New to me--2014 Freelander 21QB rough ride

coolmom42 wrote:
I've recently purchased (3 days ago) a 2014 Coachmen Freelander 21QB. Drove it home from the seller (about 90 miles) around Nashville. It handles fine--BUT I was about beat to death on the ride. Even a small hole or patch in the road gave me a terrific jolt.

This was not obvious on the test drive because I was on some nicely maintained secondary roads, which have not taken the traffic beating of interstate highways.


I don't have a gauge (yet)to check the pressure on the dual rear tires and haven't had a chance to weigh it. So it's possible that the tires are way over-inflated. Would over-inflated tires be enough to make the ride that bad?

All the tanks were empty...would a full fresh water tank adding about 400 lb change the weight enough to make it ride better?

I know this chassis is pretty lightly loaded with the 21QB empty, which is fine. But a tiny amount of comfort would be nice.

If correct tire inflation doesn't fix the issue, what's the next step? Replacement shocks? If so, front, rear, or both? And what kind?

I'm used to riding in all manner of work trucks, so don't expect cushy, but this ride would be almost intolerable for a long trip.

Any constructive input appreciated!

Install, or have installed, Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) shocks in the rear. Leave the front shocks stock.

The Koni FSD shocks will nearly, or completely, eliminate the pounding in the rear. These particular shocks will cost more than other shocks folks usually use in the rear on their Class C motorhomes.

Be sure not to use other models of Koni shocks in the rear ... it must be their "FSD" shocks.