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Topic: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading (Read 10493 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #250
I still have no idea how our tire can touch the air bag plate in some attitudes but I can't duplicate it no matter how I try.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #251
So if you remove the entire unsprung assembly below  were the bags mount nothing affects the distance from the tire to the bag mount because they are all bolted together as one assembly. With the drag links removed the bushings removed nothing changes. That assembly is centered in the well wells with the drag links and bushing, not the distance to the lower bag mounts. You literally need to unbolt the axle to change the clearance between the wheel and the bag mount. They are mounted rigidly together as a assembly
Scott

Scott,

You are correct.  Still trying to figure out how this happened, but indeed, the lower air bag mount is attached rigidly to the "unsprung H member"
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #252
I still have no idea how our tire can touch the air bag plate in some attitudes but I can't duplicate it no matter how I try.

Pierce

That's because you're old enough to know better.  From what I understand you have to start with your left front wheel on a high spot, and your right rear on a high spot with the other three wheels dangling in mid air.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #253
So last month when I was attempting to get my bubble pump to start I actually operated my coach full hard left lean and full hard right lean. No visual difference in tire to airbag mount and tire to fender well opening. Sorry never got a tire off the ground. I do believe the pictures yet can't understand how. I still would bet that we are looking at the symptoms not the problem? I genuinely enjoy setting up long travel suspensions and finding problems that most never address. One of the top three reasons I like our Foretravel is the out board air ride design. Extremely stable
Scott

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #254
She's home! Funny because before the accident she WAS our home.

Despite some serious traffic and incline getting from Phoenix to Prescott, and the 110 degree heat in Wickenberg, it was an uneventful drive and she runs smooth as butter.

I'll follow up later this weekend with the full bill of labor and my thoughts on the shop but tonight we're busy packing to take it to the Grand Canyon tomorrow  :D 
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #255
Glad to see you are back On the road
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #256
I'll follow up later this weekend with the full bill of labor and my thoughts on the shop but tonight we're busy packing to take it to the Grand Canyon tomorrow  :D 

Did you pack your wife's Tiara?  I mean if you aren't treating your wife like a Queen you should be.

Oh, yeah, You aren't planning on driving down any donkey trails, are you?
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #257
You deserve some fun time now. Enjoy.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

Reply #258
Alright, here are the final bills for the repairs. You'll notice some additional work from Freightliner that I originally withheld until things were sorted out with insurance. By and large, I was happy with the shop and would recommend them to other Foretravel owners in the Phoenix area (they had two other Unicoaches too). The quality of work and thoroughness was great, the wait time and communication left some to be desired. As you can tell, they did a great job of making sure *everything* that could possibly have been impacted by the accident was inspected and repaired  ;D

My out of pocket ended up being:
    • $500 deductible
    • $574.68 for four new bags (they let me buy my own and ship to them). Not needed but I knew they were coming due
    • $530 to install the bags (insurance covered labor for one of them)
    [/list]

    They also washed the entire rig, clean my wheels and tires, and cleaned the inside for me, which was a nice touch. They had the rig aired up and cooled down inside for me when I picked it up too.

    I've put about 350 mile on it since picking it up last Thursday and all is well. Out of paranoia, I stopped periodically during the first couple days of driving just to make sure all tires were clearing the bags but they were always good to go.

    From a financial perspective, I came out ahead in this whole ordeal. From a well-being/stress perspective it was definitely a net loser. Thanks for talking me through it as it has evolved, it has once again been a show of just how valuable this forum is to the FT brand.
    1987 Grand Villa ORED
    2001 U320 4010

    Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #259
    Three inches clearance at top on coach right center side. Biggest issue was approach angle at bottom both for front and rear of coach. No pitch issues at bottom just a lot of angle change. Had to have coach in raise position to clear front and rear. I would not recommend nor will I repeat, however we have a similar driveway in North Carolina at our daughters house and now don't think it will be doable for me since this weeks events have spooked me.  Just as steep into a off camber busy two lane rural road in a turn. No way to drive straight up, have to enter diagonally. Ain't worth it.
    Scott


    So we did attempt the North Carolina driveway. I have added a switchable ground for the HWH so as to be able to lock in manual adjust to stop control of the ride height system and operate with parking brake released. Entered driveway at ride height position and front raised to 90% high then transitioned threw to front 90% down and rear 90% up and then rolled to right to 100% available. Once we got out of transition turned ride height control back on without issue. Second half of the driveway will be leaving on Tuesday. Also chance of rain to add to the issues. Good fun. So far. Coached parked in driveway requires left front at full up and right rear down flat. But made a perfect level for coach

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #260

    So we did attempt the North Carolina driveway. I have added a switchable ground for the HWH so as to be able to lock in manual adjust to stop control of the ride height system and operate with parking brake released. Entered driveway at ride height position and front raised to 90% high then transitioned threw to front 90% down and rear 90% up and then rolled to right to 100% available. Once we got out of transition turned ride height control back on without issue. Second half of the driveway will be leaving on Tuesday. Also chance of rain to add to the issues. Good fun. So far. Coached parked in driveway requires left front at full up and right rear down flat. But made a perfect level for coach


    Watch those windshield, your living in dangerous territory. Glad it worked for you
    Chris
    Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
    Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
    Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
    Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
    Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
    Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #261
    Coached parked in driveway requires left front at full up and right rear down flat. But made a perfect level for coach
    We've stayed in many RV parks where the terrain required similar contortions to achieve level parking.  Makes you really appreciate the capability of the HWH leveling system.  When we park in a spot with the nose of our coach raised to max height, other campers come by and stare in amazement.  GVs especially look very impressive with the front end sticking up in the stratosphere.  8)

    1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
    C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
    960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
    Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
    "Nature abhors a vacuum"

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #262
    Watch those windshield, your living in dangerous territory. Glad it worked for you
    Chris
    Yes, but with the ride height deactivated Ive been aware not to mechanically excessively load the coach up against the stops. I know there is a fine line I'm walking.
    Scott

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #263
    We've stayed in many RV parks where the terrain required similar contortions to achieve level parking.  Makes you really appreciate the capability of the HWH leveling system.  When we park in a spot with the nose of our coach raised to max height, other campers come by and stare in amazement.  GVs especially look very impressive with the front end sticking up in the stratosphere.  8)



    Cool, We go the other way, always dumped almost to the snubbers when possible. Makes it easier to get in and out, but mostly because it looks cool slammed like a bagged hot rod!
    Cheers
    Chris
    Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
    Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
    Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
    Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
    Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
    Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #264
    Cool, We go the other way, always dumped almost to the snubbers when possible. Makes it easier to get in and out, but mostly because it looks cool slammed like a bagged hot rod!
    Cheers
    Chris
    Function over form. Dropped for arthritis in knees! Baby moons over the rear tires for aerodynamics, and because it looks like it belongs on the salt flats. Wonder if the would fit over the fronts?
    Twist & Lock Aero Wheel Covers, Polished Stainless for Dual Wheel Axles 4PK

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #265
    ...dumped almost to the snubbers when possible. Makes it easier to get in and out...
    Agreed.

    We have parked where achieving level required the curb side of the coach to be raised full up.  When it's sitting like that and we step out of the coach, it's a LONG way down from the bottom step to terra firma.

    1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
    C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
    960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
    Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
    "Nature abhors a vacuum"

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #266
    Function over form. Dropped for arthritis in knees! Baby moons over the rear tires for aerodynamics, and because it looks like it belongs on the salt flats. Wonder if the would fit over the fronts?


    "Twitchen"....
    Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
    Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
    Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
    Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
    Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
    Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348


     

    Re: Coach/suspension Damage From Torquing While Off-Roading

    Reply #268
    Bring boards.
    Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
    2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
    Hastings, MN