economydogs
Seattle area
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I just purchased a 2005 Roadtrek 170 with approx 56k miles. It has a less than endearing habit of wallowing, leaping and diving down the highway. I suspect the OEM shocks are ready for retirement.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what type/brand to look for? Is there any other suspension ideas that would give my new ride a safer, more responsive ride? Any information is welcome!
Thanks,
Economydogs
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retraite
Wanderin' about
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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You might consider either OEMs, Bilsteins or Konis.
And, check your tire pressures. Many folks like around 65 psi front, 80 psi rears.
Cheers.
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1775
NY
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Your shocks may need to be replaced, but with new shocks my 2011 190 "porpoises" on the road at times - sometimes like a bucking bronc depending on the road surface. Slowing down helps. I am told by service that it is the nature of the rigs to do this. Always have 80 and no more in your rear tires and RT recommends that you start with 50 psi in the front and then increase that by 5 psi up to and no more than 65 psi to see where you like the ride. My 190 rides nicely now that I put the front tires to 60 psi. Many talk about replacing the RT shocks with Bilstein shocks - and when it is time I think that is what I will look toward doing. Also - make sure the pressure in your tires is even side to side. This will cut down on pulling to one side or the other.
Roadtrek 190 Popular 2011
Meryl and Me Hit the Road
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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A 170 may require different tire inflation pressures than a 190, since they're 3/4 ton rather than 1 ton. I think the older Dodge 170's came with load range D tires, not the E's of the 190. Not sure about the 2005, which I assume is a Chevy (?). OP should go by the GM door sticker until he can check with RT on correct pressures, unless a 170 owner here can chime in. If they're D's, 80 psi may be dangerous overinflation.
OP, I know from prior experience that the Bilstein HD shock for the Chevy 3500 190 is a very good shock, and close in characteristics to the GM shocks when they were new. But I'm not sure this'll apply to the 170, which may use a different part number.
Good luck with it. You've got one of the neater & rarer B's out there.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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retraite
Wanderin' about
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Handbasket is correct that the RT 170 is built on an Express 2500, while the RT 190 is built on an Express 3500 extended.
Chevrolet's website does not indicate the OE tire on a 2500 or a 3500, however, it does say both use 16" wheels.
TireRack.com indicates that the OE tire on the 3500, the 2500 eight lug, or the 2500 six lug wheels are all the same tire, and a Load Range E.
When I look at the payload of a 2500 vs. a 3500 extended van, the difference of a bit over 500 lbs does not, IMHO, suggest that a load range D tire would get the job done.
That said, a RT 170, with its lower GVWR would permit the use of load range E tires at less than max psi inflation.
So, my earlier statement of 65 psi front and 80 psi rear is for a 190, and, likely the 170 inflation pressures would be somewhat lower.
As Handbasket correctly said, check the door jamb for the recommended pressures, and maybe call RT as well.
It's always nice when someone (Handbasket) staightens you (that would be me) out and doesn't give you the dickens at the same time.
Cheers.
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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170 has the same tire as the 190 Rt 245-75-16
* This post was
edited 12/12/11 02:42pm by My Roadtrek *
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economydogs
Seattle area
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You are right, the tires are 245/75R16. They are new Bridgestone VSteel RIB 265's. The tag on the driver's door indicates 50 pounds for the front, 80 for the back. I didn't know if Roadtrek conversion would alter those numbers.
Thanks for the tips. I need to add a good tire gauge to my tool box.
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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I would run 60 to 65 in the fronts, gives you more of a margin of safety if you ever get a slow leak.
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1775
NY
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economydogs wrote:You are right, the tires are 245/75R16. They are new Bridgestone VSteel RIB 265's. The tag on the driver's door indicates 50 pounds for the front, 80 for the back. I didn't know if Roadtrek conversion would alter those numbers.
Thanks for the tips. I need to add a good tire gauge to my tool box.
Check with Roadtrek on the psi for the front tires on the 170. RT told me that the front tire 50 psi is the pre-conversion psi from Chevy and they use that number on the door plate (while giving their recommended after conversion psi for the rear tires on that same label). It makes no sense really to do that - why not just give post-conversion psi for the vehicle as that is how we are getting it. Anyway, RT does respond to their support email - check with them on recommended psi for the front tires.
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pshubird
Daphne, Alabama, USA
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I have a 2005 RT 170, as the original poster does. I run 65 psi in the front and 80 psi in the rear, and have done so since buying the RT new in late 2004. The tires that come on it are load range E and can certainly withstand that amount of pressure. I did try running 55 psi in the front for a little while, but it was too "wallowy" for my taste. The original Chevy sticker on the driver's door does show 50 psi for the front, but that is for the unloaded cargo van. RT sent me a new sticker to place over that one a few months after I bought it. That sticker lists 80 psi rear and 60 psi front.
-Pat
Patrick
Daphne, Alabama
2005 RT 170P
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