There are two noticeable handling changes that occurred with our light
weight 23' when we went to the four bag system. [New Bilstein shocks, stock
alignment, four bag system, then new front end alignment to GMCWS values,
new steering box, and new spine shaft ]
The first change with the four bag system was more noticeable on undulating
or heavily patched roads because the four bag system doubles the spring
rate, stiffening up the ride. No more sea sickness when somebody rides and
reads in the back. This was a benefit to our coach because the air pressure
was low with a lighter 10,000 pound coach. It tended to waller on uneven
roads. Two lane roads with raised narrow bridges were more of a directional
control problem with the stock system. The coach is not as easily upset with
normal road ruts and except for the really deep ones, it is a one handed
operation even at high speeds.
The second was what happened if the rear wheels fell in a ditch on a narrow
road. The coach can now be driven back on the road without being thrown
towards the oncoming traffic. I would recommend the four bag system for a
light 23' footer, particularly if you drive the narrow heavily patched back
roads and want improved control. I think the wind from passing trucks has
less effect on it also.
I put on the four bag system before the other corrections that should of
been done first. I might not of gone to the four bag solution, I don't know,
but I would recommend doing those first and then deciding if you want the
benefit of a four bag system. As it is now, the coach is very stable over
all kinds of roads and the only upset is at high speeds in deep road ruts.
Slowing down eliminates the deep road rut problem. We are very happy with
the way it handles.
We will be at the Fall GMCWS and GMC International meeting if someone with a
23' is interested in driving ours to see the difference in a 23' with a four
bag system.
Chuck Botts, San Diego, Ca.
weight 23' when we went to the four bag system. [New Bilstein shocks, stock
alignment, four bag system, then new front end alignment to GMCWS values,
new steering box, and new spine shaft ]
The first change with the four bag system was more noticeable on undulating
or heavily patched roads because the four bag system doubles the spring
rate, stiffening up the ride. No more sea sickness when somebody rides and
reads in the back. This was a benefit to our coach because the air pressure
was low with a lighter 10,000 pound coach. It tended to waller on uneven
roads. Two lane roads with raised narrow bridges were more of a directional
control problem with the stock system. The coach is not as easily upset with
normal road ruts and except for the really deep ones, it is a one handed
operation even at high speeds.
The second was what happened if the rear wheels fell in a ditch on a narrow
road. The coach can now be driven back on the road without being thrown
towards the oncoming traffic. I would recommend the four bag system for a
light 23' footer, particularly if you drive the narrow heavily patched back
roads and want improved control. I think the wind from passing trucks has
less effect on it also.
I put on the four bag system before the other corrections that should of
been done first. I might not of gone to the four bag solution, I don't know,
but I would recommend doing those first and then deciding if you want the
benefit of a four bag system. As it is now, the coach is very stable over
all kinds of roads and the only upset is at high speeds in deep road ruts.
Slowing down eliminates the deep road rut problem. We are very happy with
the way it handles.
We will be at the Fall GMCWS and GMC International meeting if someone with a
23' is interested in driving ours to see the difference in a 23' with a four
bag system.
Chuck Botts, San Diego, Ca.
