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Topic: Test Drive (Read 842 times) previous topic - next topic

Test Drive

We got our first FT test drive today on an 02 U270 36. Quite different from our 30' Lazy Daze but not altogether scary. Gayle did well behind the wheel also.

I was wondering how one knows when it is time to replace the shocks. These appear to be the bilsteins and the rig has 153,000 miles. He doesn't know if they have been replaced or not. Since we have never ridden in a Class A of any type we have nothing to compare it with but our LD.

We did travel over some rougher road and I must say that I thought it would be a bit smoother than it was, again I didn't know what to expect. It was certainly no worse than the LD and may have been better. Hard to say not having both to travel over the same road.

So, other than looking for leaks on the shock how would one know when they need replacing? I can say this has the original air bags.

Jim

Re: Test Drive

Reply #1 –
I don't think bilstiens were put in as original. Could be incorrect though.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Test Drive

Reply #2 –
bilstiens were oem on 270's and 295's on some years.

am replacing my red top konis onn my 97 today.  may have a full set of the redtops available after I inspect them and try out the FSD'S. 

the 97 konis dampen very well but may be stiffer than the newer FSD design on square edges. 

the 97's are easily adjustable and rebuildable. 

thought the would make an less expensive setup for a smaller 270 or 295.  bet on #3 adjustment would be very good on the smaller lighter coach. 

the bilsteins were not noted for strong ride control in any of the reviews I have read. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Test Drive

Reply #3 –
Continuing to "bounce" after the bump is long past is a sure sign of replacing the shocks. I'm pretty sure mine are about ready. Even so, it rides pretty well, still.

If we ever downsize, it will be to a Lazy Days! :)

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Test Drive

Reply #4 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
Continuing to "bounce" after the bump is long past is a sure sign of replacing the shocks. I'm pretty sure mine are about ready. Even so, it rides pretty well, still.

If we ever downsize, it will be to a Lazy Days! :)

Craig

Thanks for the reply Craig, but you will have to be beaten with a wet noodle for Days instead of Daze. ;D

Jim

Re: Test Drive

Reply #5 –
Our 99 has Bilsteins and I believe them to be original.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Test Drive

Reply #6 –
If you're lucky, maybe they're adjustable. The Konis that came with ours are adjustable for rebound. . Of course I didn't know this till i got on this forum, where I also learned that from the factory they are set full soft. So setting them a few turns stiffer settled the coach down very nicely.
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: Test Drive

Reply #7 –
The intended topic seems to have been SHOCK ABSORBERS, rather than (broadly) TEST DRIVE.  When I search for already-discussed issues on this, and any other, forum, the results are so much better when the topic line is accurate and consistent with the narrative.
As for shocks, does a shop need to lift the coach on a hoist in order to replace them? 
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Test Drive

Reply #8 –
David,

You can change the shocks with the coach setting on the ground. It makes the access better if you raise the air bags and chock the frame.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Test Drive

Reply #9 –
Jim it was great talking to you and Gale today, we will be around it you have anymore ? Good luck with your search.
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Test Drive

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
David,

You can change the shocks with the coach setting on the ground. It makes the access better if you raise the air bags and chock the frame.

Pamela & Mike
Thank you, Mike.  Somewhere, maybe on Barry's site, I had seen the size of steel bars needed as "jack stands" Do you know?
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Test Drive

Reply #11 –
David, check the thread about working safely on/under your Foretravel in the Tech section. I think it is the first one on the list.

Re: Test Drive

Reply #12 –
Morgan (hope that this is the right first name now),

Here is a link to the thread that David has mentioned.
Working Safely around your Foretravel

There are several pages that you can scan through. To answer your question though I like 11" stands. There are different viewpoints but I use 8, one next to each air bag.  Other than the stands the shocks can be changed out with an opened end wrench and a 1/2" drive socket & ratchet. This is just the basic stuff, you can get as elaborate as you want on tools.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."