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Topic: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295 (Read 1051 times) previous topic - next topic

Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

So after new front air bags, new left side right height solenoid, and new tires, the front ps ride height plate to plate is about 9.5 ?
the ds front is 8.5 plate to plate. The back both ds and ps are 8 inches, at least they match. There is one ride height valve in the front and two for the back on each side so why is my front uneven ??  I checked everything they told me to check or replace , still uneven. Foretravel told me its just the way the coach is designed and reflects how the chassis was built ? Doesn't sound right tho.
They originally told me it was supposed to be 8.5 ride height on all the bags front and back Anyone else have this going on ??
Jimmy A.
1997 Foretravel U295 40'
Build # 5146

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #1 –
Foretravel 8 bag ride height 8.5" top of top plate to bottom of bottom plate.  Measuring bottom of top plate to top of bottom plate is 8" (the plates are 1/4" thick). Always measured at bags toward center of coach (back ones in front and front ones in back) with coach in travel mode on level surface.

SO, back is  fine @ 8".

Since only a single ride height valve in front, you have to "average" the dimensions. You will need to lower the front and shoot for an "average" of 8".

If more than 1/2-3/4" difference in the front side to side, some have played with adjusting one side in back up 1/8", the other side down 1/8".  Drive line dimensions stay the same, but the rear is the only place to transfer weight side to side.
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: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #2 –
If Brett's info don't help here is something else to check out.

I had a similar problem in that I couldn't get the front side to side close  and keep it there.  I would raise coach, dump air, go back to travel and it wouldn't repeat to where travel height was setting on the level deck.  I would take it for a spin and the front side would swap as to which side was low/high.  After all the checking I found a front torque tube/trailing arm bushing sticking/gaulded causing a slow reaction.  Changed out torque tube bushings and front end will level close to 1/4" side to side with no offset in the rear.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #3 –
Thank You both for your help. I will check and try both options, I guess its possible that bushing may be pinched, when the front airbags were installed a few weeks ago, they jacked up each corner seperately, its been that way since. I'll get on it as soon as I  get it back from the bodyshop, they're resetting the windshields and installing all new rubber.
Jimmy A.
1997 Foretravel U295 40'
Build # 5146

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #4 –
Hey just thinking, any possibility the ride height valve may have been damaged lifting the coach one corner at a time replacing the airbags ?
Maybe something internal causing the valve to distribute the air unevenly ? I purchased an extra valve just in case
Jimmy A.
1997 Foretravel U295 40'
Build # 5146

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #5 –
Because there is only one front valve it couldn't cause your problem. The suspension sticking seems to be possible especially if is was fine before the bag change.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jimmy –
I guess its possible that bushing may be pinched, when the front airbags were installed a few weeks ago, they jacked up each corner seperately, its been that way since.

Jimmy,
It is possible if they jacked up the coach that something is traveled beyond where it normally does.
Here is what what I am talking about:
PL1119 by ATRO - Torque Rod Bushing

The axles have both a top and bottom tube on both sides. Said another way there are 4 tubes with a bushing on each end.

There are several discussions about these so search around.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #7 –
Quote from: craneman –
Because there is only one front valve it couldn't cause your problem. The suspension sticking seems to be possible especially if is was fine before the bag change.

Actually, may be two issues.

With front ride height more than an inch high (9 1/2" on one side, 8 1/2" on the other) that could be ride height valve.  The fact that the high/low side changes places could be another.
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: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #8 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Actually, may be two issues.

With front ride height more than an inch high (9 1/2" on one side, 8 1/2" on the other) that could be ride height valve.  The fact that the high/low side changes places could be another.
Both backs are 8 inches how can that happen if a valve were the issue?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #9 –
It is my understanding that both sides in front are high, one quite a bit higher than spec.

9.5 one side, 8.5 the other.  Lower whole front.
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: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #10 –
Don't forget the 5th tube running perpendicular to the others,10 per coach total.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #11 –
The rear ride height valves adjust left side and right side leveling and the valve in the front adjusts front to rear leveling.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Twig –
The rear ride height valves adjust left side and right side leveling and the valve in the front adjusts front to rear leveling.


Not sure I understand the bolded part.  Yes, the front ride height valve does change front ride height.  But, unless massively out, it doesn't do much to change rear ride height.

But, one always sets rear ride height first, then front.  Agree, if major change made in front, probably a good idea to recheck rear.  If anyone does notice front adjustment affecting rear ride height, would be interested to know.
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: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #13 –
Is the coach sitting in a shop with a for sure flat surface side to side or is it in a driveway that could be uneven by 1/2 to 1 inch?
 It doesn't have to be level but it needs to be on a flat surface on all 4 corners. OP should lower the front by at least 1/2 inch if he is measuring plates outside to outside.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Proper Travel Height for a 1997 U295

Reply #14 –
Hey ya'll, thanks for the feedback !! Im picking the coach up tomorrow from the shop that reset the windshield with all new rubber.
We'll be installing the rear airbags the end of this week or beginning of next. I'll check out all of the above mentioned and let ya know how it works out. Getting closer to road trip time, hoping I make the deadline !! LOL
Jimmy A.
1997 Foretravel U295 40'
Build # 5146