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How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Yahoo Message Number: 61622
I've researched quite a bit, and called many manufacturers and Suspension Shops for input (Henderson's, Redland, Koni, Road King, Bilstien, etc.).
I know that for my series 04 40' Allure with Tag, that Koni has come out this year with a more robust SP3 vintage Adjustable, for the front end application. They do not, and are not planning on a FSD. The rear drive and tag do have FSD's available (my tags now has FSD, as part of the PDI when I purchased the rig).
Many comments that the OEM SP1 Koni Adjustables were a bit 'undersized' for the job. At least for the front end. (This was on National/Country Coach - as they gave the spec's to build to, to Koni. They wanted the soft floating ride.)

So now my question.

How many are still running the Koni Adjustable SP1 vintage shocks on their rigs of this era?

Thanks,
Smitty
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61625

We still have ours and with the proper ride height adjustment they are working fine with 40,000 miles. Ride height seems to be the critical issue for ANY shock as too low causes to little resistance to bottoming.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61626
Smitty,

I'm in the process right now of replacing the SP1s on my '05 Inspire w/ the SP3s. My Inspire is a 40' w/ a front axle weight rating of 13,400 and the Koni rep told me the SP3 was going to be quite an upgrade.

Tom

'05 Inspire #51334

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61627

Tom,

I wouldn't expect a salesman to tell you anything different. ;-)
Seriously, I would appreciate your impression of any improvement. For what they charge I'll probably wait until mine actually wear out - if I live that long. FWIW when those shocks first came out the Koni rep I spoke with would not guarantee any improvement in the bottoming out problem being suffered at that time.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61628
Smitty...

I am still using the original Koni Adjustable shocks on my ol '99 Magna, and after 91K miles, she still floats along like a magic carpet.

Buck

k7wn '99Magna#5653

===========================================================

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61629
Bob,

I know what you mean.

I haven't had bottoming out problems though. I bought the coach used w/ about 20,000 miles and it rode quite well but I've driven it 35,000 in the last three years and the last few trips the porpoising has been getting worse and worse. My wife can hang onto an ice shaker in the front seat and her cosmo is ready by the time we get stopped :)

I'll let you know.
Tom

05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:12 AM

Tom,

I wouldn't expect a salesman to tell you anything different. ;-)
Seriously, I would appreciate your impression of any improvement. For what they charge I'll probably wait until mine actually wear out - if I live that long. FWIW when those shocks first came out the Koni rep I spoke with would not guarantee any improvement in the bottoming out problem being suffered at that time. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:06:51 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Smitty,

I'm in the process right now of replacing the SP1s on my '05 Inspire w/ the SP3s. My Inspire is a 40' w/ a front axle weight rating of 13,400 and the Koni rep told me the SP3 was going to be quite an upgrade.

Tom

'05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, GSmith77_7 wrote: From: GSmith77_7 Subject: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:45 AM
I've researched quite a bit, and called many manufacturers and Suspension Shops for input (Henderson's, Redland, Koni, Road King, Bilstien, etc.). I know that for my series 04 40' Allure with Tag, that Koni has come out this year with a more robust SP3 vintage Adjustable, for the front end application. They do not, and are not planning on a FSD. The rear drive and tag do have FSD's available (my tags now has FSD, as part of the PDI when I purchased the rig).Many comments that the OEM SP1 Koni Adjustables were a bit 'undersized' for the job. At least for the front end. (This was on National/Country Coach - as they gave the spec's to build to, to Koni. They wanted the soft floating ride.)So now my question. How many are still running the Koni Adjustable SP1 vintage shocks on their rigs of this era?Thanks, Smitty

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61631
Our 07 Allure 470 came with FSD's. Bottomed quite frequently. After talking to the Koni Rep I tried the old ADJ turned up all the way and it basically took care of the problem.

Doug Sherar
07 Allure 470
31453

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61636
Smitty:

I am still on the original shocks on my 2000 Intrigue with 112,000 miles, and it rides just fine. And since my ride height is set properly it NEVER bottoms out!

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61643
i have over u

70k miles, original Konis, no problems.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61647
Smitty, I just passed 91,000 miles with original Koni's, I have the front adjusted 1/2 turn down from full firm, rears are medium. I like my ride, certainly having the ride height at exact spec makes a difference.

Mike 03 Allure 1st Ave. #30898

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61649
Thanks for all of the updates. As I've mentioned in a few other posts: -Our tags are new FSD's, as part of the PDI -Our rear drives are SP1's, to the best of my knowledge, on setting 1 (And from reading posts of broken rears being driven for long periods, imagine the rear drives are not real critical to ride comfort and handling.) -Our fronts are SP1, set to 4 our of 5 setting with the ride height also being set to the highest side of the range, as part of the PDI. (Coach handling felt just a bit less then I wanted on our shake down cruise.)
I'm installing MCU's up front (under 30K Lbs), and rear MCU's at over 30K lbs - the mix was recommended by Henderson's.
I think I'll leave the SP1's as is for our next big trip (September), and see how the MCU's interact (I also have set the Mich's for our coches weights, after the shake down cruise.), may come back and say leave it as is... I made the mistake on my first rig, on not doing changes incrementally - and probably went way beyond what I needed to. So slow and steady this time out...
I also figure I can then check in with a few that have had the SP3 added, and get real world impressions.

Best,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61651
I upgraded to Road king at 52K, best thing we ever did for the coach ride. Night and Day. The OEM are were adjusted and adjusted with no results + they were worn out. Time to put new ones on.

Paul

01' Intrigue, #11309

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61655
Tom:

Check that your front ride height valve isn't slipping out of adjustment. The difference in raising the front 1" is amazing. If you are bottoming out try raising it 1" and then small increments until it stops. It has worked for me and others have posted the same results.
The front ride valve is located in the middle of the anti-sway bar. To adjust loosen the "U" bolt clamps and SLOWLY move the bracket.
Or install handles for the wife to hold on to. Bob (rthandren@...)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:29:07 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Bob,

I know what you mean.

I haven't had bottoming out problems though. I bought the coach used w/ about 20,000 miles and it rode quite well but I've driven it 35,000 in the last three years and the last few trips the porpoising has been getting worse and worse. My wife can hang onto an ice shaker in the front seat and her cosmo is ready by the time we get stopped :)

I'll let you know.
Tom

05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:12 AM

Tom,

I wouldn't expect a salesman to tell you anything different. ;-)
Seriously, I would appreciate your impression of any improvement. For what they charge I'll probably wait until mine actually wear out - if I live that long. FWIW when those shocks first came out the Koni rep I spoke with would not guarantee any improvement in the bottoming out problem being suffered at that time. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:06:51 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Smitty,

I'm in the process right now of replacing the SP1s on my '05 Inspire w/ the SP3s. My Inspire is a 40' w/ a front axle weight rating of 13,400 and the Koni rep told me the SP3 was going to be quite an upgrade.

Tom

'05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, GSmith77_7 wrote: From: GSmith77_7 Subject: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:45 AM
I've researched quite a bit, and called many manufacturers and Suspension Shops for input (Henderson's, Redland, Koni, Road King, Bilstien, etc.). I know that for my series 04 40' Allure with Tag, that Koni has come out this year with a more robust SP3 vintage Adjustable, for the front end application. They do not, and are not planning on a FSD. The rear drive and tag do have FSD's available (my tags now has FSD, as part of the PDI when I purchased the rig).Many comments that the OEM SP1 Koni Adjustables were a bit 'undersized' for the job. At least for the front end. (This was on National/Country Coach - as they gave the spec's to build to, to Koni. They wanted the soft floating ride.)So now my question. How many are still running the Koni Adjustable SP1 vintage shocks on their rigs of this era?Thanks, Smitty

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61664
Bob,

I'll be sure and check the ride height and confirm all is secure when I install the shocks. I downloaded a 30+ page Maintenance Manual from the SAF Holland website that gives the ride height for my front end part No., on a Country Coach, as 6.5 inches difference between the center of the front axle and the bottom of the chassis frame. (Level ground - measure ground to frame and subtract ground to axle center) Do you recall what yours is now that you've got it where it rides well? Our coaches are only about 150 apart so I'm guessing that a similar measurement will give similar results.

Thanks.
Tom

'05 Inspire #51334 --- On Sat, 7/24/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comDate: Saturday, July 24, 2010, 8:35 AM

Tom:

Check that your front ride height valve isn't slipping out of adjustment. The difference in raising the front 1" is amazing. If you are bottoming out try raising it 1" and then small increments until it stops. It has worked for me and others have posted the same results.
The front ride valve is located in the middle of the anti-sway bar. To adjust loosen the "U" bolt clamps and SLOWLY move the bracket.
Or install handles for the wife to hold on to. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:29:07 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Bob,

I know what you mean.

I haven't had bottoming out problems though. I bought the coach used w/ about 20,000 miles and it rode quite well but I've driven it 35,000 in the last three years and the last few trips the porpoising has been getting worse and worse. My wife can hang onto an ice shaker in the front seat and her cosmo is ready by the time we get stopped :)

I'll let you know.
Tom

05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:12 AM

Tom,

I wouldn't expect a salesman to tell you anything different. ;-)
Seriously, I would appreciate your impression of any improvement. For what they charge I'll probably wait until mine actually wear out - if I live that long. FWIW when those shocks first came out the Koni rep I spoke with would not guarantee any improvement in the bottoming out problem being suffered at that time. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:06:51 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Smitty,

I'm in the process right now of replacing the SP1s on my '05 Inspire w/ the SP3s. My Inspire is a 40' w/ a front axle weight rating of 13,400 and the Koni rep told me the SP3 was going to be quite an upgrade.

Tom

'05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, GSmith77_7 wrote: From: GSmith77_7 Subject: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:45 AM
I've researched quite a bit, and called many manufacturers and Suspension Shops for input (Henderson's, Redland, Koni, Road King, Bilstien, etc.). I know that for my series 04 40' Allure with Tag, that Koni has come out this year with a more robust SP3 vintage Adjustable, for the front end application. They do not, and are not planning on a FSD. The rear drive and tag do have FSD's available (my tags now has FSD, as part of the PDI when I purchased the rig).Many comments that the OEM SP1 Koni Adjustables were a bit 'undersized' for the job. At least for the front end. (This was on National/Country Coach - as they gave the spec's to build to, to Koni. They wanted the soft floating ride.)So now my question. How many are still running the Koni Adjustable SP1 vintage shocks on their rigs of this era?Thanks, Smitty

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61679
CC measured ride height from the top and bottom shock absorber mounting bolts. I think something around 11.5 inches is in the ball park. Mine is set about 3/4" higher to solve (eliminated) our bottoming problem. Don't be afraid to raise the coach front an inch or more aqbove spec. Mikee who runs a chassis shop has assured us a new alignment would not be required unless there is also some other problem(s). My tires wear fine, no bottoming out, tracks better. BTW, bottoming out is very, very bad leading to broken parts. So jack that height up until it stops and set the Konis on the stiffest setting. Bob (rthandren@...)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.comSent: Sat, July 24, 2010 12:49:25 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Bob,

I'll be sure and check the ride height and confirm all is secure when I install the shocks. I downloaded a 30+ page Maintenance Manual from the SAF Holland website that gives the ride height for my front end part No., on a Country Coach, as 6.5 inches difference between the center of the front axle and the bottom of the chassis frame. (Level ground - measure ground to frame and subtract ground to axle center) Do you recall what yours is now that you've got it where it rides well? Our coaches are only about 150 apart so I'm guessing that a similar measurement will give similar results.

Thanks.
Tom

'05 Inspire #51334 --- On Sat, 7/24/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Saturday, July 24, 2010, 8:35 AM

Tom:

Check that your front ride height valve isn't slipping out of adjustment. The difference in raising the front 1" is amazing. If you are bottoming out try raising it 1" and then small increments until it stops. It has worked for me and others have posted the same results.
The front ride valve is located in the middle of the anti-sway bar. To adjust loosen the "U" bolt clamps and SLOWLY move the bracket.
Or install handles for the wife to hold on to. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:29:07 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Bob,

I know what you mean.

I haven't had bottoming out problems though. I bought the coach used w/ about 20,000 miles and it rode quite well but I've driven it 35,000 in the last three years and the last few trips the porpoising has been getting worse and worse. My wife can hang onto an ice shaker in the front seat and her cosmo is ready by the time we get stopped :)

I'll let you know.
Tom

05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, Robert Handren wrote: From: Robert Handren Subject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:12 AM

Tom,

I wouldn't expect a salesman to tell you anything different. ;-)
Seriously, I would appreciate your impression of any improvement. For what they charge I'll probably wait until mine actually wear out - if I live that long. FWIW when those shocks first came out the Koni rep I spoke with would not guarantee any improvement in the bottoming out problem being suffered at that time. Bob (rthandren@yahoo. com)'05 Inspire 51178 From: Tom Chesna To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comSent: Fri, July 23, 2010 12:06:51 PMSubject: Re: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks? Smitty,

I'm in the process right now of replacing the SP1s on my '05 Inspire w/ the SP3s. My Inspire is a 40' w/ a front axle weight rating of 13,400 and the Koni rep told me the SP3 was going to be quite an upgrade.

Tom

'05 Inspire #51334

--- On Fri, 7/23/10, GSmith77_7 wrote: From: GSmith77_7 Subject: [Country-Coach- Owners] How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?To: Country-Coach- Owners@yahoogrou ps.comDate: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:45 AM
I've researched quite a bit, and called many manufacturers and Suspension Shops for input (Henderson's, Redland, Koni, Road King, Bilstien, etc.). I know that for my series 04 40' Allure with Tag, that Koni has come out this year with a more robust SP3 vintage Adjustable, for the front end application. They do not, and are not planning on a FSD. The rear drive and tag do have FSD's available (my tags now has FSD, as part of the PDI when I purchased the rig).Many comments that the OEM SP1 Koni Adjustables were a bit 'undersized' for the job. At least for the front end. (This was on National/Country Coach - as they gave the spec's to build to, to Koni. They wanted the soft floating ride.)So now my question. How many are still running the Koni Adjustable SP1 vintage shocks on their rigs of this era?Thanks, Smitty

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61685
Doug:

I reciently returned my old shocks (Koni) to usage.
I had put FSD's on and they failed. One broke in half and the other was essentionly useless after 3 years. I had bad bottoming out. I did have ride height raised. rides better now than ever. Coach has 118,000+ miles on it.
James M. Green "Rollingghetto" Intrigue 11021

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61696
Doug,

We bought our 07 Allure 470 a year ago and the ride was horrible. we upgraded to Road King and now the coach rides outstanding.

They are amazing shocks.

David

07 Allure 470

Re: How many still on OEM Koni SP1 Adjustable Shocks?

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61745
Still using original Koni shocks on our '02 Allure at 81,000 miles. Had the shocks checked at Kaiser (Eugene, OR) last year while replacing a leaking seal and they verified the shocks were still okay.
--

Tom Harsch 2002 Allure #30791