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Topic: Front axle limit indicator (Read 531 times) previous topic - next topic

Front axle limit indicator

Well with much consideration of what happened to Elliotts coach I think the front axle was in a maximum articulation condition and the rear ride height valves were attempting to correct the rear of the coach causing the problem up front to be multiplied to the point that one of the front tires was off the ground. Ride height valves while underway attempt to correct for any changes made to the rear axle height changes. This can be caused by several normal conditions wind, loading, changes in the road level. While going threw a turn our coaches correct for the induced G force of the turn and stay level. This is kinda like a sway bar, kinda.this is a great system on basically level roads as our coaches were designed to be used on. There is also fast and normal reaction speed valves.
I will and do recommend keeping your coach on the road. However some owners including myself do use our coaches on less than perfect conditions off of the pavement. IMO two items need to be addressed to stay within the design build requirements.
1. Indication of limits being reached to inform the driver its time to stop.
2. Deactivate travel height automatic adjustment while under way.
1  Is to inform the driver of present situation and limits reached
2 Is to stop damage from being induced by ride height valves doing what they were intended to do, dumbing down the system basically.
Today I have installed one limit indicator switch on the right front axle. Had to raise and block coach up. Remove wheel to gain access. On the forward bulkhead structure there is a nice open tube to mount the switch on. Good position for the switch . Drilled four #30 holes 1/8 inch and taped holes to a 8/32 thread. Switch can now be screwed to structure.
This switch will provide a ground for the indicator light, horn assembly and will be active whenever the ignition is active. There will be a duplicate of this for the left side. Similar mounting. The ESOSI system will lay in waiting quietly until activated by maximum front axle articulation on either side. Planning on mounting lights within driver view under dash so there out of mind till activated. More to follow tomorrow.
Scott

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #1 –
So your going down the road that the coach was not designed to go on and the buzzer goes off,what are you going to do?,back
out and try again.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #2 –
Quote from: John44 –
So your going down the road that the coach was not designed to go on and the buzzer goes off,what are you going to do?,back
out and try again.
Stop! You have exceeded mechanical limitations.
The intent is to give indication/ information to the driver.
What the driver does with information is on them.
What should a driver do if passing across a driveway and runs into the same condition?
Are you currently aware?
How many coaches have damaged or dislocated a windshield.
If you have 8 inches of articulation with 4 inches of droop you only have to be on a 4" irregularly to meet your mechanical stops and at that point start excessive loading of the chassis. Throw into the mix the active ride height valve attempting to do their job.
Prevention makes sense to me. IMO
Scott

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #3 –
Long day. Pulled the left front tire off. Installed maintenance stands. Used template I made to drill holes. Drilled holes . Half way done with first hole being taped and the little 8/32 tape fractured in the hole worked it out with a tap extractor. PITA. Got the hole cleared and continued taping with new tape and it exploded with almost zero effort. Repeated clearing out the second tap. Got hole cleared to restart taping threads. Figured I better get the other ones done first. They all taped with no problem and so did the PITA location. Installed switches, reinstalled tire and verified that both switches triggered were I wanted then to when the coach was lowered to stops. Very happy with getting them close the first time. Daughter is currently home from college and calls me on phone. Car won't start. Frogged around with it for a hour. Load it up on trailer and bring it home. No crank issue, battery. Nope load cell check okay. She forgot to mention she dropped her keys. Chip in her key failed. Transponder key. Grabbed spare key fob. Problem resolved. Scan tool showed several low voltage faults so installed new battery anyway. Can't get anything done on what I want too.made up lamp holders to mount under dash of coach in view of driver.
Scott

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #4 –
I like that on the tap extractor. I've never seen one before.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldguy –
I like that on the tap extractor. I've never seen one before.
Old school tools. Don't even know if there still available. They don't always work, but they do add a additional tool to the tool box. I always take a small punch and try and start rotation before using them. Big ones are quite tough but a 8/32 is pretty light weight.
Scott

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #6 –
Thought I owned or borrowed or had others borrow from me, non of which were ever returned, every hand tool in the world.
A tap extractor, exactly what I have needed  at least  27 times in my 84 yrs. 
thus the quest begins!
Thanks
Bill
Bill, Tricia, Sassy  Mostly poodle. Maybe
It,s. 5 o clock somewhere,  ?
MoHo has 3 happy days,  Buy, everything works, sell.
  Hopefully the rest are pleasant days.

Pull 05 Jeep Liberty.

Re: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #7 –
I did not know tap extractors were rare. I know mine are old but I thought they were still common.
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: Front axle limit indicator

Reply #8 –
So other than running power to new circuit breaker the ESOSI system is complete. I operation checked it and the right comes on about 5/8" before the stop and the left about 1/2" before. Close enough for me. Clean up the wiring a little more. Installed indicator/horns next to my usb charging port to the lower left of the wheel. It is only active when the ignition is on. Easy to check operation by dropping air bags. Have enabled the manual level adjustments to be able to turn the air travel height circuit off while underway. My coach currently can go days without any changes in height.

I AM NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE ELSE TO DO THIS. DAMAGE CAN BE INDUCED DEVIATING FROM ORIGINAL DESIGN!

I see advantages not having a active ride height circuit when operating on un groomed conditions 

I AM RECOMMENDING NEVER TO OPERATE YOUR  COACH BEYONE ITS LIMITATIONS OR YOURS!

IMO design limits may be exceeded driving thru any irregularity diagonally  and the ESOSI system will only advise you that you have or will  eminently exceed them. Prevention only. This could happen going into Walmart or your own driveway. System will be activated during auto leveling when system lowers. And if level and flat will remain on till ignition is turned off. Tolerable for me.
Scott