Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...

Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

March 25, 2016, 08:49:40 am

Leaning right must be catching!! Our coach is definitely lower on the right side--as much as 2-1/2". Most likely attributed to the two 8D batteries and the propane tank causing a permanent change in height.
I have replaced one 180# 8D battery with a 60# start battery but that is it.
NOW, asking former truckers/trucking co people, is there something that can be added? Changed?
Forget trying the spring places. None have a listing for a 1989 Foretravel or an Oshkosh Truck chassis.

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #1 – March 25, 2016, 09:15:18 am

It's kind of a lost art nowadays but look for a truck spring shop that can rearch your springs. One that has been in business for a loooong time will know how to do it. They can also rebuild the spring pack and add a leaf if needed.

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #2 – March 25, 2016, 09:19:36 am

Actually an "old fashion" truck spring shop is where to go.

Start by checking for wear in the shackles.  If they are OK, there are two choices:  add a leaf or add a shim. 

I know a good "old fashion" truck spring shop in Houston.  In your area, might check with Dick Lorntson at Precision Alignment.  He will either be able to do it or recommend a shop that can :

Dick Lorntson RV suspension and tires are our specialty.

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #3 – March 25, 2016, 09:38:09 am

If you want to try the "Add On" approach, it looks like Air Lift might make (or made) a kit for the Oshkosh motorhome chassis.  I didn't find one in stock anywhere with a quick Google search, but you may have better luck.  Look for part #57224 toward the bottom of the application chart:

Air Lift Application Guide for motorhome and RV vehicles

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #4 – March 25, 2016, 10:19:31 am

Here's another off-the-wall thought:  are the springs on your coach symmetrical from side to side?  If they are, you could try swapping them from one side to the other.  That would put the "saggy" springs on the lighter side of the coach, and the "less saggy" springs on the heavy side.  If you lucked out, it might end up with the coach sitting fairly even!

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #5 – March 25, 2016, 10:29:00 am

Yes, on old school spring shop can make up an new spring set for you.  Ask at a truck repair shop that has been around for a while.  They send their repairs out to them.  Make sure that it is a spring problem and not a loading one first.  Weigh the coach side to side. 

Keith

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #6 – March 25, 2016, 10:43:24 am

My '81 Foretravel 40' has double the size of the right front spring on the left front, from the factory to compensate for the 12.5 kw Yanmar diesel generator mounted behind the left front wheel

Quote Selected

Re: Coach leans right--leaf spring suspension tho

Reply #7 – March 25, 2016, 10:47:02 am

Might make the coach ride and better to drive if you replaced all the springs.
If one is saging the others are probably getting tired also.

Quote Selected