Chinook RV

Hi all- I told you I would be on here a good bit! When I buy something, I can't not improve it. Little obsessed. So, third day in, since I drove her 1,000 miles home, I know what I want to do. Outside of fixing little rattles and squeaks (interior) I would really love to put a different suspension on it.

It drives wonderfully, so it's not a wandering/darty reason. I would just love to have a not so jarring ride, particularly from the rear. I've read pretty much all of the threads on it here. The air suspension, Flame's coilovers on the rear, etc. One thing I've learned from owning toys is that suspension is key, be it a motorcycle, Jeep, RZR, whatever. So that's what I want to get right. The air suspension is super involved, as far as extra components. I found the following video. Anyone else researched this? I'm not opposed to new leaf springs, shocks, front end components, etc. I've replaced complete Jeep suspensions, so I THINK I could tackle the labor myself. Not 100% sure though, especially if you're replacing I-Beams and stuff like that. Anyway, would love to hear others' thoughts if you've tackled this successfully, or researched.

A little extra lift would be a bonus. Anyone know what the Baja edition used, and what the ride quality was like? I took it down a dirt road with some washboarding, and wow. Wouldn't want to do THAT again! And just any imperfection in the road is pretty jarring. But don't get me wrong- I LOVE THIS THING! Just tinkering. : )

Here's the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65TNK3hKUsc

Hello, I saw your new rig on RV trader. What a beauty and a deal! Congrats. I have found that high tire pressure and no load will make most truck suspension feel harsh. Running your tires at the maximum inflation pressure will help mileage on the open road but will rattle the rig like heck on a washboard dirt road.

Hello 72 NOOK- got my curiosity up, so just checked pressure. 60-65 all around. And I had a full H2O tank and varying fuel levels on the trip back. I was hopeful the pressure was maxed out.

On the RV Trader deal, thanks! Not sure how I lucked out, other than being the second person to contact them with an offer to buy. Turns out, the first one they promised it to was a scam. Someone from New York who said they were wiring the money and were sending someone to pick it up. You've heard of those deals!

Someone did a post( I think it was blue) about how overinflated our tires are. I had my rig weighed: total, front, and rear. Then I went to the tire manufacturers website and looked at the recommended tire pressure based on weight. I was astounded how low the pressures were. With the dually you have to "half" the pressure for the rears. Once I reduced the inflation to the noted pressures I had a much nicer ride. Mine is lifted and Quigley 4x4 conversion. Mark in San Diego

Yeah, Blue's explanation is above my pay grade. I just go with the sticker's pressure, and think that I was just have a expensive massage machine So far, it only rattled my bone in one of the trips so far. I really think the front seats are very comfortable.

Front seats are SUPER comfortable! And I did read Blue's post, with graph. Essentially, he's stating that you should pressurize the tires according to load on each, per the tire manufacturer's suggestion. And with that, on an average weighted Chinook, the fronts should be around 55psi, and the rears 50. Actually a little less.

So....I just did that. HUGE difference. I guess what I'll do, is check the tread depth over time to be sure they are wearing evenly, and not cupping from underinflation. But could be awesome news. Wish I had done that at the beginning of my trip back, but then I would have been too spoiled.

I do believe I have the original shocks, but they seem to be ok. No pogo-ing.

One other thing I learned on this site. I had that "chuddering" from the rearend when doing low speed turns- like when taking a hard right/left from a standstill, or turning slowly and sharply in a parking lot. Sounds like it needs the limited slip additive in the differential. Relieved it's not something more major.

Now, to have my wife drive me around town while I drink beer and track down rattles. Armed with Budweiser, an exacto knife and a roll of adhesive-backed foam. Anyone want to come join? Talk about a party!

I replaced my rear MorRyde solid rubber suspension and it made a big difference. Not sure if yours has that system...not all do.

Astrodokk wrote: May 14th, 2020, 1:35 pm I replaced my rear MorRyde solid rubber suspension and it made a big difference. Not sure if yours has that system...not all do.

No, Sir. I just have the good ol leafsprings. Now, what this company who does the lift kit told me is that Ford sent the cutaway van to Chinook, then Chinook added a gazillion pounds to it without suspension mods, so the leaf springs are inverted, hence the harsher ride. But I'm not sure if they are 100% correct. I've seen posts here stating that the "frowning" leaf springs are intended to be that way. Who knows. Gotta filter out half the stuff you hear and come to an informed conclusion. But as I said, I lowered the PSI to 17 in the front and 14 in the back and it's all good. Just kidding!!! 55/50. We shall see.

I wonder about the up-side down spring thing too. What does it suppose to look like on the bare cut-away before they put the coach on it?

Looks upside down to me on this newer van.... but I really can't be sure.