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Tires, shocks and batteries

Yahoo Message Number: 85204
It seems theses three topic cause the most contentious debate. Tires should be, in my opinion, looked upon as one of the most critical safety components on our coaches. I would not try to be too penny wise when it comes to tires. I prefer Michelins, but the main thing is to be confident in whatever tires you have going down the road.
As for shocks, do you have a comfortable ride? Or are you doing a lot of bouncing? (BTW, bottoming out has nothing to do with shocks). I found that Koni's work just fine if they are adjusted stiff enough. I am sure Road King's are great shocks, but If you can get a good ride without them that is money thrown away, IMO.
As for batteries, I got a lot of people mad at me for saying AGMs are a waste of money. Twice a year, I top off my Trojan six volt batteries. I don't consider that a major inconvenience, and I save a lot of money. The ROI is just not there for AGMs. But if you say, "I don't care. I have lots of money and I do not want to worry, ever again, about maintaining my batteries" than that is your choice! Just be honest about it, do not pretend there is any other valid reason (like corrosion. What corrosion? I don't have any) that can make up for the delta.
So in conclusion, there is nothing wrong with being frugal, as long as you do not compromise safety.

Re: Tires, shocks and batteries

Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 85205
Bless you Allan Colby . . . a breath of fresh air.

  • 2007 Coach, 53,000 miles
  • One tire replacement cycle to Michelins in Front, Bridgestones in back
  • Original Konis
  • Original wet cell batteries
Lee (leozbrowski@...) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13


Re: Tires, shocks and batteries

Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 85217
I do recall some 'spirited' postings in the past, especially one realted to tires I recall:)!
But Lee and Allan, I never consider this a 'right or wrong' kind of decisions that us coach onwers make. Lets face it CC made, and hopefully soon again 'makes' a fine coach. It is why we bought them.
And, several of us use our coaches differently, and have different preferences on how we want certain features of our coaches to behave or perform. Nothing wrong with keeping things as stock as they were when the coaches rolled off of the factory floor. Also nothing wrong with making improvements. One good example a gent made on another board, was when he 'upgraded' from his VHS to a DVD - technology does change, and upgrading to newer tech is certainly OK to do, or not do:)!
In my case, it was simple and many of my decisions were negotiated into the purchase of this coach off of consignment:
1) Tire allowance
2) Shock allowance

These two allowed me a budget to cover the bulk of the costs of 8 new Michelins and Road Kings. The Road Kings were my choice, as were the Motion Control Units, and I did chip in some additional coin to buy these two items. But I looked at it as a over 10 year forecasted usage life cycle, so those costs amoritized out. Handling was important to me, not to go race this 40' coach, but for safety.
Maybe not for you two specifically, but for others that may read this thread in the future, another comment on batteries.
Nothing wrong with wet cells, including the maintenance involved to add water and keep the battery compartment clean. I had good usage out of Trojan T125's in our Bounder for four years.
But for many people who are into heavy boondocking, the another added advantage to AGM's besides the maintenance free aspect of ownership. Is that they have a fasting recharging rate the wet cells. So for Solar Panel and or Generator charging, they do provide an advantage. They are also a bit more forgiving of too heavy dicharges that may happen by accident from time to time.
But the nice thing about us having our coaches, is we can all do what we feel is appropriate for them. Our choices on how much, and when to spend our money.
I've always found great info sharing on this board, and personally apreciated the knowledge sharing. It has saved me from mistakes in the past, and I'm sure it will again in the future:)!

My best to you both!

(And to be clear, my reason for this post was not to be contrary to any of your two's comments. It was to share my perspective, and hopefully help others that read this thread in the future to look at their total need in making decisions.)
Be safe, and have fun - it's what this is suppose to be all about:)! 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: Tires, shocks and batteries

Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 85226
Uh, Smitty, who said anything about right to wrong? Just people expressing a personal bias, just like you did.

What I said is how I feel.

You may not like it but that's how it is for me. Sorta what you said too.

Lee

Re: Tires, shocks and batteries

Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 85236
Yep, I banged that out on a Droid, and did not do a very good job of word choices...
Mostly wanted to cover more of the reasons that RK's and AGM's might be a good option when weighting the pro's/con's of shocks and batteries. They both do cost more, and for some the advantages may make them worth it.
I had read Allan's comments as if those who bought RK's and AGM's were doing so for false reasons.
My best to you both, and to all. Sorry if I read more into Allan's post then was intended. It does all come down to choices, and no problem with people coming to different answers for what they decide to buy.

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!)