I assume only the 36 footers came with the Torsilastic ride suspension, what year were they introduced, or was it an add-on? Any issues? Sure is a GREAT ride! ^.^d
I think it came out on 94 models and the issues are usually that the rear end sags after a while as it should have been built (as modified ones were) for a few thousand pounds rear end more. Parts are available from a San Antonio co' and they are made in Mexico out of recycled rubber. Thousands of Buses in Mexico have that system.
JohnH
We had a 68 Eagle bus conversion with that system and it rode very well, not as nice as our u300
THAT was a nice coach, don't see many of them these days. Thanks for the info, this coach sits perfect. I'd wondered if the PO before the PO converted ours (my hero, you all know who he is). ^.^d We've also got some custom heavy duty shocks on this dear, as well, also done by my hero. Even on our "Blue Highways", she tracks and steers perfect!
Nope, Torsilastic/velvet ride was the OE suspension on 1991-1995 U225 and U240 Foretravels: Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
The suspension was made by B.F. Goodrich Aerospace Division in Jacksonville FL. It has since been sold to Lord Corp who has not and has no plans to build it.
Sulastic. Contact Us (http://www.sulastic.com/contactus)
This is the one I was talking about and the parts are made in Mexico by a company that makes many shocks/wheels etc with Rubber.
JohnH
Eagle buses are now made in TN since the owner moved it from Brownsville, TX. They'll make you one to order with whatever you want. I saw a band tour bus with six bunks and mesquite wood floors that was beautiful
Thanks, Brett, I seem to remember seeing in my files where some work was done on the Torsilastic, will check.
I will bookmark , John. Appreciate the link.
Yes, Mike, your suspension is quite custom:
I worked with the engineers at Goodrich to choose more appropriate rear springs (which Foretravel then ordered for all subsequent U240's). Custom Koni FSD shocks (our coach was the test coach for the development of the FSD's). Custom Roadmaster HD sway bars. Custom Roadmaster rear panhard rod.......
No wonder she rides so well. Without even looking in the files, I had a sneaking hunch YOU had something to do with the absolute smoothness: no sway, no roll, no "attack" on bumpy roads. You done good, my friend! b^.^d
Loved driving the u225 and 240's new.
Saw a u225 I sold new at the local cummins dealer last month. Looked at the rear suspension and it still had shims left.
VonVolkenbergs were still the owners. 125k miles I think.
Outside needed refreshing although.
Only snivel was that you cannot lower the coach to allow more leveling ability in un level areas.
But the drive was excellent. The cat was fast. Too fast sometimes as I remember a twisting road by organ pipe cactus park in az and looking down at the speedo and be going 75. Had to use the cruise empty
This dear, at 170K, STILL wants to gallop! Prolly the hardest thing I've had to get used to is keeping an eye on the speedo, where in my previous coaches, I drove by the tach. At 2100 rpm (70/75 mph) she tends to "scamper" upwards, like she is seeking her own comfort level. ^.^d
Mike,
OR, you can putter along at 60 MPH and you will see 10+ MPG.
Yup, but you can excuse someone who's top speed for thirty years was 55-60 (downhill). ;) Those Isuzus gave us 15 mpg, but I could walk faster climbing a grade (and have my eyes glued to the pyro and temp gauge) Sure never had to worry about getting a ticket on the Interstates, though!