| Torsion bar installs - any 23 footers? [message #249849] |
Fri, 16 May 2014 09:39  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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As my quick refurb progresses, it has turned into an eventual ground up rebuild. The suspension has not been touched, so naturally it will probably prove to need replacing when I think the coach is road ready.
So in trying to get ahead of the curve, if the 23's and 26's have the same torsion bars, would a 23 ever need a stiffer bar?
How many of Peters new bars were purchased for a 23' coach? Any installs yet?
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: Torsion bar installs - any 23 footers? [message #250054 is a reply to message #249849] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 16:32  |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Ok. From the lack of response I'd say very few of the torsion bars were headed for 23 footers. As a lot of the initial chatter about an upgraded bar revolved around Royals and extra weight, this is probably to be expected.
Curious the comments also about spacers and the one ton system putting more force on the bars through leverage. Makes sense.
If any of you put a set of the upgraded bars in a 23', be sure to share the diferences in ride and handling.
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bar installs - any 23 footers? [message #250058 is a reply to message #250054] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 17:19 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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If I knew where to find the results of the several GMC weigh-ins that have
been recorded, I'd check 23' vs 26' front end weights. I find it hard to
imagine that they're very different since most of the added weight of a 26'
is over or aft of the rear wheels. I'd be surprised to find the 23' front
end weight an average of more than 150#-200# less than the 26'
Ken H
On Sun, May 18, 2014 at 5:32 PM, Joe Weir wrote:
> Ok. From the lack of response I'd say very few of the torsion bars were
> headed for 23 footers. As a lot of the initial chatter about an upgraded
> bar
> revolved around Royals and extra weight, this is probably to be expected.
>
> Curious the comments also about spacers and the one ton system puttingmore force on the bars through leverage. Makes sense.
>
> If any of you put a set of the upgraded bars in a 23', be sure to share
> the diferences in ride and handling.
>
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Torsion bar installs - any 23 footers? [message #250079 is a reply to message #250058] |
Sun, 18 May 2014 20:02 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Joe and Ken,
With respect to the installation of strengthened torsion bars on the 23' GMC Motorhomes not being needed, awaiting data.
Data from the GMC Western States Arizona Rally in the fall of 2012, reported on in April 2013, the weigh in showed of 12 motorhomes the three 23 footers had about the very highest front end weights. Less cantilever. The Royales we are so concerned about came in about 2000 lbs per front wheel, while the highest of the three of the 23 footers were about 2300 pounds. Remaining ones were about "average" Here's what I hope to be the link:
http://gmcws.org/blog/?p=1450
This would seem to indicate that indeed the 23 foot homes are candidates for the new torsion bars. The 23 footers have better moving ability in the mud, snow, up wet hills. Better weight distribution over the drive wheels. Thinking about it, there is less need for damping for the front shocks in the 23 footers, as they are less prone to "hobby horsing". (A highly scientific term for back and front suspension oscillation.)
Whoopee, Ken Henderson gets to fix it, we then learn from him!
Thankee, Ken,
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
[Updated on: Sun, 18 May 2014 22:05] Report message to a moderator |
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