Best bang for the bucks?

[JohnDar]

Here's a hypothetical question for those in the know. Let's say you could only select one of the following upgrades for a 2009 BH3670 this year. Realize that so far it hasn't gotten towed all over the place, but the itch is there. Which would give the best bang for the bucks?

Option 1: Change suspension to the MorRyde IS system, keeping OEM brakes (current springs still look OK)

Option 2: Change tires from Freestars to Goodyear G614's on existing wheels (they're four years old now)

Option 3: Change tires to Goodyear G114's with new 17.5" wheels.

Cost-wise, Option 2 is going to be in the neighborhood of $2000 or slightly less. Options 1 and 3, more like $3000 each. Cost alone is not the deciding factor, though.

 

[jnbhobe]

I bought 4 G-614's on the road in Milford, DE. this summer for $ 1208.00 mounted, balanced, and installed. That was the cheepest way out. Just for your info John.

G-614's and disc brakes would be my bid.

 

[mrcomer]

If it were me, I think I would start by replacing the tires and then work towards the other upgrades. I would want a really good "base/tires" before the other suspension accessories. My 2-cents

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

Since you're looking for opinions. I would start with #2. With 4 years on Freestars, even though not traveled much, they are close to expiring. I think you should be able to do much better than $2K for G614's though. Closer to $1200 as Jon mentioned. Try shopping at a local Goodyear dealer.

If money is not an option, #1 Independent Suspension would follow. Disc brakes are nice but my standard brakes are serving me well. If cash is tight, at least change over to wet bolts. I believe they are a very good investment for the money.

 

[mnkamper]

John we're going through some of the same questions.... so we're watching the responses! We do tow a lot so we're leaning toward doing #2 though we think we're doing the Michelin's.

 

[traveler44]

I got he 4 G614s and the spare from my mechanic for around $1200 he does business with the tire truck out of his garage. They will have to install the high pressure valve stems with these tires because they hold 110 PSI. One of the first things I had done was the wetbolts and I had MorRyde do them. Tom

 

[jnbhobe]

John we're going through some of the same questions.... so we're watching the responses! We do tow a lot so we're leaning toward doing #2 though we think we're doing the Michelin's.

Michelin's are only an E-rated tire. I thought the 3670's had G-rated tires.

 

[mnkamper]

We haven't bought yet (thank goodness). I looked at the Michelin rating online and it does come up as E rated. Guess I will be changing what I'm looking for.

I'd still go for #2 though.... just won't be Michelins.

 

[Jimmy]

I will vote for #2

 

[wdk450]

I got he 4 G614s and the spare from my mechanic for around $1200 he does business with the tire truck out of his garage. They will have to install the high pressure valve stems with these tires because they hold 110 PSI. One of the first things I had done was the wetbolts and I had MorRyde do them. Tom

Traveller44:
Make sure your wheels/rims are rated for 110 PSI too.

 

[JohnDar]

Looks like the general consensus is to just replace the Freestars with the GY G614's (Option #2). I was guesstimating the price based on what CW was showing in their flyers, for 5 tires. Not that I'll necessarily go there, just they had a number to work with. The wet bolts are also a consideration, but can they be installed anywhere or do you have to go to MorRyde for it. I know I could order the kit, but I'm not much of a shade tree auto mechanic. I can see me getting into it and then finding halfway through I need a lefthanded monkey wrench and can only find a righthand one. Going to MorRyde adds a couple hundred $$ to the mix (fuel & expenses).

I was considering the G114 tires for the load capacity safety margin vs. the G614's. I'm not overloaded, but about 500 lbs. under the limit on one rear tire under the kitchen. Thinking a stronger tire might be less prone to blow. That's probably my biggest fear of heading out on the road for any distance. For the one comment on the valve stems, the Freestar's are 110psi and the wheels already have steel valves on them.

So, with your help, I think I'll just crack the tap on the IRA, rather than letting it free-flow. Goodyear G614's all around on the current wheels (and spare) and look into the wet bolts. Unless I start to see deterioration of my springs, I'll stick with them. Other things lining up for a share of the wealth are the Banks Speed Brake, new tires for the truck (later this year), and reflooring the stairs, landing, and master bedroom in the house with hardwood. Those and a couple of other projects on the "honey-do" list. Materials for the stairs should be here today, so I'll be up to my eyeballs in white oak.

Thanks for the inputs!

 

[Ray LeTourneau]

John, if you installed the electric jacks on your own, you're more than capable of doing the wet bolts. No special tools needed. Just some jack stands and a decent work surface.

 

[JohnDar]

John, if you installed the electric jacks on your own, you're more than capable of doing the wet bolts. No special tools needed. Just some jack stands and a decent work surface.

Thanks, Ray. Sometimes I forget to put on my big (or old) boy pants and give things a try. It was a sphincter moment the first time I drilled into the frame. Was whistling Dixie out it when I pulled the front jacks out. The work surface would be dirt, either the storage yard or the seasonal site. Other than that, I've got jacks and stands, and probably all of the tools except the righthand monkey wrench. And I've always got a roll or two of duct tape handy.

 

[porthole]

Option 2 and add the wet bolts.

Trailer tire and wheels ,said it here before, good pricing , great service.

614's $323
http://www.trailertiresandwheels.com/site/1284278/product/RG614

They are 8 miles from the Indiana border off rt 80. Don't know where you live, but that is either 30 miles or 330 mile for you

 

[SouthernNights]

Here's a hypothetical question for those in the know. Let's say you could only select one of the following upgrades for a 2009 BH3670 this year. Realize that so far it hasn't gotten towed all over the place, but the itch is there. Which would give the best bang for the bucks?

Option 1: Change suspension to the MorRyde IS system, keeping OEM brakes (current springs still look OK)

Option 2: Change tires from Freestars to Goodyear G614's on existing wheels (they're four years old now)

Option 3: Change tires to Goodyear G114's with new 17.5" wheels.

Cost-wise, Option 2 is going to be in the neighborhood of $2000 or slightly less. Options 1 and 3, more like $3000 each. Cost alone is not the deciding factor, though.

Change tires to at least Goodyear 614s. As far as the 17.5 wheels (option #3 , the G614 only come in one size 235/85/16 ) see here;
http://www.goodyear.com/cfmx/web/truck/datapage.cfm?prodline=160007

If you still have a couple of dollars, meet me in Elkhart the end of March and you can buy both of us the IS.

If not, get the wetbolts or the new Never Fail bushings that Lippert just bought. These are Phenolic (if I remember what Sony said) -not nylon or what some people call plastic. http://www.lippertcomponents.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=291%3Anever-fail-bushings&catid=34%3Aproducts&Itemid=288

These were developed by Sony Dismuke, the same guy who developed the Ground Control. Sold both to Lippert last year.

If your budget is limitless, go for the disc brakes while you are at it. And I have to agree with Ray, if you installed the Ground Control, the bushings are a piece of cake. Just lift the coach off the ground, get some nice jack stands for safety and Git er done.

 

[JohnDar]

Larry, the 17.5" wheels would be for the Goodyear G114 tires, which are H-rated. Some folks on the forums have gone to them for the extra margin. It was a consideration.

 

[SouthernNights]

I see. Thanks John. Got my glasses on now.