I-Beam Front End Suspension

I think there is a turn advantage with IFS, 60 degrees wheel cut compared to 55 degrees with straight beam, at least on Winnebago. I have no complaints with my straight. I've test driven both, but can't really say what the difference was.

Our '03 Kountry Star had the straight beam, our '08 has IFS. I'd be happy with either. If anything I might give the straight beam a slight edge in the handling department, the IFS a slight edge in ride. They both work well.

In other words, the front suspension wouldn't be a deal breaker for us, either way.

IFS brought better handling to cars but with a big increase in moving parts. IFS does the same thing for MH's that need better handling. Monaco's outboard air bag suspension does not need improved handling so all the extra moving parts of a IFS system are not needed. Ever wonder why 18 wheelers are still on solid axles, they give less problems. 5+ years ago I looked at a bare DP chassis with IFS, the 23 moving parts (instead of 10) turned me off. The huge sway bar needed to help it keep the MH from leaning (another 6 moving points) bring the total to 29 instead of 10 sealed the deal that I do not want a MH with IFS.
Do Prevost, Newell, or Foretravel use IFS?

I have a slight preference to the solid bar. Feels smoother/better/more solid to me... .It's all based on feeling (my opinion).

Dang XConnection Reset

The problem with a solid axle is side to side motion of the body over the axle
The solution is a Track Bar

Only problem with IFS, is finding and alignment shop, with knowledgeable personal. As mentioned previously, I Beam is bullet proof. There are some I Beam suspension systems that are mounted on 4 air bags. They do a remarkable job of smooth ride.

Richard

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Fla Tom wrote:
A friend who owns an alignment shop said he prefers the solid axel said they were bulletproof.

This !

no doubt there is very few parts on a solid axle compared to IFS so repair wise simpler and cheaper by far BUT the ride and handling and the steering control etc the IFS has over SFA makes the IFS a no brainer

Fla Tom wrote:
A friend who owns an alignment shop said he prefers the solid axel said they were bulletproof.

This !

janstey58 wrote:
Hi All, I am looking at a new 2016 Discovery 40E DP, and noticed that is has an I-beam suspension rather than independent suspension. A longtime DP owner/salesman at another dealer told me there is a significant difference in ride between the two. Any comments on this issue? Thx!

had a 40ft allegro bus with solid axle;;It rode like a stone boat compared to the same thing I HAVE now with the IFS
Go IFS if you have a choice

I have had both (meridian and an elipse) the eclipse had a tag axel and independent front suspension. The both drove well ,the tag slightly better. A friend who owns an alignment shop said he prefers the solid axel said they were bulletproof. If you like the coach you won't mind any difference