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Topic: Suspension and Tire Thoughts (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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Suspension and Tire Thoughts
Yahoo Message Number: 137372
We purchased our 2000 LD 30' IB in 2003. It had Firestone tires as original equipment. I have had excellent experiences with Michelin tires over the years, so the Firestones were replaced with the all-steel Michelin XPS Rib. Last year, I decided to replace the XPS Rib. There were no cracks, no problems, and the tires still looked good, but I felt that 9 years was great for any RV tire.
 During those 9 years, I never felt relaxed driving our 30 footer in the wind, and I never got used to the "invisible hand" of semis pushing our rig around as they passed. I did install a spring-based Steer-Safe, and that made the driving a bit better. Our rig came with Bilstein shocks. I'm glad now that I didn't spend a ton of money installing "suspension upgrade" stuff. Although I do think about bigger sway bars from time to time.
 Now, driving our 30' is much improved. Why? Because of the new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on our LD. I had no idea how much the ride and handing was affected by the all-steel "real truck tire" XPS Rib. Now, the roads in California don't seem so rough and we are happier. Even at the same PSI, the LTX M/S 2 is a much more forgiving tire.
 If you are not happy with the way your LD rides or steers, I do not think that there is an easy answer. I suspect that shorter LDs are a lot different from longer ones, and that everyone's perceptions are different.

Kevin Lindsay Garden Grove CA 2000 LD 30' IB
Kevin Lindsay
2000 Lazy Daze 30 IB
Re: Suspension and Tire Thoughts
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137374
Quote
We purchased our 2000 LD 30' IB in 2003. It had Firestone tires as original equipment. I have had excellent experiences with Michelin tires over the years, so the Firestones were replaced with the all-steel Michelin XPS Rib. Last year, I decided to replace the XPS Rib. There were no cracks, no problems, and the tires still looked good, but I felt that 9 years was great for any RV tire.
 During those 9 years, I never felt relaxed driving our 30 footer in the wind, and I never got used to the "invisible hand" of semis pushing our rig around as they passed. I did install a spring-based Steer-Safe, and that made the driving a bit better. Our rig came with Bilstein shocks. I'm glad now that I didn't spend a ton of money installing "suspension upgrade" stuff. Although I do think about bigger sway bars from time to time.
 Now, driving our 30' is much improved. Why? Because of the new Michelin LTX M/S2 tires on our LD. I had no idea how much the ride and handing was affected by the all-steel "real truck tire" XPS Rib. Now, the roads in California don't seem so rough and we are happier. Even at the same PSI, the LTX M/S 2 is a much more forgiving tire.
 If you are not happy with the way your LD rides or steers, I do not think that there is an easy answer. I suspect that shorter LDs are a lot different from longer ones, and that everyone's perceptions are different.

Kevin Lindsay Garden Grove CA 2000 LD 30' IB
Others will disagree, but I agree with you, Kevin, about the harsh ride from the Michelin SPS steel ribs. I tried them one set of tires ago and immediately swapped them for the LTX (at no charge). We ARE driving trucks. No need to make the ride more truck-like.

Chris H
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Suspension and Tire Thoughts
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137375
Quote
If you are not happy with the way your LD rides or steers, I do not think
that there is an easy answer. I suspect that shorter LDs are a lot different from longer ones, and that everyone's perceptions are different. >>

I could not agree more; perception is a major factor in handling.
 I've pursued the "handling" of my 2005 MB a long time and finally got it to where I was satisfied.  I tend to be a bit "picky" about such things.  My friend has an identical LD and he was perfectly happy with it the way it came from the factory.
 My initial perception of poor handling was conditioned by my previous RV; a
1-ton, dual wheeled, GMC pickup carrying a large slide-in camper.  Setting
 aside issues resulting from different "frontend" designs, etc. my major problem was the link between "what I saw and how I handled the steering wheel."  The truck's front wheels were out in front while the LD's were next to my feet;  a situation that required my re-learning "how to steer."   My friend with the identical LD previously had a Class C motorhome.  He didn't have my problem.
 I mentioned my problem to another friend that has a 40-ft Class A diesel pusher.  He had me drive it a ways.  I can see that getting used to driving it, where the wheels are under or behind the driver's seat, would be another major learning experience.
 As to tires, I've always had Michelin LTX; the original OEM set plus 2 sets that I bought.  Rig has 118K miles on it and current set will be replaced late this year.  Because of our winter trips, I want M&S rated tires and I think that the LTX series represent the best combination of handling and value.

Doug

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Re: Suspension and Tire Thoughts
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137378
"If you are not happy with the way your LD rides or steers, I do not think that there is an easy answer."
 Regarding steering Larry Wade posted awhile back about a heavy duty steering damper available on Amazon cheap. I purchased and installed this unit. Made a huge difference to the "invisible hand" pushing you over from the Semi Trucks. From what I have heard the stock steering damper is worn out by 50K miles. Consider replacing if you have not already done so.
 For a ride improvement and less porpoising check out Bilstein comfort series shocks. In my 23.5 ride is excellent with no harseness yet great stability and resistance to bottoming out over potholes and big bumps.
Shocks are excellent quality and will far outlast stock Monroe units.

Bob 01 23.5 Tk, Jeep Cherokee Toad Morro Bay, CA. for a few....