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Coach leans to the right

April 10, 2014, 12:43:01 am

Our coach seems to have developed a lean to the right. It seems the passenger side measures about 2-1/2" lower than the driver's side. I can't see any broken springs, shackles, etc. Granted, the 50 gallon propane tank and 360# of batteries would contribute to leaning but I would have thought the stock springs were sized to accommodate the weight.

How do I get back to level? Can the existing springs (after inspection) be re-arced or should they be replaced, assuming the correct springs can be found for a 1989 Oshkosh chassis coach.

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Re: Coach leans to the right

Reply #1 – April 10, 2014, 03:20:47 am

Maybe that's what happens to leaf springs, especially with age. I'm sure you can have them replaced or reached, or even have shims added, but first check the weights. It might have good reason for leaning.

By the way, my first two motorhomes both leaned to the left and were low in front. I learned to use this to my advantage in leveling. The first MH was  1972 Revcon with leaf springs in back. The second was a 1988 Winnebago on  a 1987 John Deere (became Oshkosh) front gas engine chassis with narrow-set leaf springs all around. That one leaned from the day it was delivered.

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Reply #2 – April 10, 2014, 10:09:51 am

Thanks, Tom. I'm starting to lean with age but I thought it was due to my knee surgeries. We have measured both sides with everything out of the compartments and everything of any weight in the hallway closet. All appliances and the gray and black water tanks are on the driver's side. Low side remains low so I think the springs on that side have fatigued and have taken on a lower set point, causing the lean.
Because Oshkosh Truck sold all information regarding the chassises used by Foretravel to Freightliner I will have to seek out the truck repair shop that services Freightliner. I think the Kenworth service facility about 18 miles away has serviced our coach for the RV dealer just before we took delivery.
Gonna be busy this month with knee surgery, back surgery, and possibly cataract surgery along with spring cleaning as best I can after all that so it will be awhile.

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Reply #3 – April 10, 2014, 11:02:18 am

Don't know for sure, but my 88 had 4 air bags one at each wheel. I had a simple leak and adjusted the ride height, but as I recall; the height adjustment is front and back. So considering yours is a right tilt, your air bags are suspect.

 If your coach has the torlastic springs that is a different subject.

Hope this helps narrow your solution.

Cataract replacement is great.. 20/20 now and depth perception.

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Reply #4 – April 10, 2014, 11:27:40 am

Sorry John, no air bags or torsilastic rubber bands. Just plain, old tech steel leaf springs similar to a 1932 Ford Model B except the springs are situated front to back and not transverse mounted.

Wish they were air bags etc, but next time you see a garbage truck take a look at their suspension and you will see what I have under our coach (Oshkosh Truck made/makes chassises for the military, dump trucks, garbage trucks, etc)

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Re: Coach leans to the right

Reply #5 – April 10, 2014, 11:40:38 am

OK

Wish you the best in finding the replacement parts

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Re: Coach leans to the right

Reply #6 – April 10, 2014, 11:49:34 am

If you can not find parts you might have them made.

Suspension companies can make leaf springs to change ride heights.  I had a simply single helper spring set made and installed on a van.  It kept the van at ride height if I carried a load.  They offered a solution to raise the ride height as well.

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Reply #7 – April 10, 2014, 05:19:54 pm

Three choices:  Re-arch spring, add a leaf or add a shim between axle and spring.

Find a HD truck spring shop-- that is what they do for a living.  If in the Houston area, I know of one downtown-- probably does not look much different inside than it did in the 1930's.  They make their own springs, shackles, etc.

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Reply #8 – April 10, 2014, 06:52:46 pm

The shop in Ft. Worth, must be the Houston's guy's brother.  Like Brett said, likely looks the same for the last 40 years.  I called and asked a couple of questions, and was told, "we can fix anything, you just bring it to us".  They had brand new trucks with dealer paper tags getting upgrades as well as helping my older van that I had overloaded.

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Re: Coach leans to the right

Reply #9 – April 11, 2014, 11:24:59 am

Alcan Springs of Grand Junction Colorado will make custom make any size leaf spring from flat steel stock. I had them make springs for my 5er and was vert happy with the results. You can view their website at Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs

Roland

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