Leaf Springs And Air Bag Suspension

[erniecarpet@...]

Jim, I heard that the leaf spring were a little harsher ride, then the bags.
I know my 84 35FC rode great with the air bags. Ernie-83pt40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[orbitalsolutions]

I am currently in the market for an FC nodel 'Bird. I was hoping that
folks here might be able to tell me the differences, advantages and
disadvantages, of the FC's with air bag suspension or say the
suspension of a 1978 model that does not have the air bags.

Thanks in advance.

-- Jim

[mbulriss]

Welcome Jim,

We have many members with FCs that should be able to provide owner
input to you. Come on Ralph, Stephen, and others, let's speak up.

We also have some members with FCs listed for sale in the "Classified
Ads" section of the Database files.

Me, I've just got one two many PTs, so I don't have any owner-based FC
input for you! 8^)

Mike Bulriss
83 PT40 "Stagecoach" - For Sale
91 PT40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I am currently in the market for an FC nodel 'Bird. I was hoping that
> folks here might be able to tell me the differences, advantages and
> disadvantages, of the FC's with air bag suspension or say the
> suspension of a 1978 model that does not have the air bags.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -- Jim

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

Hello Jim:

I have not had a Coach with leaf springs but in talking to several that do
I would prefer the air ride with bags over the springs. The ride is softer
providing the shocks are good and set right. Were I you, looking for an
entry Coach I would go no less than the early 80's Birds for a start. This
is not to degrade the coaches with leaf springs, far from it. The air bags
ride a little lower than leaf springs I believe and with bags you have the
option of dumping the air suspension when parked for a lower entry step.
Also if you come to a low overhead somewhere along the line, you can temp.
dump the suspension and gain another 3 to 4 inches of clearance.

I know of 2 early FC's beside the ones listed in the forum, both with air
ride but don't really know much about the Coaches over all, save for the
year models.

Other things about Coaches with air ride are later up dates in Coach
systems. You can read about the many differences on Vintage Birds web site
under history. Go with the air ride if you have a choice would be my thinking.

Good luck in your search,

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm

At 10:51 PM 9/13/2005 +0000, you wrote:
>I am currently in the market for an FC nodel 'Bird. I was hoping that
>folks here might be able to tell me the differences, advantages and
>disadvantages, of the FC's with air bag suspension or say the
>suspension of a 1978 model that does not have the air bags.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>-- Jim
>
>
>

[dthollis1961]

Jim,

I can't comment about air bags because I've never been in a 'bird
with
them, but the springs on my 78 FC(which happens to be for sale on
the
vintagebirds site) suit me fine. I don't feel that they ride too
rough especially in the front. In fact, I think it rides at least
as well as my
'95 Suburban 3/4 ton. I think because of the large rear
overhang that the bedroom area is a little bouncy, but the kids
don't seem to mind. Leaf springs seldom leak air and you can bend
over and see if something is wrong. Very simple. I'm sure the air
suspension is an improvement...it all comes down to how much money
you want to spend.

I bought this '78 because it is what I found. I haven't had any
regrets in owning it for any reason, including ride quality.

David Hollis 78 FC33 Springfield,IL


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I am currently in the market for an FC nodel 'Bird. I was hoping
that
> folks here might be able to tell me the differences, advantages
and
> disadvantages, of the FC's with air bag suspension or say the
> suspension of a 1978 model that does not have the air bags.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -- Jim

[orbitalsolutions]

I'm in the market for an FC 'Bird. I apreciate it if those here with
experience would comment on the differences, advantages and
disadvantages of the FC's with air bags or the eariler FC diesel
models
without the bags.

Thanks in advance.

--Jim

[Jack & Donna Smith]

Yeah Jim. My Flintstone version has the lief springs. I have been
told the air bags give a better ride, but I have never had a air leak
or problem.. Like I tell Sweetie, If it Ain't there, it can't Break!!!
But you have to drive, (and Fix) it, so get what you are happy with!!
Jack Smith
1973FC31
SoCal.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I'm in the market for an FC 'Bird. I apreciate it if those here with
> experience would comment on the differences, advantages and
> disadvantages of the FC's with air bags or the eariler FC diesel
> models
> without the bags.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> --Jim

[orbitalsolutions]

Thanks for all the input. I do not think I'm posting this in the
correct manner. I have not figured out this message board yet.

Anyway, the only thing I'm sure about is that I wnat to buy a 'Bird.

I want an FC, it's interesting how many variations there are of this
bus.

I don't have to be the fastest guy out there, and I don't have to
have the best riding coach either. I am trying to figure out the
best bus for my needs. There are a lot of them on the market. I
need a bus that will be very reliable and require a lower cost of
operation. I'm going to be driving this bus from South Carolina to
Las Vegas and back once a year.

Thanks again.

-- Jim

[gone2k9z]

Jim,

My wife and I are in the market for a vintage 'bird, also.

I drive an auto transport truck which is air ride equipped. When
loaded with nine or ten cars, clearances between each car and the
decks are three inches or less. Damage is avoided because the air ride
suspension dampens the effects of driving over rough roads, bumps,
potholes, etc., and minimizes the movement of cargo.

Air ride lessens driver fatigue. I've driven trucks with and without.
You don't feel like you've been beaten with a baseball bat after a
full day of driving with air ride. This is one reason almost all
modern big trucks are now equipped with air ride suspension.

Finally, by minimizing the transmission of road shock to the frame and
body, air ride suspension reduces overall wear and tear on the
vehicle, as a whole.

These same benefits apply to a motorhome. While it is true there are
different suspension maintenance costs involved; over time, I believe
they are more than offset by the benefits I've listed.

One last observation: If you or your partner suffer from back
problems, like my wife, I believe an air ride suspension is a must.
One reason we've limited our search to '81 and later.

And the absolutely last thought: If you've never driven a bus type
vehicle, take it slow and easy at first. Because you are sitting in
front of the steer tires, the handling IS very different.

Good luck in your search,

Phil



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "orbitalsolutions"
wrote:
> I am currently in the market for an FC nodel 'Bird. I was hoping that
> folks here might be able to tell me the differences, advantages and
> disadvantages, of the FC's with air bag suspension or say the
> suspension of a 1978 model that does not have the air bags.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> -- Jim