at my cost with "non lifetime" guaranteed shocks and considerably lower cost. Left a bad taste in mhy mouth!
Joe
98 Intrigue 10578
Yahoo Message Number: 48744 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48744)
Janie
In addition to the methods outlined on the Koni website that Don provided, here is another method that was told to me by a Koni rep at the 2009 FMCA convention in Perry, GA:
-Place a vertical mark between the two shock tubes so you can count rotations. Then turn the bottom tube till it clicks in place. Then turn the tube clockwise until it bottoms out counting the number of rotations all the while. Then back it out half the number of rotations.
This method helps prevent making changes that are too drastic.-
George Harper
04 Allure
31093
Rome, Georgia
Yahoo Message Number: 48745 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48745)
While I am not happy with my shocks I do not believe for a minute any company designs their shocks to wear out at 30k miles. For one thing the amount of abuse from one user to another could be phenomenal. As they have never worked right they have not wrn out, the work the way they did on day one.
What is more phenomemal is the "stuff" sales people will say with a straight face. Koni sells shocks widely for racing and they are used in the most expensive cars made. I don't think they are junk and didn't say so. The shocks installed on my rig are just not correct for the application.
Koni, if given the suspension travel specs and weights under consideration should be able to design a shock that fits the bill. The only excuse is perhaps CC gave them poor info. I have no way of knowing.
Did I read $1,500 for two shocks by Road King? At that price they should install themselves, last forever and be gold plated.
I need a more reasonable fix.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 48755 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48755)
Robert I know very little about this stuff other than what I learn here from good folks like yourself, you articulate facts well, I would suggest calling Road King, 619.766.9207. Told their shocks are made for MH's not racing cars, in those very words, with Road King shocks installed maybe our MH's will handle like a race car:).
If the price sounds any better it's 1.5k for 4 shocks, not 2.
Mike
51795
Yahoo Message Number: 48758 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48758)
Hi MIke:
For 4 installed shocks that's better but I feel we coach owners are still being overcharged as is the norm.
All I know about shock absorbers is from ~55 years of use, racing and reading, reading, reading, etc. Over the years there have been numerous excellent for the non-engineer reader articles in the various enthusiast magzines ranging from Hot Rod to Motor Trend to Off Road and so forth. While it can get complicated it is not rocket science either. Tube type shocks have been around for at least 100 years. There is no reason in the world Koni would recommend much less install a racing style shock absorber on a motor home and they don't. A salesperson who makes that comment is well, I'll give the benefit of the doubt and say misinformed.
The things about this situation that bother me are the apparent inability of anyone involved, be it the OEM supplier, coach assembler (I use that term advisedly) much less sales folks of the brand involved, to admit there has been a mistake and recommend a reasonable solution. Instead, enough smoke to provide cover for a WWII ocean convoy gets blown around and the situation is seen solely as a maens to separate us from even more of our hard earned money.
I know someone reading this list can provide a simple answer. So, please, whoever you are, if you would let me know off line what that might be I promise not to publish your name to the world to make sure you won't be rediculed by your colleagues for decreasing their potential incomes at our expense.
I just want my coach to stop bottoming out when it shouldn't. I know there are no guarantees but also know for a fact that there is a shock out there properly valved for my application.
It must be classified Top Secret.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 48759 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48759)
I have to weigh in on this discussion. I have nearly 100K miles on my 2000 Intrigue, original Koni shocks, and it rides like a dream. So any discussion that Koni's are "designed" to wear out don't hold up with me!
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979
Yahoo Message Number: 48773 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48773)
Bob,
Just a passing comment. I am not familar with the suspension setup of you coach, but has your ride height adjustments been throughly checked? I can only speak to my experience with my older Allure. The airbags and other suspension components play just as an important part in the ride quality as do the shocks. If the ride height is set too low, I would think you would bottom out more. Just an opinion.
Jim Hughes
2000 Allure #30511
Yahoo Message Number: 48780 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48780)
Hi Jim,
Everything has been checked to death.
There used to be several early Inspire owners with the complaint. Guess I am the only one left and trading isn't an issue.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 48783 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48783)
Bob,
I had a real problem with my 2005 Inspire 51428 bottoming out when I bought the coach used with 7800 miles on it from Holland in San Diego. They claim it was okay and I claimed it was not. I lived in the the Bay Area and finally got them to allow me to take it to Gauarranty in Gilroy. After two trips to have the it corrected it still was bad. My third trip I insisted the service manager take the coach for a drive. He returned without leaving the lot claiming there was a serious problem. After disregarding the CC ride height measurements, they raised the front of the coach at least six inches above specs. No more bottoming. Front end of coach is now level with rear.
Service manager claimed he did not know why the ride height specs from CC were not correct and did not charge for third adjustment. I have had no ride problems since this was done.
Jock Vargo
Inspire 330
51428
Currently in Amarillo, Wet kit installed
Yahoo Message Number: 48791 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/48791)
Hi Jock:
6 inches! Are you sure? I don't think there is much more or even that left in the suspension on my rig.
We raised ours 1-2" and it didn't solve the problem and caused steering stability issues - wandered all over the road.
Maybe I didn't get aggressive enough. It rides pretty close to level now but will look once more.
How many miles since you made the changes? Tires wearing OK?
I am really interested in you experience. Thanks for the reply.
Bob Handren
Inspire 51178
Yahoo Message Number: 84973 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/84973)
I have the "Rebound Adjustment Procedure" For Koni shocks. But something seems wrong. The procedure says to "remove the lower nut and compress the shock from underneath while turning counterclockwise until you feel the adjustment nut engage in the recess of the foot valve assembly". But the drawing seems upside down, as it shows the assembly being pushed DOWN, not up, and rotated CLOCKWISE, not counterclockwise. Anyone that has done this adjustment, can you explain why the drawing and the procedure do not agree? Should I ignore the drawing and just follow the verbal instructions? I had Camping World adjust them and they are not stiffer, they are spongy and loose now. My previous good ride went to hell, and I want it back!
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979
Yahoo Message Number: 84974 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/84974)
T amplify, "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" are matters of perspective. In the drawing, If you are above pressing down (if you took the top nut loose instead of the bottom) then you are indeed turning counterclockwise. Thus, I am confused and want to hear from someone that successfully performed this procedure.
Al Colby
Yahoo Message Number: 84984 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/84984)
Al, I have adjusted my Koni Shocks. I followed the verbal instructions and got fine results. This eliminated the porpoising of the of the coach every time I went through a dip in the road. I am now very happy with my ride. PS, I also installed new Michelin tires that have improved the coach's road manners.
RJ
2005 Inspire #51264
Yahoo Message Number: 84986 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/84986)
So I guess I should just ignore the drawings, which make no sense. What stiffness did you set them to?
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979
Yahoo Message Number: 84992 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/84992)
Al,
I never saw pictures of the procedure. I followed the words and disconnected the bottom. Compressed and rotated clockwise looking from below. Felt the detent and continued turning to all the way firm. I was pleased with the result.
Good luck.
George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
Yahoo Message Number: 85298 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85298)
I am trying to adjust my 881458 SP1 2196 shocks.I cannot get the detent to enguage.I can feel the shock bottom out, but will not enguage.
Doyle 1999 Intrigue 10716
Yahoo Message Number: 85349 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85349)
Ok, no responce so I will try again.I removed the shock yesterday to try to adjust again. Mine do not have adjustment notches. They have adjustable stamped on them. They are yellow or gold colored. Coach has 67,000 mi. It was a repo,I have no records. Another story. Any help will be appreciated.
Yahoo Message Number: 85362 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85362)
Doyle, Your Yellow/Gold KONI Shocks are their FSD Model which are not adjustable. You should call KONI directly as their early shipments I understand were labeled ADJUSTABLE which I understand was a mistake.
Regards, Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898
Yahoo Message Number: 85369 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85369)
The Gold colored Koni's are not adjustable. The Adjustables are Red in color and I believe the current model is an SP3. My gold Koni's played out at 13K miles, and Koni advised that although CC installed them on my coach, they were not the correct shock for the job. They sent me the SP3's and they have been VERY satisfactory. Call Koni and talk to them. The SP3's are roughly 1/3 the price of Road Kings and do a decent job. RoadKings MAY be better, but its all about what you need vs. how much you want to pay.
Jim Hodges
Inspire 360
#51969
Yahoo Message Number: 85374 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85374)
I called Koni, he said the shocks were not original.I am concearned that at 67,000 mi.two sets of shocks are bad.I did notice the front air bags are 1" low.I think I will adjust and try that. When I hit a dip the front will bounce 3-4 times before smoothing out. Thanks for the help.
Doyle and Peggy 1999 Intrigue 10716 I
Yahoo Message Number: 85375 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85375)
Doyle,
That was exactley what was wrong with my ride. I reset the front ride height and it stopped bottoming out.
John
05 Inspire #51399
Yahoo Message Number: 85376 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85376)
Doyle,
I agree with John regarding ride height adjustment. I had my coach to the CC store in Gilroy, CA three time for bottoming. The last time they called and said it was all done. I wanted the service manage to take it for a drive before I came to pickup the coach. He called back 20 minutes later an said he had not got out of the parking lot when he claimed all the work they had done had not fixed the problem, He had their service department redo the ride height based on some other measurement and took the coach out again and all was right.
Jock Vargo
2005 Inspire
51428
Yahoo Message Number: 85377 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85377)
If you back in time this was a large problem a couple of years ago. I corrected most of these issues by raising the ride height about 1/2 inch. The bags CC used have a fairly large stop inside them. If the bag is not inflated enough it will bottom out on the internal stop a lot. Before you spend a large sum on shocks raise the ride height 1/2 inch and see if the problem disappears.
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 85378 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85378)
I have to add word of warning about changing your ride height. I had the opportunity to take our coach to the Country Coach factory last year for an alignment. The gentleman doing the work was with CC during their heyday and they hired him back to do this work. He was nice enough to let me watch what he was doing and also explain things as he went.
I saw first hand with all the electronic alignment equipment attached what happened when small changes in the ride height were made. Serious changes took place in the IFS (independent front suspension), even when ride height changes were made just in the rear of the coach.
If you changed you right height, front or rear, your front suspension is out of alignment, no question!
Just because raising the front did stop the bottoming, the real reason you had the problem in the first place was because the shocks were not doing what they were designed to do. This also means your shocks are worn out and need to be replaced.
If you have the chance to stop by the CC factory and have your coach aligned I highly recommend it. It's money well spent. I suspect many who align our coaches have no idea what they are doing. It's nothing like aligning a car and begins with setting the ride height to factory specs!
I had the very same problem you are having with the front bottoming in an extreme way. I installed Road King shocks about 18k miles ago and have not bottomed once. Even on roads I previously had serious bottoming problems, and my ride height is set where the factory recommends.
Just wanted to step in here before more folks made this mistake and took their front alignment settings out of spec. I am sure all of you understand what this can do to tire wear ($$$) and drivability.
Barney
07 Inspire 52059
Yahoo Message Number: 85379 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85379)
Shocks limit vertical travel. They do not correct suspension issues. If the suspension is correct shocks do not have much to do. If you are using shocks to hide or mask a larger issue it will never be right. Wit hthe correct ride height and all alignment correct the chocks will not have to stop an issue they were not designed for.
Mikee
PHD ME
ASE World Class Tech (1 of 734 in the world at the time) Nhra, Ihra 6 second license, etc, etc, etc
Yahoo Message Number: 85384 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85384)
Mikee,
I don't have any fancy titles. Hell, I am not even 1 in 10 billion, but try taking the shocks off your street car and take it for a test drive. I think you will be "Shocked" at what they really do. Much more than limiting vertical travel. They do exactly what they are named after. They absorb shocks (absorb energy to you).
Oh, I have been a road racer most of my life on tracks from Road America to Mid-Ohio to Portland to Phoenix to Laguna Seca to Sears Point to Fontana and many many others and I've always done my own suspension set-ups, including alignments and shock adjustments. Shocks and how they are adjusted or set at the factory have a major effect on the handling of a vehicle.
Sorry but I don't have any etc's either. (http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/01.gif) Barney
07 Inspire 52059
Yahoo Message Number: 85391 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85391)
Limiting vertical travel or absorbing it are all one in the same in this case. Their job is to absorb bound and rebound. Not provide lift or spring assist, in this case. There job is not to limit compression, slow it down maybe but not limit or prevent it. Simply put shocks limit or control the bouncy bouncy after a bump in the road.
No argument shocks influence handling on a performance car and are also made for that purpose. We spend a lot of time tuning suspensions with the shocks as well as the 4 link, etc. However, I do not think anyone would classify a motorhome a performance vehicle. I am unable to find any motorhome racing on ESPN. lol
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 85398 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85398)
I have been driving or working on trucks since 1956,30 years of that in my shop for the public. This is a new challenge for me.
I bought this MH on Ebay,a repo, sight unseen. It goes against everything in me to have done this, but I did. When I picked it up in Ft. Worth and drove it for the first time, it was mine. About one mile from the pickup place I went thru a stop light about 40 mph. It bottomed out both ways, top and bottom.
I have raised the front about1/2",no change.I can tell from your posts it is not as simple as i thought. My son has the shop, at my disposal. Just not sure which way to go from here.
Thanks to all.
Doyle 99 Intrigue10716
Yahoo Message Number: 85420 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85420)
Doyle,
New shocks will correct your problem. I would recommend you get the best your budget allows. There are a few good manufacturers of shocks for our coaches. Again, if your budget allows I would recommend you replace all the shocks at the same time.
Barney
07 Inspire 52059
Yahoo Message Number: 85435 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85435)
Not sure exactly how to say this, but maybe 40 was too fast for the intersection? If not something else is going on if it did bottom out and react the upper limits as well. That is pretty unusual. There have been cases in the past where shock mounts were broken so the shock were not attached. Have you checked the shocks and their mounts?
Mikee
Yahoo Message Number: 85447 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85447)
Guys, please delete all but the last message when you reply. A message with 6 to 10 previous messages attached is really annoying.
Charles Brinkman
937-299-4109
Yahoo Message Number: 26289 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/26289)
I Have a 00 affinity 40 ft (no tag axle) and wish to check & adjust my front shocks. What have you determined is the best setting.
AL
00 affinity #5851