Air Bags and ride quality

[bubblerboy64]

I phoned a big truck frame and suspension shop in my area. They are
willing to look at my ole girl. They have done work on heavy trucks
and said it would all depends. It depends on what type of "stuff" is
under my bus as to existing suspension etc. Like you, the fellow
said given enough money and time most anything can be done. He said
that I would have to spend at least "a couple" thousand dollars which
I would be willing to do if I was to get at least some improvement.
I am not expecting miracles either. The air pedestal seats helped so
much that I am looking for more. I go to the same spots each month.
The air seats have reduced my fatigue considerably and so I guess I
am just getting greedy. I'll report all informed as to what I
learn. I likely will upgrade some time down the road. Right now I
can't break loose from my day job for extended periods so I can't
justify spending a bunch of money trading up. I would like to make
this FC the best I can for the time frame in which I own it, thinking
another year or two at least. Then we will see. My coach has some
real advantages for me not the least of which is the good fuel
mileage and the smaller size. There was a 36 PT named the Bella Mia
which has dropped off the Bill Board. I was watching that bus and
considering. It is only 5 ft longer then my Big Napper and something
like that would be a possible step up if and when.
John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC
>
> 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@...
> 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
> >>>>
> >>
>