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Old 11-13-2014, 10:55 AM   #1
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First 2000 Mile Trip in our 351DS

Just a follow up to all my FROGs.

Thanks to you all for several things:

1. Preparation. Thanks to you all we were very well prepared. Had my valve extensions on, handy air compressor, good digital air gauge, sewer tube over propane tank and sufficient tools to handle the little stuff.

2. Handling improvements. I had the front end aligned and the torsion bar mod completed prior to the trip. Half way through I bumped the PSI on all tires to tire chart 92 PSI. Wow - what a difference from the first 400 miles.

3. Creature comforts. Put in the slide on the living room TV, grandchildren loved watching a movie while riding. I have a great unlimited cell data plan so even without good TV reception, still had Hulu, NetFlicks and Apple TVs in the bedroom and living room. I also added a MiraCast dongle to my outside TV so I could watch live college football.

All in all the trip made a real convert for my DW. She now calls it her other home on wheels. SUPER step for her.

Again, thanks to all of you for your patience and assistance to us Class A newbies.

PS: Forget who it was but another member made the recommendation that you focus driving vision well down the road and in your mirrors. 40 years ago I drove heavy equipment transport in the US Army. I knew this concept but somehow with all the years had forgotten it. With the CHF, correct air pressure and this focus - great driving experience.

By the way, started out with horrible gas mileage (about 6 mpg) but steadily improved to almost 9 mpg with a 2013 Ford Explorer toad. Nice with the price of gas dropping, we are ready to go again and will for about a 2 month jaunt.
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Old 11-13-2014, 01:36 PM   #2
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Posts like this make me smile.
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Old 11-13-2014, 01:42 PM   #3
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Glad to hear your first trip went well. Last spring before our first long trip I also did the CHF and upped the tire pressure to 92 lbs. it made a big difference for me. I also learned that having the water tank nearly full and keeping gas above half a tank for extra weight also helped for a more stable ride, especially while driving in windy conditions.
I was concerned about putting too much weight in that rear compartment, but even having a lot of weight back there seems to improve handling. I first noticed this when pulling a trailer with a golf cart that the extra weight on the hitch made for a better ride and handling. Was wondering if anyone else had noticed this on the 351's?
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Old 11-13-2014, 01:46 PM   #4
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What is the CHF ?...and I have a 2102 351DS. Where did you get your valve extensions?... And it's says 82lbs on my wall above driver seat... Can/should I run at 92 PSI?
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Old 11-13-2014, 01:50 PM   #5
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Love to see posts that actually have good things to say!
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Old 11-13-2014, 02:17 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deannelsonrn View Post
What is the CHF ?...and I have a 2102 351DS. Where did you get your valve extensions?... And it's says 82lbs on my wall above driver seat... Can/should I run at 92 PSI?
Doing the CHF on my 2012 and running my tires at 92 PSI is the greatest thing I've ever done to my motorhome. I can thank the members of this forum for the advice.

CHF Link: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...fix-62663.html

Here's a good picture from the IRV2 forum: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/more...-119423-2.html
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Old 11-13-2014, 02:23 PM   #7
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Is it really just moving the bolts from the outer to inner location?... Is there a picture somewhere?
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Old 11-13-2014, 03:19 PM   #8
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Smile Yes

When I had the alignment done (Forest River sponsored) I had the torsion bars moved.

There is a lot on several forums but here is a link to some pics:

Cheap Handling Fix - Page 3 - iRV2 Forums

Reference the PSI, not sure what your chart says but I'd go with 92 PSI. If you'll look on the tires, I'll bet they are good to probably 110 PSI.

Anyway, HUGE difference.

Yep one of the reasons I made the post - lots of bad experience postings - but there must be a reason FR keep selling these things. Remember you are riding in house at upwards to 70 MPH, if something doesn't jiggle loose you're not moving.

We had a GREAT time and are looking forward to a longer winter trip.
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Old 11-13-2014, 03:25 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigben View Post
When I had the alignment done (Forest River sponsored) I had the torsion bars moved.



There is a lot on several forums but here is a link to some pics:



Cheap Handling Fix - Page 3 - iRV2 Forums



Reference the PSI, not sure what your chart says but I'd go with 92 PSI. If you'll look on the tires, I'll bet they are good to probably 110 PSI.



Anyway, HUGE difference.



Yep one of the reasons I made the post - lots of bad experience postings - but there must be a reason FR keep selling these things. Remember you are riding in house at upwards to 70 MPH, if something doesn't jiggle loose you're not moving.



We had a GREAT time and are looking forward to a longer winter trip.

Awesome! Many happy trips to ya!
Where did you get the slide for the living room tv?



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Old 11-13-2014, 03:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deannelsonrn View Post
Is it really just moving the bolts from the outer to inner location?... Is there a picture somewhere?

Here are a few shots
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Old 11-13-2014, 03:40 PM   #11
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Re: TV Mount.

As I was closing the deal on my motorhome, I had the dealer throw it in. It was incredibly heavy and overkill but it works well. I would simply do a Google of them on line. Price range is $180 to $250.

Easy to install AFTER you get the TV loose. The TV simple sets into the the mount but it is really locked in after original installation. So be prepared to strain a bit to get it out.
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Old 11-13-2014, 03:44 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
Here are a few shots

Iggy
What's those yellow things with springs clamped to your axle?



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Old 11-13-2014, 05:22 PM   #13
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RE: TV mount slide

I'ld like to do this but what key words am I googling?
A direct link would even be better. Thanks.
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Old 11-13-2014, 06:25 PM   #14
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here you go:

MOR-RYDE TV40-003H - MOR-ryde TV Mount, Horizontal, Sliding TV40-003H - RV Plus
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Old 11-13-2014, 07:42 PM   #15
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Nice write up Bigben..good to hear happy camper feedback! Attached a couple pics of other easy mods to consider. Click image for larger version

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Old 11-13-2014, 08:19 PM   #16
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Iggy
What's those yellow things with springs clamped to your axle?

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They are called Steer Safe. It basically keeps your motorhome going straight if you ever get a front tire blowout. It also adds some resistance to the steering when driving down the road with less effort driving straight. It is really helpful with strong side winds.
It also helps return steering back straight when making corner turns.
I had them installed (free) at the company who builds them in Deming, New Mexico.

Here is the link if you want to read more about them.

STEERSAFE WEBSITE
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Old 11-13-2014, 09:46 PM   #17
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Nice write up Bigben..good to hear happy camper feedback! Attached a couple pics of other easy mods to consider. Attachment 66367Attachment 66368


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OK...where'd you get that wheelie for the hitch receiver??...need one!
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Old 11-13-2014, 11:03 PM   #18
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Camping World sells them. Pretty beefy construction - about $30.


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Old 11-13-2014, 11:22 PM   #19
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Found it...on sale for $32! Muchas gracias!!
Hitch Protector - Ultra-Fab 48-979020 - Skid Wheels - Camping World
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