Trying to Learn….

[RivRV]

My husband and I retired and are looking to buy a coach to start traveling with iur pups. We are down to 2 coaches. Both are a 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3226. One has LiquidSpring suspension but needs new tires. The other has new tires and more factory options. I see so many positive comments on LiquidSpring—what are the cons in your experience?

 

[DennisT]

We had liquid springs installed on our Class C Forester we owned - amazing system overall.

Coach was a joy to drive after the install and no longer rode like a lumber wagon.

Coach was easier to steer as well since the system reacts about instantly with wind pushing on the coach - passing semis etc were no longer a hassle.

Personally, just based on our experience, I’d get the liquid springs coach and replace the tires.

The only “con”, if you can call it that, was I had to manually do the leveling jacks after the install. The Liquid Springs locks in the fluid when shutoff so there is no play in the suspension at that point (very little anyhow). I didn’t consider it a con though, more of a tradeoff for the great ride with the system.

Did they do the four corner liquid springs or just the rear?

 

[JBright11]

Welcome!
Have you driven the units to compare them? That is what I would do and decide if the cost difference is worth it (I assume the LS equipped unit is more costly).

I have chosen not to modify my suspension at all, simply don't see the need as I'm comfortable with the ride and handling of my rig. Once i got my weights and set tire pressures based on the mfg's table I was plenty good to go. I have a 2023, so have the larger stabilizer and sway bars, but it still doesn't ride like a DP.

But you need to see just how "rough" the ride is with the stock configuration first. If it is acceptable for you and your use case for the RV, perhaps the additional suspension stuff isn't necessary. It is, after all, just another thing that can break and will need maintenance.

As with all things RV, different strokes for different folks!

Safe Travels!

 

[Kevin D Pem]

What are the tires!? If they are commercial truck tires, you need to understand the cost of the rubber it sits on as part of the investment.

Are the tires new or just look new? Verify the age by reading the DOT age on the tires sidewalls

 

[RivRV]

We had liquid springs installed on our Class C Forester we owned - amazing system overall.

Coach was a joy to drive after the install and no longer rode like a lumber wagon.

Coach was easier to steer as well since the system reacts about instantly with wind pushing on the coach - passing semis etc were no longer a hassle.

Personally, just based on our experience, I’d get the liquid springs coach and replace the tires.

The only “con”, if you can call it that, was I had to manually do the leveling jacks after the install. The Liquid Springs locks in the fluid when shutoff so there is no play in the suspension at that point (very little anyhow). I didn’t consider it a con though, more of a tradeoff for the great ride with the system.

Did they do the four corner liquid springs or just the rear?

Owner did 4 corner install and also put in a Safe-T Plus bar on front. I appreciate your reply!

My husband and I retired and are looking to buy a coach to start traveling with iur pups. We are down to 2 coaches. Both are a 2021 Newmar Bay Star 3226. One has LiquidSpring suspension but needs new tires. The other has new tires and more factory options. I see so many positive comments on LiquidSpring—what are the cons in your experience?

We had liquid springs installed on our Class C Forester we owned - amazing system overall.

Coach was a joy to drive after the install and no longer rode like a lumber wagon.

Coach was easier to steer as well since the system reacts about instantly with wind pushing on the coach - passing semis etc were no longer a hassle.

Personally, just based on our experience, I’d get the liquid springs coach and replace the tires.

The only “con”, if you can call it that, was I had to manually do the leveling jacks after the install. The Liquid Springs locks in the fluid when shutoff so there is no play in the suspension at that point (very little anyhow). I didn’t consider it a con though, more of a tradeoff for the great ride with the system.

Did they do the four corner liquid springs or just the rear?

They did 4 corner LS and also have a Safe-T-Plus something or other... Appreciate your feedback!

 

[RivRV]

Welcome!
Have you driven the units to compare them? That is what I would do and decide if the cost difference is worth it (I assume the LS equipped unit is more costly).

I have chosen not to modify my suspension at all, simply don't see the need as I'm comfortable with the ride and handling of my rig. Once i got my weights and set tire pressures based on the mfg's table I was plenty good to go. I have a 2023, so have the larger stabilizer and sway bars, but it still doesn't ride like a DP.

But you need to see just how "rough" the ride is with the stock configuration first. If it is acceptable for you and your use case for the RV, perhaps the additional suspension stuff isn't necessary. It is, after all, just another thing that can break and will need maintenance.

As with all things RV, different strokes for different folks!

Safe Travels!

We haven't driven these particular units--they are both about 7 hours away. But, we did ride in one Class A here in Foley AL. I appreciate your feedback on the maintenance!

 

[RivRV]

What are the tires!? If they are commercial truck tires, you need to understand the cost of the rubber it sits on as part of the investment.

Are the tires new or just look new? Verify the age by reading the DOT age on the tires sidewalls

The tires are 2021 original and have 34,000. The owner says they are 50%. Not sure the brand of tires. I assume tires and install to be $5-$6k based on articles.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

5 year old tires are not new!

 

[team bradfield]

I agree with @Kevin D Pem, replace the tires

 

[Rollin Ollen]

The tires are 2021 original and have 34,000. The owner says they are 50%. Not sure the brand of tires. I assume tires and install to be $5-$6k based on articles.

The wear percentage of tires on a motorhome is not usually the criteria needed to warrant replacement. The age is far more important. Most tires need to be replaced at seven years or earlier (depending on side wall condition). Some are rated for as long as ten but should be inspected by a tire professional every year after seven. You might have noticed that some folks use protective covers on their RVs when parked. This protects them from harmful UV radiation that break down the compounds.

Replace the tires. There are folks here that can give you a recommendation on which brands might be better.

 

[d23haynes57]

Everything else being equal I would opt for the rig with the Liquid Springs. As these coaches are near 6 years you are now going into more advanced maintenance beyond oil and filter changes. Full chassis service which should include wheels off inspection of brakes. Calipers pulled, pads and slides inspected. Brake hoses, ask for service history if brake fluid has been changed each 2 to 3 years. Belts and hoses. Of course, tires. Do not rely on sidewall condition only to consider them good, Ready for maybe 2nd set of batteries. For the box all the roof and window sealing. Change all other fluids, coolant, transmission, and rear axle. Synthetic lubes and premium fuels.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Welcome!
Have you driven the units to compare them? That is what I would do and decide if the cost difference is worth it (I assume the LS equipped unit is more costly).

I have chosen not to modify my suspension at all, simply don't see the need as I'm comfortable with the ride and handling of my rig. Once i got my weights and set tire pressures based on the mfg's table I was plenty good to go. I have a 2023, so have the larger stabilizer and sway bars, but it still doesn't ride like a DP.

But you need to see just how "rough" the ride is with the stock configuration first. If it is acceptable for you and your use case for the RV, perhaps the additional suspension stuff isn't necessary. It is, after all, just another thing that can break and will need maintenance.

As with all things RV, different strokes for different folks!

Safe Travels!

We too still have the original equipment suspension (but with Jayco's J Ride Plus factory upgrade) and once we had the axles weighed and tire pressures correctly set, what a world of a difference it made. I would suggest a test drive of both and make sure to have a good professional inspection carried out on the one you choose.