Leaf Springs And Air Bag Suspension

[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