Air Bags and ride quality
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08-04-2008, 01:16
Post: #1
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Air Bags and ride quality
Back from a weekend run. The air suspended seats have helped so much
in ride quality it's got me to thinking. How much of an improvement is there is ride quality going from my springer 1973 to the later FC's with air bags? This bus has a lot of 1978 parts under it and I noticed that bags have been removed from the rear axle. My next question if its worth it would be how much would it take to put bags on this bus? John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC |
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08-04-2008, 02:20
Post: #2
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Air Bags and ride quality
John,
I sold my '78 springer and bought an '83 air ride. Pretty big difference in the ride. It still slams pretty hard when you hit a pothole, but generally it is much, much better. Asa far as I know, the 78 FCs didn't offer air ride. What bags are you referring to? Gardner --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64" wrote: > > Back from a weekend run. The air suspended seats have helped so much > in ride quality it's got me to thinking. How much of an improvement is > there is ride quality going from my springer 1973 to the later FC's > with air bags? This bus has a lot of 1978 parts under it and I noticed > that bags have been removed from the rear axle. My next question if its > worth it would be how much would it take to put bags on this bus? > John Heckman > central Pa > 1973 FC > |
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08-04-2008, 02:37
Post: #3
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Air Bags and ride quality
Hi Gardner, When crawling around under the bus I noticed what I
thought at the time was a mounting point on the rear axil that looked like it had some remnants of a air bag on it. Didn't pay too much attention to it but I'll have to look again. Just wondering if it could be done and how much I would gain and what the damages would be. I need to get a ride in a couple different BB's to see what I am missing (or not). The previous owner used some parts off a newer FC when he did his modifications. I thought he said it was a 1978 but it may not have been. John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC > > John, > I sold my '78 springer and bought an '83 air ride. Pretty big > difference in the ride. It still slams pretty hard when you hit a > pothole, but generally it is much, much better. > > Asa far as I know, the 78 FCs didn't offer air ride. What bags are > you referring to? > > Gardner > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64" > wrote: > > > > Back from a weekend run. The air suspended seats have helped so much > > in ride quality it's got me to thinking. How much of an improvement > is > > there is ride quality going from my springer 1973 to the later FC's > > with air bags? This bus has a lot of 1978 parts under it and I > noticed > > that bags have been removed from the rear axle. My next question if > its > > worth it would be how much would it take to put bags on this bus? > > John Heckman > > central Pa > > 1973 FC > > > |
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08-04-2008, 05:54
Post: #4
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Air Bags and ride quality
Some non-WL RVs with springs will install air bags to assist in leveling the vehicle while on the road and to supplement the springs. However, replacing springs with air bags requires a major re-engineering of the suspension system.Â
Supplemental air bags may help "some" with improving the ride, but the cheaper solution for a true air bag suspension would be to buy a newer BB with full air bag suspension. Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 El Sobrante CA "aeonix1@mac.com" On Aug 4, 2008, at 7:37 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:
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08-04-2008, 06:12
Post: #5
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Air Bags and ride quality
I understand completely what you are saying Pete. I am looking for a
cost affective way to improve the ride over the roads we have to deal with here in Pa. I made a 5 hour run yesterday from north east Pa back to central Pa. The first hour was pretty bad, the last several not too bad. I would be willing to invest some money but I would also be wanting a fairly good cost to benefit situation. Just wondering what my options might be if any. I certainly don't want to re-engineer the suspension. I am willing to spend a couple thousand to get a "noticeable" improvement but certainly I understand the practical advice of moving up as well. John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC > > Some non-WL RVs with springs will install air bags to assist in > leveling the vehicle while on the road and to supplement the springs. > However, replacing springs with air bags requires a major re- > engineering of the suspension system. > > Supplemental air bags may help "some" with improving the ride, but > the cheaper solution for a true air bag suspension would be to buy a > newer BB with full air bag suspension. > > Pete Masterson > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > El Sobrante CA > aeonix1@... > > > > On Aug 4, 2008, at 7:37 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote: > > > Hi Gardner, When crawling around under the bus I noticed what I > > thought at the time was a mounting point on the rear axil that looked > > like it had some remnants of a air bag on it. Didn't pay too much > > attention to it but I'll have to look again. Just wondering if it > > could be done and how much I would gain and what the damages would > > be. I need to get a ride in a couple different BB's to see what I am > > missing (or not). The previous owner used some parts off a newer FC > > when he did his modifications. I thought he said it was a 1978 but > > it may not have been. > > John Heckman > > central Pa > > 1973 FC > >> > |
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08-04-2008, 07:17
Post: #6
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Air Bags and ride quality
My 95, of course, has the full air-bag suspension -- but California's freeways are not the wonder they once were. Many are in terrible condition and the beating that the occupants (and coach) takes can be enormous. Fortunately, there are many 3-lane (per direction) freeways where I can drive in the #2 lane to avoid the 'slow' lane that has been thoroughly beaten up by the truck traffic. Unfortunately, 'snow' country areas, where chains are used, are often the worst. When crossing the Sierras via I-80, I try to run in the fast lane if traffic permits, simply to avoid the rough ride in the right lane.Â
So, even with air-bag suspension, the ride can be pretty rough if the road is in poor repair. Reducing the air pressure in the tires is one solution -- but after weighing my coach, I find that is not a feasible solution since higher pressure is required to carry the load. (Not fun to trade a more comfortable ride for a blowout!) I had some work done by Henderson's Line Up (Grants Pass, OR) ... you might give them a call and discuss your situation. They manufacture several after market products, including air bags, and they may be able to refer you to a more local service provider who can help you. Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 "aeonix1@mac.com" On the road at Long Beach, WA On Aug 4, 2008, at 11:12 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:
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08-04-2008, 07:46
Post: #7
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Air Bags and ride quality
I phoned a big truck frame and suspension shop in my area. They are
willing to look at my ole girl. They have done work on heavy trucks and said it would all depends. It depends on what type of "stuff" is under my bus as to existing suspension etc. Like you, the fellow said given enough money and time most anything can be done. He said that I would have to spend at least "a couple" thousand dollars which I would be willing to do if I was to get at least some improvement. I am not expecting miracles either. The air pedestal seats helped so much that I am looking for more. I go to the same spots each month. The air seats have reduced my fatigue considerably and so I guess I am just getting greedy. I'll report all informed as to what I learn. I likely will upgrade some time down the road. Right now I can't break loose from my day job for extended periods so I can't justify spending a bunch of money trading up. I would like to make this FC the best I can for the time frame in which I own it, thinking another year or two at least. Then we will see. My coach has some real advantages for me not the least of which is the good fuel mileage and the smaller size. There was a 36 PT named the Bella Mia which has dropped off the Bill Board. I was watching that bus and considering. It is only 5 ft longer then my Big Napper and something like that would be a possible step up if and when. John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC > > My 95, of course, has the full air-bag suspension -- but California's > freeways are not the wonder they once were. Many are in terrible > condition and the beating that the occupants (and coach) takes can be > enormous. Fortunately, there are many 3-lane (per direction) freeways > where I can drive in the #2 lane to avoid the 'slow' lane that has > been thoroughly beaten up by the truck traffic. Unfortunately, 'snow' > country areas, where chains are used, are often the worst. When > crossing the Sierras via I-80, I try to run in the fast lane if > traffic permits, simply to avoid the rough ride in the right lane. > > So, even with air-bag suspension, the ride can be pretty rough if the > road is in poor repair. Reducing the air pressure in the tires is one > solution -- but after weighing my coach, I find that is not a > feasible solution since higher pressure is required to carry the > load. (Not fun to trade a more comfortable ride for a blowout!) > > I had some work done by Henderson's Line Up (Grants Pass, OR) ... you > might give them a call and discuss your situation. They manufacture > several after market products, including air bags, and they may be > able to refer you to a more local service provider who can help you. > > Pete Masterson > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > aeonix1@... > On the road at Long Beach, WA > > > > On Aug 4, 2008, at 11:12 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote: > > > I understand completely what you are saying Pete. I am looking for a > > cost affective way to improve the ride over the roads we have to deal > > with here in Pa. I made a 5 hour run yesterday from north east Pa > > back to central Pa. The first hour was pretty bad, the last several > > not too bad. I would be willing to invest some money but I would > > also be wanting a fairly good cost to benefit situation. Just > > wondering what my options might be if any. I certainly don't want to > > re-engineer the suspension. I am willing to spend a couple thousand > > to get a "noticeable" improvement but certainly I understand the > > practical advice of moving up as well. > > > > John Heckman > > central Pa > > 1973 FC > >> > >> Some non-WL RVs with springs will install air bags to assist in > >> leveling the vehicle while on the road and to supplement the > > springs. > >> However, replacing springs with air bags requires a major re- > >> engineering of the suspension system. > >> > >> Supplemental air bags may help "some" with improving the ride, but > >> the cheaper solution for a true air bag suspension would be to buy > > a > >> newer BB with full air bag suspension. > >> > >> Pete Masterson > >> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > >> El Sobrante CA > >> aeonix1@ > >> > >> > >> > >> On Aug 4, 2008, at 7:37 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote: > >> > >>> Hi Gardner, When crawling around under the bus I noticed what I > >>> thought at the time was a mounting point on the rear axil that > > looked > >>> like it had some remnants of a air bag on it. Didn't pay too much > >>> attention to it but I'll have to look again. Just wondering if it > >>> could be done and how much I would gain and what the damages would > >>> be. I need to get a ride in a couple different BB's to see what I > > am > >>> missing (or not). The previous owner used some parts off a newer > > FC > >>> when he did his modifications. I thought he said it was a 1978 > > but > >>> it may not have been. > >>> John Heckman > >>> central Pa > >>> 1973 FC > >>>> > >> > |
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08-04-2008, 08:54
Post: #8
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Air Bags and ride quality
Actually there was a package by Ridewell to upgrade Birds from springs to air bags. Don't know if they still offer the kit.
Bruce - Webmaster
Wanderlodge Owners Online (919)872-7635 Cell: (919)740-8941
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08-04-2008, 11:11
Post: #9
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Air Bags and ride quality
Thanks, I'll check into ridewell products tomorrow.
John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC > > Actually there was a package by Ridewell to upgrade Birds from springs to air bags. Don't know if they still offer the kit. > > Bruce - Webmaster > Wanderlodge Owners Online > (919)872-7635 > Cell: (919)740-8941 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Pete Masterson > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 1:54 PM > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Air Bags and ride quality > > > Some non-WL RVs with springs will install air bags to assist in leveling the vehicle while on the road and to supplement the springs. However, replacing springs with air bags requires a major re- engineering of the suspension system. > > > > Supplemental air bags may help "some" with improving the ride, but the cheaper solution for a true air bag suspension would be to buy a newer BB with full air bag suspension. > > > Pete Masterson > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > El Sobrante CA > aeonix1@... > > > > > > > On Aug 4, 2008, at 7:37 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote: > > > Hi Gardner, When crawling around under the bus I noticed what I > thought at the time was a mounting point on the rear axil that looked > like it had some remnants of a air bag on it. Didn't pay too much > attention to it but I'll have to look again. Just wondering if it > could be done and how much I would gain and what the damages would > be. I need to get a ride in a couple different BB's to see what I am > missing (or not). The previous owner used some parts off a newer FC > when he did his modifications. I thought he said it was a 1978 but > it may not have been. > John Heckman > central Pa > 1973 FC > |
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08-04-2008, 17:02
Post: #10
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Air Bags and ride quality
I think the best bang for the buck would be larger steer tires and reduced air pressure. What are you running now, and what psi do you run them at? I wonder if 315's would fit on the steer axle? Some tire expert (once upon a time) mentioned that 20% of your suspension is the initial shock absorbed by the tire.
David Brady '02 LXi, Ca -----Original Message----- |
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