Airbags, dry-rot

[timvasqz]

I think the wanderlodge bags look worse than they are because they
stay deflated more than inflated. so while relaxed the rubber dries
then stretches to a design shape. Cracked rubber on the surface
expose the fabric cord and then elements degrade that cord. I dont
think the rubber cracks past the outside skin rubber but I bet the
lost integrity of now exposed chord renders the bag more easily
ripped. On the road trucks have more miles placed on bags and no
issue but they do not deflate for weeks at a time like we do on
parked motorhomes.

I like Leroys spare approach but wonder if all bags are the same
where a spare would fit all locations. I would rather replace an old
functioning airbag and keep the old bag as a spare. the 91 and newer
pt's would not be steerable without inflated bags.

we have a mobile mechanic help with projects like this at $70.per the
hour? (never asked him the rate). Not Something I feel comfort doing
alone. Plus I differ from Ryan in I hire thing out mainly so I know
its done right. You can save a bunch by running parts positioning the
bus and hire a mobile tech. I often meet with my mobile tech at the
parking lot of Napa or Bobcat where parts are in walking distance.
Greg ofTim&Greg
94ptca

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ryan Wright
wrote:
>
> 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
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
>