Air Bags and ride quality

[bubblerboy64]

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

[Gardner Yeaw]

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
>

[bubblerboy64]

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
> >
>

[Pete Masterson]

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@mac.com"

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 

[bubblerboy64]

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
> >>
>

[Pete Masterson]

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@mac.com"

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

[bubblerboy64]

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
> >>>>
> >>
>

[Bruce Morris]

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: "aeonix1@mac.com"

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@mac.com"

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

[bubblerboy64]

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
>

[David Brady]

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-----
From: Bruce Morris <BAMNC>
Sent: Aug 4, 2008 4:54 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 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

----- Original Message -----

From: "aeonix1@mac.com"

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@mac.com"

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