Air Bags and ride quality

[Pete Masterson]

My 95, of course, has the full air-bag suspension -- but California's freeways are not the wonder they once were. Many are in terrible condition and the beating that the occupants (and coach) takes can be enormous. Fortunately, there are many 3-lane (per direction) freeways where I can drive in the #2 lane to avoid the 'slow' lane that has been thoroughly beaten up by the truck traffic. Unfortunately, 'snow' country areas, where chains are used, are often the worst. When crossing the Sierras via I-80, I try to run in the fast lane if traffic permits, simply to avoid the rough ride in the right lane. 

So, even with air-bag suspension, the ride can be pretty rough if the road is in poor repair. Reducing the air pressure in the tires is one solution -- but after weighing my coach, I find that is not a feasible solution since higher pressure is required to carry the load. (Not fun to trade a more comfortable ride for a blowout!)

I had some work done by Henderson's Line Up (Grants Pass, OR) ... you might give them a call and discuss your situation. They manufacture several after market products, including air bags, and they may be able to refer you to a more local service provider who can help you.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On the road at Long Beach, WA

On Aug 4, 2008, at 11:12 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

I understand completely what you are saying Pete.  I am looking for a 

cost affective way to improve the ride over the roads we have to deal 

with here in Pa. I made a 5 hour run yesterday from north east Pa 

back to central Pa.  The first hour was pretty bad, the last several 

not too bad.  I would be willing to invest some money but I would 

also be wanting a fairly good cost to benefit situation.  Just 

wondering what my options might be if any.  I certainly don't want to 

re-engineer the suspension.  I am willing to spend a couple thousand 

to get a "noticeable" improvement but certainly I understand the  

practical advice of moving up as well.  

John Heckman

central Pa

1973 FC

Some non-WL RVs with springs will install air bags to assist in  

leveling the vehicle while on the road and to supplement the 

springs.  

However, replacing springs with air bags requires a major re- 

engineering of the suspension system.

Supplemental air bags may help "some" with improving the ride, but  

the cheaper solution for a true air bag suspension would be to buy 

a  

newer BB with full air bag suspension.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

aeonix1@...

On Aug 4, 2008, at 7:37 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

Hi Gardner,  When crawling around under the bus I noticed what I

thought at the time was a mounting point on the rear axil that 

looked

like it had some remnants of a air bag on it.  Didn't pay too much

attention to it but I'll have to look again.  Just wondering if it

could be done and how much I would gain and what the damages would

be. I need to get a ride in a couple different BB's to see what I 

am

missing (or not).  The previous owner used some parts off a newer 

FC

when he did his modifications.  I thought he said it was a 1978 

but

it may not have been.

John Heckman

central Pa

1973 FC