Class B Motorhome Vibration While Driving
We're in the process of purchasing a 2004 Pleasure-Way Excel-TS Ford (class B+) with 73,000 miles on it through a consignment dealer. Because of insurance issues we did not take it for a test drive bu...
Forum Discussion
HarryB1 wrote:
The vibration seemed to appear suddenly as the speed increased and disappear instantly below a certain speed. I'm guessing that point to be about 25 mph.
First, never buy a motorhome until you, not the salesperson, has driven it on the highway and have brought the speed up to 65mph.
If the salesman won't let you drive it, don't buy it. This is especially true with a wide body Class B. The widebody's are known for handling issues.
Second, I recently had a Class B+ on the Ford e350 and it had a similar vibration. In fact, it vibrated so much I thought it was going to shake the side windows lose.
After spending money on new tires, shocks, and alignment, only to have the vibration continue, it was determined that one of the wheels was bent or out of round.
Changing this wheel out with the spare resolved most of the vibration, but not all of it.
The vibration you experience might be from something else - maybe related to the widebody.
In addition to vibration, you'll want to drive the coach yourself so you can experience Ford's bump steer and wander problem (caused by improper alignment), and to look for other handling issues.
But if it were me and if the salesman won't let you drive it, walk away from the deal.
There are plenty of other Class B's on the market, most from sellers who will let you drive them.
Bill
