Airbags, dry-rot

[Ryan Wright]

I'm glad this conversation is going on. I've been worried about my
checked & cracked (but otherwise working fine) air bags on my '86
PT-40 for awhile now.

Juergen, did you change the bags yourself? If so, can you share the
process with us? I don't mind paying for labor, but would rather do
the job myself if I'm capable - mainly so I know it's done right (and
saving the money never hurts, either).

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

On Fri, Feb 27, 2009 at 12:06 PM, jburgessx2 wrote:
> Really good question about the airbags as I noticed mine were quite
> checked as well. I do know my previous motorhomes airbags were very
> old (15 years?) and still functioned very well. The BB's are heavier
> coaches so they might not do so well.
>
> If I wanted to buy a few spares to have on hand, where might I find
> them for an 85 PT40? And, what is a reasonable price? Also, I
> assume this is an item that isn't easily installed by an owner,
> correct?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jerry
> 85 PT40
> Port Hueneme, CA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Juergen"
>
> wrote:
>>
>> David
>> I have 1991 WLSP 36 which I bought in 1995 used. 20000 miles on it.
> I
>> just replaced the front airbags last fall, I finally got the rear
>> airbags ready to go in this spring.
>> I had no trouble with the bags, but figured they were OLD. I
> examined
>> the old front ones and they were cracked all along the edges. Yet
> they
>> worked perfectly. Therefore I cannot answer you question about how
> old
>> or how long you can use an airbag safely. Mine are 19 years old and
>> still working, but I figured that it might be wise to change them
> now.
>> So, if yours still work, but you want to be absolutely safe, change
>> them. And do NOT buy them from BB or their schoolbus division. CCC
>> Truckparts have bags for coaches at 1/3 the cost of BB.
>> I bought 1 from BB for $450 bucks (for a correct pattern) and the
>> other 3 from CCC for $531.00 (BB wanted even more).
>> Juergen in PA
>> 1991 WLSP 36
>>
>> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, david brady
> wrote:
>> >
>> > I was inspecting the coach the other day and noticed
>> > that all my airbags are checked and cracked, similar
>> > to the appearance of a dry-rotted tire. The bags are
>> > 7.5 years old. Anyone have a feel for how long bags
>> > should last, and how severely checked they can become
>> > before replacement is necessary? I have visions of
>> > installing new bags only to find the same checking one
>> > year from now.
>> >
>> > (Planning a cross country trip and want to be prepared).
>> >
>> > David Brady
>> > '02 LXi, NC
>> >
>>
>
>