Airbags, dry-rot

[david brady]

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

[Leroy Eckert]

Mine have some checking on my air bags. Every truck I see has some checking. I carry two spare air bags so the old ones last longer. I don't know the how long answer. Leroy Eckert 190 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors Dahlonega, GA Royale Conversion --- On Fri, 2/27/09, david brady wrote: From: david brady Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Airbags, dry-rot To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 12:37 PM 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

[Juergen]

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
>

[jburgessx2]

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
> >
>

[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
>> >
>>
>
>

[pattypape]

http://truckspring.com/

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "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
> > >
> >
>

[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
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
>

[Bob Lawrence]

Hi guys,
Keep in mind that these are a bag within a bag.
The checked outer bag doesn't have anything to do with the inner one.
I do think it is a good idea to replace bags since they are old
anyways. Keep them as backups.
If you can only replace two, I would vote for the front one first.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Los Fresnos, Texas

> 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
> > >
> >
>

[Curt Sprenger]

I do like LeRoy, but carry 3 bags as each axle is s different bag.

Curt Sprenger

1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"

Anaheim Hills, CA
Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.

"Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"

On Fri, Feb 27, 2009 at 3:10 PM, Bob Lawrence <"bobandarlene@earthlink.net"> wrote:

Hi guys,

Keep in mind that these are a bag within a bag.

The checked outer bag doesn't have anything to do with the inner one.

I do think it is a good idea to replace bags since they are old

anyways. Keep them as backups.

If you can only replace two, I would vote for the front one first.

Bob Lawrence

84 PT36

Los Fresnos, Texas



> 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%40yahoogroups.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%40yahoogroups.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

> > >

> >

>

[Leroy Eckert]

I carry two air bags which are different. I have not checked recently but at the time 4 years ago I think I have it right. I purchased a pile of stuff from a PO at that point. He had carried spares on a trip to Alaska, then sold the bus. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors Dahlonega, GA Royale Conversion --- On Fri, 2/27/09, timvasqz wrote: From: timvasqz Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Airbags, dry-rot To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, February 27, 2009, 6:05 PM 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%40yahoogroups.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%40yahoogroups.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%40yahoogroups.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 > >> > > >> > > > > >