Country Coach Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums => Country Coach Archive => Topic started by: Cctravelingman on July 21, 2002, 02:10:09 pm
Title: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Cctravelingman on July 21, 2002, 02:10:09 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2362 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2362)Just got back from a run to Atlanta and we had a lot of bouncing on some portions of I 10. I'm thinking that maybe the shocks need to be replaced (47,000 miles). Has anybody replaced their shocks and what type did you replace them with. My Allure currently has the non-ajustable type of shock.
Thanks in advance, Egon
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Allure012000 on July 21, 2002, 02:17:47 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2363 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2363)Dear Egon, I have 99 Allure and changed from Gabriel's to KONI's at about 10,000 miles. The Koni's are great, they're adjustable, I have mine set MEDIUM.
Thanks, Mike
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Bill Gabler on July 22, 2002, 09:22:53 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2370 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2370)What part of I 10 were you on? We were on 10 several months ago and it bounced our 2001 Magna. I would not judge my shocks from 10, it one of the worst roads in the country in some places.
Bill G. 2001 Magna
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Cctravelingman on July 27, 2002, 01:58:43 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2382 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2382)Have only received a couple of replies on the subject and would like to hear from others that have had to replace the shocks. What I am looking for is what brand, ajustable-nonajustable, cost and what the improvement was.
Thanks in advance, Egon
'99 Allure
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Ray G_01 on July 27, 2002, 08:09:35 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2384 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2384)I replaced mine with KONI that were adjustable and have them set to mid range. They have solved problems of porpoising that I had with the Gabriels. Be sure you get KONI's that are the correct length, some of them look the same but are about one inch too short... Ray and La Rue
99 Allure 36ft......
Title: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Faa_engineer on July 29, 2004, 10:36:58 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 10918 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10918)I bought this coach a year ago. It has Koni shocks on it. I don't know if they are original. The coach has 61,000 miles on it. The ride is kind of "mushy" and it seems like it moves around during cornering. Got new tires. I am thinking about changing to a Bilstein shock. I've heard from others that they firm up the ride quite a bit. Anyone done this?
Thanks. Mike
'95 Intrigue 10061
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Dan & Ann on July 30, 2004, 09:37:36 am
Yahoo Message Number: 10921 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10921)The Konis wouldn't be original most likely and they are probably adjustable. First thing is to check them and make sure they are set on the firmest setting.
I retrofitted our coach with them and they definitely helped, though we still get too much "bounce" from the front end on some roads. I think the front end could use even stronger shocks but have no idea if such exist. Has anyone here gone beyond the Konis for better front end control?
Dan & Ann
1998 Allure #30180
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Egon Schlottmann on July 30, 2004, 10:20:04 am
Yahoo Message Number: 10922 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10922)Dan and Ann
Noticed your screen name (MaineCoone). Is this because you have that breed of cat?
Egon
'99 Allure #30321 '02 Tahoe Z71
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Falcono6 on July 30, 2004, 10:32:17 am
I bought this coach a year ago. It has Koni shocks on it. I don't > know if they are original. The coach has 61,000 miles on it. The > ride is kind of "mushy" and it seems like it moves around during > cornering. Got new tires. I am thinking about changing to a > Bilstein shock. I've heard from others that they firm up the ride > quite a bit. Anyone done this?
Thanks. Mike '95 Intrigue 10061
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND BILSTINES THAT WELL FIT.TRY ADJUSTING YOUR KONIS TOO FULL FRIM IN THE REAR AND 1/4TURN BACK FROM FULL FRIM IN THE FRONT
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Falcono6 on July 30, 2004, 10:44:51 am
I bought this coach a year ago. It has Koni shocks on it. I don't > know if they are original. The coach has 61,000 miles on it. The > ride is kind of "mushy" and it seems like it moves around during > cornering. Got new tires. I am thinking about changing to a > Bilstein shock. I've heard from others that they firm up the ride > quite a bit. Anyone done this?
Thanks. Mike '95 Intrigue 10061
TO ADJUST THE SHOCKS THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE ON THE SHOCKS, JUST REMOVE ONE END FROM THE FRAME AND COLAPSE THE SHOCK ALL THE WAY AND TURN CLOCKWISE OR COUNTER CLOCKWISE. TED
99 32' ALLURE 30305
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Walt Rothermel_01 on July 30, 2004, 11:09:46 am
Yahoo Message Number: 10925 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10925)I fully agree with others who have responded to your shock problem that adjustment to "firm" is a step toward alleviating the problem. However, you also need to make sure your ride height is properly set----your comment re front end bounce leads me to believe your ride ht. may be off, as I had this same problem.
Walt Rothermel 03Allure30811
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Bill Gabler on July 30, 2004, 04:37:58 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 10932 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10932)We put new Kona shocks on our 2001 Magna last year at 40,000 miles. These shocks can be ajusted 3 time. We went thru all 3 adjustments so they were replaced. The new shocks gave a much better ride so it was about time. One piece of advise if you buy new Konas. Don't buy thru a dealer buy them direct from CC and take them to the dealer for install. At Lazy Days they buy from CCI also and pay more then we do and then mark them up and sell them to us. You can take your own parts to Lazy Days and pay nothing but installation. Just make sure you have the right item, which in this business is not easy.
Bill G. 2005 Magna #6425
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Dan & Ann on July 31, 2004, 10:23:23 am
Yahoo Message Number: 10934 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10934)Yes, though we're down to our last and don't plan on replacing her. Just too much hair! :) Dan
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: C Marshall on August 02, 2004, 02:49:47 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 10944 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10944)Check your shocks and make sure they are set on high. TWI 2004 Ovation 11731
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Faa_engineer on August 02, 2004, 08:42:53 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 10945 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10945)As soon as I figure out a way to break loose those big ole rusty nuts, I am going to. Mike
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Jim on August 02, 2004, 09:29:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 10946 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10946)Does anyone really have Bilsteins on their Country Coach? I've never been able to locate any that were suitable. I talked to Bilstein Customer Service and they don't know anything about shocks that would fit something the size of a Country Coach. I'd like to get some if they make em.
Jim Barber, '87 LTD, #4223
Title: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Countryjrc on November 07, 2004, 09:33:40 am
Yahoo Message Number: 12672 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/12672)I have experienced the bottoming out on bridges at cruse speed and have read the previous posts regarding ride height adjustment. Called CC and they don't recommend raising it. They do recommend adjusting the Kon shocks and faxed two pages of adjusting instructions. They indicate that over time the shocks need adjusting, originally are set at about the mid point. Previous posts have mentioned raising problems with them coming apart. Jim Craig from the factory cautioned about the problem. Is there a better shock with more travel? If so, has anyone installed them? In the Phoenix area, does anyone recommend a shop? I called Beaudry RV who sells the CC line and they recommended Massy Diesel. Massy has never adjusted the shocks. They are looking over the 2 pages. John 2002 Allure #30702
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: My55tbird2 on November 07, 2004, 03:34:07 pm
John-Try Desert West Coach on 7th St.in Phoenix.I have had them do
warranty work on my slides, ride height, seals, table refinishing, leaks, etc.I recommend them highly!I bought my 2002 Allure #30792 at Beaudry, but will not take a coach there for service. Macke
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Countryjrc on November 07, 2004, 05:41:30 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 12677 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/12677)Thanks Macke, sounds like you have had a good experience with lots of work. John
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Lyle Wetherholt on November 07, 2004, 06:59:23 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 12679 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/12679)I would like to see "2 pages of instructions" to adjust Koni shocks to a firmer setting. Two pages? really! There is obiously something I don't know on this subject. BTW see my next post on slide hydraulic leak. Lyle 04 Intrigue 11740
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Walt Rothermel_01 on November 07, 2004, 07:54:19 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 12683 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/12683)John, I assume your ride height is to spec---I'm sure the CC rep you talked to was saying you should not raise it over spec. In my case the shocks had been adjusted to firm and I still had bottoming out. Come to find out the ride height was set too low at the factory.
Walt Rothermel 03Allure30811
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Daledede11240 on November 08, 2004, 11:38:58 am
Yahoo Message Number: 12687 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/12687)-I had mine adjusted at a truck shop. It took 30 minutes to do all three. Simply remove the bottom bolt, compress the shock and turn 360 degrees for each stop further, Dale Loop
Intrigue 11240
Title: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Recrem@comcast Net on August 17, 2011, 10:36:05 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 73765 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73765)What is the recommended life span on these? My rig is a 2004 Allure with 63,000 miles--mostly interstate. The shocks seem a bit loose, but it may be my imagination.
Jim Mercer
Albuquerque, NM
CC Allure/Newport (#31070)
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Littlebaler1 on August 17, 2011, 11:24:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 73768 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73768)I have a 2008 allure and replaced the Koni with the Road Kings and can not believe how good my coach handles now. Good luck Bill
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Barney Moen on August 18, 2011, 12:00:39 am
Yahoo Message Number: 73769 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73769)Same with my 2007 Inspire. The Konis were shot after 43k. The Road Kings are really nice. Barney
2007 Inspire 52059
On Aug 17, 2011 8:24 PM, "littlebaler1" littlebaler1@...> wrote: >
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Don S. on August 18, 2011, 12:53:18 am
Yahoo Message Number: 73772 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73772)Koni, what a POC. The Road King shocks are the way to go. I had the Koni FSDs and had a terrible ride. Changed to the Road Kings and the ride was noticeable. Road King is the only way to go for a coach as heavy as ours on the front end.
Don
"02 Intrigue #11427
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: windsor1262 on August 18, 2011, 07:40:18 am
Yahoo Message Number: 73773 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73773)Our Konis were shot at about 25k miles. We replaced with Road Kings and the coach rides better than new.
Marta
07 Allure 31501
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Allan Colby on August 18, 2011, 09:25:14 am
Yahoo Message Number: 73775 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73775)Well, Don, you are a buddy of mine but I disagree, based on my own experience. I have my original adjustable Koni's, with over 100K miles, and my ride is great. I have thought several times I should change them, but as long as my ride is still fine, why? I have heard, though, that the FSD's are not good. But if and when I need new shocks, I am going with the original adjustable Koni's. And save considerable $$$$.
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue (36 foot) 10979
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Buck on August 18, 2011, 10:03:59 am
Yahoo Message Number: 73776 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73776)Right on Al...
I too have my original adjustable Koni's and after 100K+ miles, the ol' Magna rides down the road like a magic carpet... no bounce, no porpoising (sp?)...
> Well, Don, you are a buddy of mine but I disagree, based on my own experience. I have my original adjustable Koni's, with over 100K miles, and my ride is great. I have thought several times I should change them, but as long as my ride is still fine, why? I have heard, though, that the FSD's are not good. But if and when I need new shocks, I am going with the original adjustable Koni's. And save considerable $$$$.
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue (36 foot) 10979
My experience mirrors Als. After 11 years and 50,000+ miles my ride is still great. I wonder if earlier Konis were made better? Dale Loop
2001 Intrigue 11240
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Allan Colby on August 18, 2011, 12:23:06 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 73785 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73785)I think it is just the FSDs that are bad.
Al Colby
2000 Intrigue 10979 --
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Smitty on August 18, 2011, 02:47:25 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 73790 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73790)My $.02 - keep the change!!!
2004 vintage, were the Koni Adjustable SP1 shocks. From the factory set at 1 (softest dampening) position. Koni rep (a gent that was in the mix back in those years, and still is today). Said that Koni urged then National Country Coach, that the Koni SP1's were undersized for the front end duty. CC wanted the 'Cadilac' ride, vs 'BMW'. FSD's were sold for awhile, then pulled, as they were not up to the job on the IFS CC front end - they did not play well with each other. Koni now sells the SP3 Adjustable, the third generation of the Adjustable. It is a better fit for the job then the SP1. I think the size of the coach makes a differnce, and the preference of the owner on ride too. A 36' coach, is probably much better supported then a 40+' coach, with the base SP1 Adjustables on Setting 1. And, some owners want the softer 'Cadilac' ride, and nothing wrong with that if it is what they want. When we got our 40' Tag 04 Allure last year, we had the front road height set to the top of the range, and the Koni SP1's set to 5th (highest dampening) setting. These two changes helped the ride quite a bit, but my preference is for 'BMW' ride (not to race, but for emergency steering if needed). So, I still wanted more. I had a credit for two new shocks as part of the purchase agreement. I went with the Road Kings all around, and I also added the SS MCU's to front and back. This is a 39K lbs 40' long rig, and no it is not a BMW - but the combo of Road Kings and MCU's - made a big difference in handling. I do not think the Koni SP1's are bad, and for many as seen here, do the job the way they want. Blown shocks at 10K or OEM shocks of over 100K miles, are all the luck of the pot hole roads we drive on. In California, with bad roads, probably many more failures!!!
No right or wrong on this - we all have different wants:)!
OK - so more then $.02:)!
Best to all, Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Robert Bozich on August 18, 2011, 03:52:17 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 73791 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/73791)My chassis service co gave me a full warranty on my FSD shocks at 30,000 miles the road test was great. Bob 06 Intrigue. 12047
Title: Shock Absorbers
Post by: S_targrazer on September 08, 2011, 02:00:07 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 74317 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/74317)We have a leaking front shock and are thinking of getting Road Kings. I remember being told that you need to measure the area for the size of the correct shock. Can anyone tell us where those measurements need to be taken at for front and rear shocks? Don and Sue
2000 Affinity #5681
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Barney Moen on September 08, 2011, 02:50:28 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 74318 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/74318)Try giving Road King a call. They knew what I needed without the measurements. You will notice the difference! 2007 Inspire 52059 Barney
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Smitty on September 08, 2011, 03:13:33 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 74319 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/74319)When we got Road Kings, all they asked were the existing model shock on the coach. From this, they knew what was needed. May be different for some coaches, but it was real easy for us. Very glad we made the move to Road Kings, I see them as a one time buy - and know it really helped handling, for me a safety item. (Note, I also added SS MCU's front and rear. Not real expensive, and helps in the side to side 'setting'. The Road Kings may have done this by themselves, but the MCU's are on now too.) I admit the RK's were a bit more $$ then I had planned, but just went to box of wine for a few months to cover the extra costs:)! (Actually, the DW brought me a bag-o-wine, to make a point!)
Best of luck, be safe, have fun, Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Title: Re: Shock Absorbers
Post by: Louie Courtemanche on September 09, 2011, 12:33:08 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 74329 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/74329)Don and Sue-
When going to RoadKing shocks it is crucial that the shock is setup for the coach. I have personally installed no less than 50 or so RoadKing shocks on Country Coach and other brands. They originally wanted all sorts of measurements to ensure the proper shock was sent and fit well. Some coaches do require slight modifications to allow the RoadKings to fit. Simply giving them the original Koni shock part number isn't always enough information to get the correct replacement. On most High-Line motorcoaches the suspension is fine tuned and these shocks will make a difference in handling. We have not had one customer unsatisfied with the outcome of installing RoadKings. On a very few coaches the valving was needed to be adjusted by RoadKing to ensure proper handling of that particular axle. Please refer to their website and select the DATA tab at the top of the page. (www.roadkingshocks.com) Now that more people are using these shocks they do have a better feel for what Shock is needed for each application. That being said, in my opinion it is always better to measure first and get the correct part instead of having to overnight shocks back and forth. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Jake Smith
Service Manager Premier RV Services (541) 998-2640
countrycoachrv@... (countrycoachrv@...) 325 East First Avenue Junction City, OR 97448
Title:
Post by: Dick May on July 21, 2002, 06:15:45 pm
Yahoo Message Number: 2365 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/2365)My thoughts..... the way to keep the gen cool is to move more air through the radiator fins. Unless you can do that a low volume auxiliary fan will only move the hot ambient air around. The only time I had a problem was in Big Bend NP, TX with temps over 100. So far the Onan in my current coach has not given me any problems...... but I haven't been in REALLY hot areas..... got my fingers crossed!