Vibration Issue Revisited

[newRVer]

A funny thing happened at the truck shop yesterday while I was there picking up my 3011 after having an alignment completed. As part of their process they drive the vehicle on the highway before and after. I asked the manager who conducted the drive how it performed before and after. He said there was some improvement after but did I notice the vibration?

I was not really expecting that question but my answer was no. He went on to say that as part of their drive test they will typically run the RV's up to 75 since that seems to be the top speed limit in some states. Since we have had the vehicle I think the highest I have had it up too was a shade over 65 and when towing the car I'm typically doing 60. He also stated that the vibration he felt was probably due to a drive shaft balancing issue and even if I don't notice it at the speed I drive that over time even a slight imbalance in the drive train can prematurely wear out some of the components.

I went on to explain to him the drive shaft balancing issues the 2016 models have had (discussed in much detail here; http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...sue-91153.html ) after which he said I probably should check back with the RV manufacturer to have them look at it again as it might not have been properly resolved, at least on my vehicle.

So my question to the forum is? Has anyone with a 2016 model run it up to a higher speed and noticed any vibration? And, does everyone think that 2016 drive shaft vibration issue was actually corrected?

I might be able to give it a test myself tomorrow but for now I tend to believe the guy who does alignments and drive balancing for the last 20+ years that my rig may have an issue.

[vwexpert]

I have no vibration at any speed...only a slight drone / wind noise @ 60 mph.

[newRVer]

So I was finally able to get the RV on a stretch of road this past weekend to give it a good road test and a couple of things became apparent. First, as a result of getting the alignment and adding 2.25 degrees of caster, I'd say the RV has better road manners then it did before. I still need to address the issues related to wind buffeting when tractor trailers fly by but I will do that on another thread. However, when going in a straight line with no traffic around me, it does seem to behave better.

That being said, I ran it up to 75 for the first time since owning the unit and like the truck specialist said, there's is a very bad vibration. So much so that I only ran it there for about 10-15 seconds. Now the question is, what should be my next steps? I certainly will sending an email off to the FR warranty department and in the near term it does not seem to affect the drivability of the RV, at least at the speeds we travel. However, I do have a concern about long term affects and the vibration stating to showing up at lower speeds sometime down the road.

Suggestions and thoughts would be much appreciated.

PS. We had an awesome weekend parking the RV on some friends properties and just enjoying the great weather, time outside, bonfires and good company.

[FricNFrac]

NewRVer--Sorry your having vibration issues. I'm no expert, but there are some simple things you might try before taking it in for what sounds like an expensive fix. In the Forester brochure that I have, it looks like FR puts those big heavy simulators on the wheels, just like on our Sunseeker. You might try taking them off, and running it up to speed (we had an out-of-balance set on a MH we used to own). Perhaps get a second opinion. Just my 2cents. Good luck to you.


Shaun & Michelle
2016 Sunseeker 3010DSF

[Azzy1016]

Did you find a fix for the vibration yet? I have a 2017 3011ds that has the drone vibration sound between 65 and 75 mph. I now have 2200 miles on it but going to ford dealer Monday to have shafts taken out to check for balance issues.

[newRVer]

Originally Posted by Azzy1016

Did you find a fix for the vibration yet? I have a 2017 3011ds that has the drone vibration sound between 65 and 75 mph. I now have 2200 miles on it but going to ford dealer Monday to have shafts taken out to check for balance issues.

Not yet. I am waiting for end of season to address this and a laundry list of other items.