I did it!Orderd Acs Superride!

[steve.k]

Well after this last trip and some of the rough roads we went over I orderd the Ace(nowACS) Kit.It just seemed rougher than usual and the Mrs said go ahead and get it.Talked with Dave and he will have it ready to ship North in a week.Cant wait to see difference. :?

[dsomonster]

Steve,
The AIR RIDE kit from ACE changed a whole lotta things. I truly want to drive the Nova with my 20' trailer fully loaded behind it. It is now a joy and you don't even know anything is back there.

I will be ordering the King front shocks in a few months...those things are not cheap. According to TexaxTC, that should be the final piece in the suspension puzzle.

Keep us posted and shoot some before and after pics. They all look pretty much the same, but I still like to look at pics!!!

-Ron in SoCal

[steve.k]

Dsomonster how long have you had air ? I know Texas tc couldn't say enough about it so I'm getting anxious! Even after I put the tuner in I wanted to drive more than camp? Should've been a long hauler maybe?any how will install the ride and then the shocks and see how it goes? Was thinking about trading on renegade at one point but I tough it out and see how airside works. Steve

[Texas TC]

Dsomonster how long have you had air ? I know Texas tc couldn't say enough about it so I'm getting anxious! Even after I put the tuner in I wanted to drive more than camp? Should've been a long hauler maybe?any how will install the ride and then the shocks and see how it goes? Was thinking about trading on renegade at one point but I tough it out and see how airside works. Steve


That is how I was with the SuperNova, especially after adding air/shock upgrades. Driving was more fun than camping. My typical days were 12-14 hours. It is the complete opposite with my A Class. Driving the bus is ok, but the added aminities and comfort in my new coach make camping more fun than driving. Funny how things change.

TxTC

[dsomonster]

Steve,
I've had the air system a little over a year now. I've logged @ 5500 miles on the system so far and enjoyed every mile. DW and the kids noticed the ride is much nicer mid-cab to rear and I definitely feel it in the cab. The front shocks should calm that down even more.

I love my rig. I was sad to hear TexasTC traded his in along with some other good members on this forum. I toughed it out just like you and now I would never think about trading it in. The family loves the rig and so do the other families in our camping group. The only thing I would want other than King Front shocks is a alot more torque. Going up some of the gradesin SoCal is a challenge but nothing other big rigs do not encounter. I have been researching the TS controller as well as the new DiabloSport controller. I will probably install that when I get the King shocks.

I wll keep you posted.

-Ron in SoCal

[steve.k]

Thanks guys,I'll keep you posted!I dont know what it is about driving but I did drive transport for awhile helping buddies out and I can tell you I could drive those things 10-12 hrs straight and never lost the excitement?Was even going buy a rig and go hauling(glad I didnt).Texas you dont find the a class a pleasure to drive?The only thing I see is the swaying of the bus rides that maybe a scary?

[Texas TC]

I drove 10 1/2 hours today from home to Santa Fe NM. It was a great drive. I averaged 67 mph with a max of 78 according to the GPS. You just fload down the road. Wife goes back and takes a nap. Fun, just not like driving a truck. I do appreciate the Cummins power. I can pull hills at the same speed as flat highways.

You guys are going to really appreciate those front shocks when you get around to installing after adding air. They just leveled out the ride on my coach.

I hope all of you continue to enjoy your SuperNova's. I would have kept mine if I had more confidence in the motor. I put around 48000 miles on it during the four years I owned it.

TxTC

[steve.k]

Well I talked again to ACS and they are shipping today and I should see the system by end of week?I also sent email to Roadking to see about shipping the shocks.Cant wait to get rig going after all is installed. :D I also will give ACS new phone no. as they sold off the trailer company and just work on suspensions. This is it for anyone else interested. 1 559 441-1460 I will keep you guys posted and thanks to Texas,Dsomonster, and the others who put me onto this system. Dsomonster im really happy with TS contoller it really upped the power and I havent cranked it full yet?It takes a good mountain grade to get it below 50mph,and big rigs are a blur on hills?Even the Hound doesnt have much chance! Steve

[dsomonster]

Steve, I am anxious for you! It brings back the same feelings when I was waiting for mine to come in.

I want that TS controller!!! I want the King Shocks!!!

I am actually camping this weekend at Vail Lake, Temecula, CA. It is my daughter's 12th b-day and we are doing the RV resort for her. It is much easier than going Boondocking...but not as fun!

Keep us posted!

[Texas TC]

You know guys, I went with Road King shocks. However, there may be some Beilstien's or Koni shocks that would work equally well and less expensive.. Just a thought.

[Gemini John]

I did spring upgrades and rear shocks early on, then monroe front shocks that helped. But then I did the Ace 810 and loved it. But after a year of towing with 7000 lbs and load it started to lean left. Phil, from Ace just set me up with the dual valve setup for the rear bags and we install it next wekend. I'm sure it will help stability. The ride is GREAT currently, just leans around too much on the windy hills/roads of PA. Just the way the land boats are. We love ours more every trip. It's worth the effort. At least to me :D HJ

[steve.k]

I talked to Dave and he is sending the leveling valve.He must have had a few guys call back so he suggested it off the get go.I m getting impatient!Anyhow also looked at the Renegade today,nice fit and finish for sure.also has the8.3 cummins 33ohp.looks impressive if I have windfall I'll be getting one!230ooo bucks! :roll: I did order the road kings they are on the way!

[dsomonster]

When I ordered my setup, I let Dave and Phil know to add the two valve setup to the package. Dave had to go get the 2nd valve that same day so they could ship the package. I did not want to chance it. For an extra 50 bucks or whatever it was, I figured just get it done right the first time.

We just got back from a short trip to Vail Lake in SoCal and all the while I was driving, I was thinking about this thread. I am so glad I did the ACE unit. I can't wait until I get the front shocks and engine controller.

Steve, where are you with the install? Love to get an update!

-Ron

[steve.k]

I havent received the parts yet but they have all been sent out last week. I hope to see them before weekend and get started early next week. I'll take pics and keep you posted on progress.

[ScottJ6331]

Wheres the best place to order these items? Roadking Shocks and ACS dual valve setup?

Scott

[Texas TC]

Wheres the best place to order these items? Roadking Shocks and ACS dual valve setup?

Scott
I ordered my RoadKing shocks from the manufacturer, http://www.roadkingshocks.com, 619-766-9207. My Superride air suspension parts came from Southwest International but I would suspect you would it would be better to order directly from ACS at 559-441-1460.

TxTC

[steve.k]

I just received all parts in last two days.I'll keep you posted on progress!Mechanic scratching his head abit?But he a woos! :lol:

[dsomonster]

I will receive my King shocks tomorrow. Can't wait.

I also placed the order for my TS Controller. That should be in next Monday or Tuesday.

Steve, keep us posted on the install.

I will do the same regarding the Kings in front and the TS under the hood!!! 8)

[Gemini John]

Dual valve setup is in and working great. On the road towing tomorrow. Will report results next week. Took some work to get there, but much less lean on corners on the way home first ride. Now the test. HJ

[dsomonster]

Dual valve setup is in and working great. On the road towing tomorrow. Will report results next week. Took some work to get there, but much less lean on corners on the way home first ride. Now the test. HJ

Gemini John,
Good Deal! I know you will love it as most of us who installed the system have.

I can't wait to get my rig back to test out the front shocks and the TS module. I tow a 20' toyhauler behind me so the extra power and front shocks will be welcomed!

This riding season is going to be fun!!!

Keep us posted.

-Ron in SoCal

[steve.k]

C:\Users\user\Pictures\airride.jpgWell got the airride in place it was a bit of jockeying but it fits and wow what a difference..Also have shocks installed. :D You can notice the different weight in each side by the difference in bag height!

[steve.k]

:D :D :\Users\user\Pictures\shocks.jpg Heres the shocks!Nice

[dsomonster]

Sweet setup. Just got my rig back yesterday and took a 50 mile drive to test the new Road Kings and the TS Controller. What a difference the big 3 made on my 6400. I can't wait to get the trailer hooked up and go for a trip.

I know the shocks take @ 500-1000 miles to fully break in and I plan to put those miles on over the Labor Day weekend.

I will keep you guys posted.

-Ron in SoCal

[steve.k]

Good to hear!Im going to take mine for a fifty mile spin then we have to retorque tires.It sure seems smooth now,but i do notice a little more sway.My mechanics had to do a little more fabbing(they are crazy over things)to get it installed.We mounted the compressor and tank in side door below propane tank so i could easily access the breakers if need be.We have a big trip planned for 25th i will keep you updated!

[dsomonster]

Good to hear!Im going to take mine for a fifty mile spin then we have to retorque tires.It sure seems smooth now,but i do notice a little more sway.My mechanics had to do a little more fabbing(they are crazy over things)to get it installed.We mounted the compressor and tank in side door below propane tank so i could easily access the breakers if need be.We have a big trip planned for 25th i will keep you updated!

Steve, what psi did you have your bags set to? Just trying to compare notes with everyone who installed the ACE system.

Thanks!!!

[steve.k]

Here's where we mounted compressor under tank!The pump kicks out at 100psi?Is that the proper setting?I trust the boys have it set right? I did read and Texas had metioned his compressor in a box?Is yours this way?Mine is open to the elements below propane tank?There was no cover for mine. Steve

[dsomonster]

Mine is set at 100psi also. That is what is set from the factory I believe??? We tried settings at 65, 85 and 100 and we stuck with 100. I did not want to go too far above the century mark...I just did not know what to expect from the system. 100 psi works for me.

My compressor is installed on a frame rail just rear of the rear axle right behind the genny. I have a 6400n so that is pretty far back. I was thinking about boxing it in like TexasTC did, but the guys at ACE assured me it was fine as long as it wasn't water logged. It can handle all the normal road stuff...but we shall see. I think if I was driving in water levels that high, the compressor would be the last thing on my mind.

I have pics of my install but I need to download them to my photobucket and post them here. I will have them up tomorrow.

-Ron

[steve.k]

Thanks Dsomonster I will just leave it at 100! I did take unit for a 60 mile run yesterday and yes it is way smoother for sure. One thing I did notice was the air ride absorbs alot of the road noise. I can now hear things in coach I couldn't hear before. I first thought I had something wrong with engine but then realized with the new quietness I was hearing things I couldn't before. Have you noticed this also? I find the coach so smooth and vibration free it's easy to speed? Steve

[dsomonster]

Steve, I knew something was different yesterday. I could not put my finger on it as I was in awe of the drive. Now that you mention it, I had to turn the radio down because it was too loud and that is NEVER the case. I was by myself, so I was not able to carry on a conversation.

Here is a pic of my install. You can see my compressor at the top of the pic. I am shooting the pic from the back of the rig under the rear of the coach. The compressor is wide open to the elements with the exception of the bottom mounting plate. The pic was taken after @ 24-30 hours sitting. I lose @ 80 psi:

http://www.gsowners.com/attachments/photobucket/img_16590_e8e1fe4695a773e6a863e4d9d57e685f.jpg

[steve.k]

Ron install looks great and tank and compressor up high out of way. I didn't notice leveling valves are they on front of unit?Also did you guys have to redrill plates for install to get everything fitting correctly?we had to alter quite abit it did not just bolt in! Steve

[dsomonster]

Steve,
The leveling jacks in the forefront of the pic are the rear jacks. The other 2 tiny ones in the background of the pic are the front jacks.

Yeah, the holes on the plates were too small. We had to get a larger drill bit to enlargen the holes to fit the bolts. That was a major setback since those plates are thick and strong. There was over 20 holes to redrill.

Other than that, finding a spot was easy and finding a mounting location for the compressor was easy. Contemplating building an enclosure for the compressor was brain busting. We decided to hold off until we knew if we needed an enclosure since that would be a custom piece.

A ton of work and a huge learning curve but definitely worth it since now my Class C "truck" now rides as nice as some of those high dollar buses.

-Ron

[steve.k]

Thanks Ron ! I was referring to the leveling valves for air susp? Mine are both mounted on back of susp. I didn't see yours so I assumed they on diff side of susp.? Your right about class a ride at fraction of price. I did look at neighbors class a and it has 4 bags front and 4 on rear axle so I imagine it's quite smooth?

[dsomonster]

Steve,
My bad. Yes, the leveling valves are on the front side of the unit. I will take a pic of the other side so you are able to see them. It basically looks like your pic but on the other side.

Wow, that many bags on a class A. No wonder they cost a lot. I will look under my buddy's Newmar to see how many he has. The Newmar's ride is nice; HOWEVER, I believe with the mods we have done to the suspension, we have to be pretty close in ride quality.

I will give a full review after the Labor Day weekend. I will be pulling a full trailer of toys and a fully loaded rig with food, water and all the normal junk.

I can't wait!

-Ron

[steve.k]

Ron how many hrs for your installation? My shop charged me 50 hrs which works out to 5000 bucks? Seems high to me I'm on my way to chat with them. Seems to me Texas was 5500 including price of kit.

[dsomonster]

I will PM you.

[steve.k]

Just coverd over 600 miles with air ride and yes it is a heck of alot smoother! I do notice it likes to pitch from side to side in corners and in wind gusts? Takes some getting used to! Are yours like this or do I need to set bags stiffer?? That's all I notice ride is way smooth.

[dsomonster]

I noticed the pitch too, but better than the jarring harshness of the ride prior to the bags. I know the pitch is not as bad as prior to the ACE system because I have spot on my street where I would lightly grind my back levelers when I pulled my trailer fully loaded. Even with the pitch noticed by my "seat of the pants measuring system", I do not ever scrape the rear levelers anymore.

I also noticed this side to side dipping motion in Class A's that I drive or ride in. In my camping group we have anywhere from 2-5 Class A rigs and I get to ride in them all the time. I am the designated camp site parking attendant so I get to drive them even if it is in reverse most of the time. That side to side dipping motion is there on the Class A rigs also. My RV tech says that is the norm on air ride suspensions and that is what gives it the plush like ride. He has a Class A (thing is over half a million dollars) and he has all the bells and whistles he installed to make his rig one of the best I've seen. It is a Country Coach Affinity and I would venture to say he has another $100-$150k in the upgrades. He gets everything at wholesale and does the labor himself so I am sure it is not that much.

Anyways, when he first installed the ACE system on my rig, that is the first thing I noticed when pulling it out of his driveway. It dipped pretty low in the corner. He was with me on the test drive and was laughing when my eyes bugged out. He assured me not to worry and the air ride will tend to do it more vs leaf springs and shocks. The rest of the test drive went without a hitch. I loved it. When we got back, we jumped in his rig and went down the driveway and it leaned in to the corner just like the Nova did. Nowadays, I accept it for what it is and keep on camping. It is just a different feeling.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. You have a sweet setup, get on out there and enjoy the lifestyle. I know I will this Labor Day weekend. Headed out to Big Bear, CA. Not a long drive but I will get 200 miles out of it and some really steep up hills.

I will keep you posted.

-Ron

[Gemini John]

We built our own brackets from the ACE stuff and installed them on the front of the unit, like the single valve. NO one at ACE sent us pictures of the rear install so we didn't know where to put them. Took some trial and error (flex) to make them right, but now the ride is perfect, especially towing 7000+ 28 foot trailer. Ours is closer to the centerline than the pictures you provided but the ride after a small trailer height adjustment were spot on. Rides like a 1/2 mil unit, only paid $125 new. It takes time, but it's worth it. Too bad Goofstream can't support us correctly. great rig, just refinements to make it right Just my 2c HJ :roll:

[steve.k]

Well guys just home from a 1367 mile run with new susp. and shocks!Wow what a difference in ride for sure :D I beleive the tipping was in my valve settings but I'll adjust it a little bit later.On the mountain roads in BC the rig was alittle tippy one way around corners??The kids and wife slept like babies in coach as I put on miles!!Good Times

[dsomonster]

Great News!

[steve.k]

Yes the class a's really lean over, we followed one in a heavy wind and it was on quite a tilt? The wife said she wouldnt wanna be in there!i think the sway will just take time to get used to especially after it was so flat in corners before!