bboulan

So I've done some research on this forum on the best suspension setup for my 85 dolphin. I took it on its maiden voyage last weekend to Eugene OR to goto the Oregon Stanford game. 900 miles round trip. She did great, except when sitting in the back it felt like you were in a rattle can, the oven was vibrating like crazy and it was very noisy. When I got home I took a look under the coach to check out my suspension setup. It has a 6 pack of leaf springs and what looks to me like the original shocks..no airbags. I ordered the bilstein shocks all the way around and the hellwig anti-sway bat. From doing research this looked like the best setup... Would it be beneficial for me to order some airbags? Maybe throw a few more springs in there? I want the best possible ride. I know she's a nearly 30 year old coach, so I'm not expecting it to ride like a Cadillac, but would defiantly like an upgrade from where its at.

Not sure, ill have to check when I get home.. Just trying to touch all bases for preventative maintanence for some long road trips this upcoming summer.

I think I just answered my own question through a google search...I do have the protruding hub that has bolts around it...so therefore Full floating?

I have an 85 6-lug dual. I've been wondering if its the "full floating" how can I verify this?

I called Les Schwab to schedule to have my bearings repacked..they said the rear bearings should be lubricated by the rear diff and only the front axle bearings should need repacked..is this correct?

Never really understood why people claim "up to 20mpg!?" I mean just say it "around 15" still leaps and bounds better than almost any other RV..

That is one nice sunrader..

Very nice looking dolphin in Sacramento. Just added to Craigslist hours ago. I would jump on this if I hadn't just bought mine http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/3439781409.html

I agree. Looks like that would do a great job of protecting it from weather.

I've been trying to find a convenient, affordable way to cover my dolphin this winter. I live in Idaho so we see quite a bit of precipitation this time of year. I found a 5th wheel cover on Craigslist for $100 good for 20-23' 5th wheels.. Does anyone have any experience with such covers or have a good recommendation?

Hey Purplhay! I live in Boise as well..I avoid washboard roads even though a lot of my favorite destinations nearby require taking them..in that case I load up the tent and truck. I just feel like these things are too old to be beating up like that..

Where did you purchase your chains w/ cleats?

Located and pulled the valves. The liquid that came out was pink, but looked diluted with water. Should I just add more rv antifreeze and turn the water pump and run it through the faucets to mix in more coolant, or just drain and re-do it all?

We have till May here in Idaho, but I think I'm just gonna get a good set of chains and go that route..

I've always known to never go into neutral when going down hills, but it sounds like you have experience and this isn't like driving a truck or car on slick surfaces, so it's worth a try.. About rear brakes locking up, what if I adjust the brake valve and put less on the rear and balance it out more to the front..Wonder if that would reduce rear end sliding out while braking?

Definitely. Experience is the best form of learning..I'll do a few runs up to my local ski hill before the season starts and traffic is bad. If I don't feel comfortable driving it on ice, it's not the end of the world, I'll just take my Tundra. I was def looking forward to going up on a Friday night and being ready to go first thing in the morning for the fresh powder and staying all weekend at the mountain

So on a steep twisty decline on an icy or snowy day transmission in low(I have an automatic) with chains on the outside duals..would you still see that to be unsafe? Last thing I want is for this thing to be going sideways down a winding road with no guardrails! Man that's a scary thought.

I plan on using my Dolphin a lot this winter. I live in a cooler climate(Idaho) and plan on taking it on numerous ski trips. I don't know how it will do on snow and ice? I'm going to get the tires siped but am also wanting to either go with studded tires or chains.. Does anyone have experience with either of these options and if so how has it worked for you and what would you recommend? Thanks

Thanks John, that is very very helpful! Any other good tips you can give me on this Dolphin? Lovin it so far, first real roadtrip to Eugene Oregon next weekend. Woo!!

I did drain the water heater from the outside drain..I opened all the cabinets and nothing. In the closet is the water heater and I didn't see anything in there that looked like a could open to drain..

I have the dinette in the back..

I just flew from Boise to Sacramento and picked up a really nice '85 Dolphin from an older couple. Everything works perfectly, drivetrain is great, just needed a little valve adjustment..they're out there! Good luck with your search!

I just bought an 85 Dolphin and drove it home to Boise ID from Sacramento! Unfortunately for me I have to winterize it immediately. I drained everything and ran rv antifreeze through all faucets toilet and dumped down drains. I can't for the life of me find the "low point" that someone had pointed would be under tte stove. There's just a holding tank there. Any ideas on where this might be located? Also I see some have the Dolphin 300 model or 500, etc...how do I know which one I have?