| Author | Message | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 154 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
1st i took her for a ride to the dump today with all my winter trash,2 squirts of liquid love and she started right up! i notice that every bump i hit seems like i have run over a cow. one dip in the road and i rose up and hit my head on the cabinet,my bags are set at 60 lbs.any ideas what i should do?what do other 4106 owners set their bags at? 2nd i replaced all my trojans with 12 volt deep cycle +to+ - to - on all bats but now my inverter will not work. it works fine with the geni and when plugged in but not on batt power... any ideas?also no 12 v in the coach.. | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 186 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.52.29.59  Rating: |
Generally you don't set the bags to a pressure but to a ride height. Your manual has a dimension (axle to body ona 4104, don't know on a '06) So since it sounds like you have dispensed with the levellers, you need to load the bus as you will usually have it, find some flat ground, and work out how many psi your front and back bags ned to achieve the spec ride height. Once you know this you can play with the numbers a little if you add extra weight to the bus etc but you will still need to check the ride height. FWIW once you have the correct axle to frame dimension there is no reason you can't then measure from body to ground for a dimension. Finally, don't be crawling around under your bus and adjustin/measuring ride height. If the bags blow away you go! | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 832 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91  Rating: N/A |
Tom; I had a bad ride like that and found out the shocks were shot and replaced them and got a much better ride and didn't worry about hitting my head on the ceiling and things banging and clanging behind me and wondering if THEY were going to be ok> Block the coach up after you run it up on blocks and with a little work you can undo the shocks on the bottom and push and pull them and they are stiffer than auto shock tho. Look and see if you have oil around them and if you do they are bad and replace them and check er out. Gomer | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 155 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: |
i hear they are $100 each? ouch.... | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 156 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
i had 220 pounds of garbage in her with a total coach weight of 24442 60 lbs in each bag.i just got through looking at the p/o recipts and out of over $92,000 spent not including the cost of the coach i could not find any new shocks installed.so i guess i need to start selling my blood..... | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 429 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.57.224.23 Rating: |
fixed pressure air bags are contrary to the intended operation of air suspension on coaches. they are meant to fluxuate, it is this function that makes air ride desirable and gives the good ride. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 157 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
anyone here have a used valve for sale at a good price? | ||
| Brandon Merritt (Brando4905)
Registered Member Username: Brando4905 Post Number: 24 Registered: 3-2009 Posted From: 108.10.206.251  Rating: N/A |
My 4905 had a really harsh ride when I first got it. Replacing the shocks made it a LOT better! | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 158 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
harsh is not the word,scary is more like it.it is a jolt like a 7.8 earthquake..... | ||
| Douglas Wotring (Tekebird)
Registered Member Username: Tekebird Post Number: 430 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 71.57.224.23 Rating: |
thomas, leveling valves are cheap and available at any truck parts place. there are three of them two in the rear and one in the front. GM coaches 4104 on were designed with dynamic air suspension they constantly are adjusting the air bags pressure depending on load, road conditions etc. making them constant pressure would be the first thing and cheapest thing to reconsider. shocks next | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 455 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.5.73 Rating: N/A |
I do believe 60# is close to the normal pressure in the suspension of my 4104. I was actually surprised that it was thet low, thinking that it would be closer to 100lbs. I can see the value of being able to over ride the automatic system for campground leveling but it's great other than that. I can hear the suspension adjust when my 90lb dog gets off the bus. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 159 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
oops can you say dumbs**t? i never thiught to check the tire pressure........ the guy that was helping me get ready for my trip said he did it.......NOT......... TIRE PRESSURE WAS 60 TO 70 ON THE REARS AND FRONTS AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE INSIDES ARE, i feel like an ass. i will fill her up tonight and take her out in the morning. | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 833 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91 Rating: N/A |
Tom; check and see if you remember what your coach weighs now. After you figure what your tire pressure should be, air it up and take it for a ride. You will find I think, if it has 70 lbs and still rides rough it is the shocks. I had one that ran 90lbs in the front and after changing shocks there were a vast difference. Gomer | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Registered Member Username: Chessie4905 Post Number: 1864 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 71.58.71.157  Rating: N/A |
Shocks for GM busses are relatively cheap the last time I checked and were available from NAPA in their heavy duty shock catalog. | ||
| Len Silva (Lsilva)
Registered Member Username: Lsilva Post Number: 339 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 72.187.35.208  Rating: N/A |
Your original leveling valves may still be in place though I would be concerned about what condition they might be in. It could just be some simple plumbing changes to get you fixed up. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 160 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
tried airing the tires up but the compresser just didin't have the balls to do it. i will have to go to the tire store tomorrow and let them do it. | ||
| Patrick levenson (Zubzub)
Registered Member Username: Zubzub Post Number: 187 Registered: 5-2007 Posted From: 70.52.29.59 Rating: N/A |
you can use the bus air to fill your tires. | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior)
Registered Member Username: Buswarrior Post Number: 1824 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.69.141.216  Rating: N/A |
I doubt the tire pressure will change your condition. After all, if they are a little on the low side, wouldn't that make the ride softer? Shock absorbers will be your salvation. Change them out as a matter of preventive maintenance. And price them out, and ask which manufacturer is due to put them on sale. happy coaching! buswarrior | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 161 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
i thought the same thing but the guy at the truck place thought different | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1692 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.48.162  Rating: N/A |
Thomas - I thought the same thing, but the guy at the truck place thought different." Thought what? Be VERY careful about "truck" places, many have no clue when it comes to a bus. Tire PSI Before you pump up your tires, you need to weigh your coach on a truck scale to determine how much weight each axle is carrying. Don't just blow them up to 120 psi because that's what it says on the sidewall!! Once you know how much weight each axle is carrying, divide that weight by the number of tires (2 or 4) to get the average load per tire. Add a couple hundred pounds to this number as a "fudge factor" for "stuff". Now consult your tire manufacturer's website (or local dealer) to see what their inflation table shows to be the correct psi for the weight you've determined to be on the size tires you have. You might be surprised! Last time I moved my 4106, it was so light that I only needed 65 lbs in the rear and 70 lbs up front! SHOCKS I don't have my 4106 parts book next to my desk at the moment, but I'll dig it out tomorrow and look up the original GMC part numbers. You should be able to cross-reference them at your local warehouse. The late Richard Bower (Driving Miss Lazy), IIRC, found that Gabriel Adjustables worked fantastically on his Eagle, and were very competitively priced. Of course, you can always call Luke (1-888-262-2434) and help support those who support us. FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1318 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.65.170 Rating: N/A |
The adjustable Gabriels worked very nicely for us, as well. Southern Oregon Diesel installed the rears, and I did the fronts. I recall that they were in the $65 range apiece. For what it's worth. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 162 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
first off i fixed the electric!1 apperantaly the p/o was color blind as black is really red and black is also black. i hooked the black to black but it was supposed to be red. 2nd i found the monroe cross to be a 74402 shock the truck guy said it was a 74400? about $65 each | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 837 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.53.153.91 Rating: N/A |
I believe you are on a roll Tom!! gomer | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 163 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
if i can just get her pumped up in the tire dept.i have a 220v 6hp compressor 60 gal but she is in storage and i have no place to hook her up.called local tire store they claimed their compressor wasent big enough. | ||
| Dallas Farnworth (Dallas)
Registered Member Username: Dallas Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 72.172.43.196 Rating: |
Your bus will easily air up the tires. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 167 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
ok i checked out prices for the big ass 200 amp fuse i blew for the inverter....e-bay guy from nh $35 plus $5 shipping place in az $16 plus $12 shipping napa auto parts $6.57 will be here in the morning. | ||
| Jim Wilke (Jim Bob) (Pd41044039)
Registered Member Username: Pd41044039 Post Number: 456 Registered: 2-2001 Posted From: 184.0.5.73 Rating: N/A |
Sounds like your P.O. was or had a buddy that was an electrician. Black & red are on the same team in AC electric, but opposing teams for DC. Your lucky the "little can of smoke" didn't get opened! | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 169 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
the $7 fuse from napa turned out to be the wrong one got one on ebay for $8.50 was $.99 until the last min and i think there was a shill bidder.plus another $5 postage | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 170 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
to be fair to the p/o there was 1 inch of red heat shrink on the ends near the lugs. i also installed a on off switch between the house batts and the isolater as it was allowing voltage to come backwards to the starts. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 174 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
OK the shocks are on the way.......i wanted the best price so i called Gabriele they said i could get them at auto zone, i call local auto zone they say sorry not available i call Gabriell back and they say they have to release the shocks for sale. so next day i call auto zone they say i can order them for $56 each but they will not drop ship. if you want to drop ship you have to order from the Internet. so i go to Internet and try to place my order..... sorry this part not available. i then call Gabriele again and the lady says she will FedEx them to me at no charge for all my troubles. new problem i replaced the 200 amp fuse and rewired the starter batteries as the red was one inch from shorting out.i now have no lights on the heart inverter nor do i have any 12 volt power inside the coach including my wheelchair ramp. what did i do wrong? | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1320 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.68.115 Rating: N/A |
Tom, it sounds like your house bank is disconnected from your house loads. Good luck. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 175 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
btw i forgot the most important part. the autozone call center is in mexico, they took the order but were not allowed to take credit card info. they have someone from memphis call you back. i waited all day and never got a call back. all the wires are connected........dose the inverter control the 12 v power also? as i have had this problem before. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 176 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
i do get a hum from the inverter but no lights on the panel. i get a green on the panel inside. | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1695 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.182.48.162 Rating: N/A |
Thomas - Can you post the part numbers for the Gabriel shocks? TIA! | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 177 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
monroe is 74402 gabriel crosses to 85711 you should be able to order them from autozone as i had the number released to them. about $57 if you have to pay for them. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 178 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
ok, i now have 120 from the inverter but still no 12 volt in the coach? any ideas/ is the 12 volt in the coach depentent on the inverter? all cables are hooked up properly. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces)
Registered Member Username: Pvcces Post Number: 1321 Registered: 5-2001 Posted From: 65.74.64.151 Rating: N/A |
Tom, the inverter makes DC when hooked to shore power, but that is for charging the house bank. It still sounds like your house bank is not connected to your house loads, other than the inverter. For what it's worth. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 Suncatcher Ketchikan, Alaska | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 182 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
i am thinikng that the wire leading to the 120/12 fuse box may be off/coroded or there is another fuse behind it. | ||
| Bob Baldwin (Bob4106)
Registered Member Username: Bob4106 Post Number: 196 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 24.74.180.20  Rating: N/A |
Are the front and rear shocks the same part number? | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
they claim they are? gm had 2 different numbers 5527272 front and 5527271 for the rear | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 199 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
ok everything on the coach is working properly except for the generator and the king dome. the generator must be something stupid and the king dome really has never been that good but i suspect it is waterlogged and iced up. | ||
| thomas flocks (Taflocks)
Registered Member Username: Taflocks Post Number: 201 Registered: 9-2009 Posted From: 74.76.246.165 Rating: N/A |
the shocks are being installed by the people that built the bus out of 2 busses with the wood interiors in lancaster nh they said they would give me a good deal. |
