HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

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HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

June 05, 2017, 07:32:54 pm

Hi! We just brought our beautiful new-to-us 1990 Foretravel Grandvilla U225. We are driving to California and are currently nearing Lubbock, TX where we will stay with friends for the night. We heard a loud noise and my husband found that one of the four bolts that connects the frame rail to a bar that is located behind the passenger side wheel and in front of the shock sheared off. It has been making a knocking noise ever since. Two questions: Is it ok to drive the 40 miles to Lubbock (Our tow service doesn't kick in for 7 days) and can any of you recommend a good mobile mechanic in the area? There is a Camping World in town but we have been advised not to use them. Your help would be much appreciated.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #1 – June 05, 2017, 07:57:56 pm

Not enough information to comment on driving, but I would think a 'small' truck shop could look at it and probably fix it. Camping World is a RV business with minimal technical skills in all areas. Your problem sounds like a truck frame issue. Good luck.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #2 – June 05, 2017, 08:03:38 pm

Thank you!

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #3 – June 05, 2017, 08:04:08 pm

Can you post a picture so we can tell better as to which bolt you are talking about?

Pamela & Mike

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #4 – June 05, 2017, 08:23:51 pm

Look on Craigslist for a mobile mechanic.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #5 – June 05, 2017, 09:52:25 pm

You need to post a picture.

It is on a very unique Torsilastic Suspension. Very few are familiar with it.

Several of us ARE familiar with is and can help. Doubt many truck shops have ever seen the suspension.

I sent you a PM.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #6 – June 05, 2017, 11:34:51 pm

I would attempt to replace it with a grade 8 nut, bolt and washer where the original was and check any other adjacent bolts for signs of fatigue.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #7 – June 06, 2017, 08:24:10 am

Sounds like you know where to put a new bolt "1 Of 4" should be easy to find and replace. Try any hardware/farm supply or Fastenal.
Good luck ,MM

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #8 – June 06, 2017, 08:28:55 am

Not aware of any rivets in the Torsilastic suspension.

And, some of the fasteners are pretty unique. Replacement with what you will find in an ordinary shop may not be correct.

Again, with a picture of more info we can help.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #9 – June 07, 2017, 03:48:22 pm

We were fortunate enough to find a machine shop to make 4 replacement bolts. Now, need a mobile RV repair recommendations in Holbrook, AZ. We'll be staying at the OK RV Park. Thanks in advance.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #10 – June 07, 2017, 04:10:19 pm

What kind of work do you need done. That may change people's recommendation (i.e. suspension guy vs engine guy, vs RV systems guy, etc)

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #11 – June 07, 2017, 05:02:18 pm

Quote from: NubianNomads – June 07, 2017, 03:48:22 pm

We were fortunate enough to find a machine shop to make 4 replacement bolts. Now, need a mobile RV repair recommendations in Holbrook, AZ. We'll be staying at the OK RV Park. Thanks in advance.

No clue about Holbrook or Payson. There is a great mechanical/ engine shop in Flagstaff & a so-so mobile r.v. guy. There are two different mobile R.V. techs in Prescott that have done work for us and are very, very good! Good luck!

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #12 – June 07, 2017, 05:09:27 pm

These are the things we need fixed in AZ, a rock hit our radiator hose and has caused a leak. This is priority!

The following are other repair items needed, but we can wait til we get to Los Angeles:

1) Need wheels balanced. It causes a shimmy while driving.
2) Coach leans to the passenger side.
3) Need the Onan generator repaired. It only has approimately 1,000 hours.
4) The Ice maker does not work. (Low priority)
5) The Fridge only works when plugged into shoreline
6) All 110 outlets only work when plugged into shoreline
7) We cannot get electrical to work on battery when dry docking. The interior lights work, but not the outlets

Passenger seat does work (low priority)

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #13 – June 07, 2017, 05:10:15 pm

Thanks @Mike Leary!

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #14 – June 07, 2017, 05:11:08 pm

@Brett! Thank you so much for your assistance yesterday!!!

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #15 – June 07, 2017, 05:42:41 pm

Quote from: NubianNomads – June 07, 2017, 03:48:22 pm

We were fortunate enough to find a machine shop to make 4 replacement bolts. Now, need a mobile RV repair recommendations in Holbrook, AZ. We'll be staying at the OK RV Park. Thanks in advance.

How about:
Bob's 24 Hour Road Services
Directions
5.0
6 Google reviews
Truck repair shop in Holbrook, Arizona
Address: 330 W Florida St, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Phone: (928) 524-2738
He is only 1.5 miles away. See map: Google Maps

or ask the local NAPA store or check the "thrifty nickel" type papers outside supermarkets or convenience stores. How about recommendations from the RV park where you are staying?

Pierce

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #16 – June 07, 2017, 06:05:52 pm

My reply in SOLID LETTER CAPS.

Quote from: NubianNomads – June 07, 2017, 05:09:27 pm

These are the things we need fixed in AZ, a rock hit our radiator hose and has caused a leak. This is priority!

The following are other repair items needed, but we can wait til we get to Los Angeles:

1) Need wheels balanced. It causes a shimmy while driving. ANY TRUCK TIRE SHOP. HAVE THEM CHECK RUN-OUT FIRST. IF OVER .035" HAVE THEM ROTATE TIRES ON WHEEL, ETC. BALANCEING AN "EGG-SHAPED" TIRE WILL STILL LEAVE YOU WITH A SHIMMY. IF FRONT TIRES HAVE A WEAR PATTERN, MOVE THEM TO ONE, REPEAT ONE SIDE IN BACK. MOST THOSE BACK (THE BEST TWO TIRES) TO THE FRONT.
2) Coach leans to the passenger side. AS WE DISCUSSED ON THE PHONE YESTERDAY, WHAT ARE YOUR RIDE HEIGHTS AND NUMBER OF SHIMS AT EACH WHEEL POSITION
3) Need the Onan generator repaired. It only has approimately 1,000 hours. EXACTLY WHAT DOES IT DO/NOT DO. SAID ANOTHER WAY, DOES IT START? RUN? PROVIDE 120 VAC?
4) The Ice maker does not work. (Low priority)
5) The Fridge only works when plugged into shoreline. MAY JUST NEED A "BURNER AREA TUNE-UP". WHEN YOU PUT IT ON GAS, EXACTLY HOW FAR INTO THE "RUNNING ON GAS" DOES IT GET: DO YOU HEAR THE IGNITER CLICKING? DO YOU SMELL PROPANE?
DOES IT LIGHT AND THEN GO OUT?
6) All 110 outlets only work when plugged into shoreline
7) We cannot get electrical to work on battery when dry docking. The interior lights work, but not the outlets. AN INVERTER WOULD BE REQUIRED-- NOT STANDARD FROM THE FACTORY-- DO YOU HAVE ONE?
Passenger seat does work (low priority). DESCRIBE "DOESN'T WORK".

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #17 – June 07, 2017, 06:53:36 pm

We've driven that road, many times. Once you clear Flagstaff westbound, you are on your own, big time. It's about 600 miles from Hollbrook to LA, and not much help along the way! Get the important stuff done before you clear Flag or Prescott!

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #18 – June 07, 2017, 07:13:49 pm

Brett,

See my response in bold.

1) Need wheels balanced. It causes a shimmy while driving. ANY TRUCK TIRE SHOP. HAVE THEM CHECK RUN-OUT FIRST. IF OVER .035" HAVE THEM ROTATE TIRES ON WHEEL, ETC. BALANCEING AN "EGG-SHAPED" TIRE WILL STILL LEAVE YOU WITH A SHIMMY. IF FRONT TIRES HAVE A WEAR PATTERN, MOVE THEM TO ONE, REPEAT ONE SIDE IN BACK. MOST THOSE BACK (THE BEST TWO TIRES) TO THE FRONT. All tires are brand new. I will go by a truck tire stop. Thanks. That sounds like a fairly painless one.
2) Coach leans to the passenger side. AS WE DISCUSSED ON THE PHONE YESTERDAY, WHAT ARE YOUR RIDE HEIGHTS AND NUMBER OF SHIMS AT EACH WHEEL POSITION. Ok, you spoke to the hubby. We will find this out when we get it to a repair shop.
3) Need the Onan generator repaired. It only has approimately 1,000 hours. EXACTLY WHAT DOES IT DO/NOT DO. SAID ANOTHER WAY, DOES IT START? RUN? PROVIDE 120 VAC? It does nothing at all. No sound. No click. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
4) The Ice maker does not work. (Low priority)
5) The Fridge only works when plugged into shoreline. MAY JUST NEED A "BURNER AREA TUNE-UP". WHEN YOU PUT IT ON GAS, EXACTLY HOW FAR INTO THE "RUNNING ON GAS" DOES IT GET: DO YOU HEAR THE IGNITER CLICKING? DO YOU SMELL PROPANE?
DOES IT LIGHT AND THEN GO OUT? It tries to connect via gas, it clicks a couple times and then stops. We do not smell. We have repeated this process a few times per the instructions, but it never starts.
6) All 110 outlets only work when plugged into shoreline
7) We cannot get electrical to work on battery when dry docking. The interior lights work, but not the outlets. AN INVERTER WOULD BE REQUIRED-- NOT STANDARD FROM THE FACTORY-- DO YOU HAVE ONE? Ok, Any recommendations on what kind?

Passenger seat does work (low priority). DESCRIBE "DOESN'T WORK". None of the electrical seat switches work.

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #19 – June 07, 2017, 07:16:50 pm

Thanks Pierce! The RV park also recommended Bob's. I left a message. I will try back in the morning.

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – June 07, 2017, 05:42:41 pm

How about:
Bob's 24 Hour Road Services
Directions
5.0
6 Google reviews
Truck repair shop in Holbrook, Arizona
Address: 330 W Florida St, Holbrook, AZ 86025
Phone: (928) 524-2738
He is only 1.5 miles away. See map: Google Maps

or ask the local NAPA store or check the "thrifty nickel" type papers outside supermarkets or convenience stores. How about recommendations from the RV park where you are staying?

Pierce

Re: HELP! Suspension Bolt Popped

Reply #20 – June 07, 2017, 09:24:53 pm

Refrigerator: Does the propane stove work. That would tell you if the vapor LP valve is open and that the propane detector is on and working. From your general description of systems on the coach, it may be that the refrigerator has not had a "burner area tuneup" in a long time. That is where I would start. No parts needed and no special tools.

Generator: As I said in my PM to your question, since it does "nothing", that is electrical. Have you tried to start it from the switch on the generator itself? Results? If nothing what is voltage between the large positive lug on the generator (large gauge red wire) and generator metal/ground? Should be same as house battery bank= 12+ VDC.

For the seat, check the plug at the seat base. If OK check it's fuse in the fuse block.

Not sure I would look at spending the big bucks for an inverter/charger until you have sorted out many of the more critical systems. And then, size and condition of house battery bank is critical for use of any inverter.

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