JDLEE1979
Sandy, Utah
Full Member
Joined: 07/28/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
Following up on this old thread here what was the verdict A/C? Are you happy with the air bags? Did you guys install the compressor option? I was thinking about just trying to find small AC powered compressor that I could tuck away somewhere
2006 Gulf Stream Ultra 6331 BK -Duramax
2006 Dodge Cummins
|
Kamphiker
South Florida (this 'aint paradise anymore)
Senior Member
Joined: 07/09/2002
View Profile
|
Previous owner added Firestone riderite airbags just before we purchased. I have tried various pressures and can tell a difference in handling. I run with 80 psi both sides.
One problem I have is the right side loses a small amount of air approx 10 lbs over 7 - 10 days vs approx 2 lbs for the left side. I have checked (soapy water) for leaks at all of the connections. I even pulled the right line and re-cut (squared ) the tubing ends that push into the connectors (uses push-in not compression). I can live (for the time being)with the amount of air I'm losing. But plan on pulling all of the tubing/connectors and re-doing it with compression fittings in the fall / winter when it cools off and I have more time.
I'm having a hard time justifying the expense of a permanent compressor that has the pressure to inflate the bags and tires. In the mean time I got This one Master Flow MV50 / MV1050 it works well and cost me next to nothing with my Amazon rewards points. I made a adapter that screws onto the OEM hose end (schrader valve without the valve, short length of hose, quick disconnect cplg and air chuck) makes it easier to use than the factory screw on end for inflating the Airbags.
2006 Winnebago Outlook WF324V
2009 Honda CR-V 2wd TOAD ......Campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains NP
Last Camping trip ->Elkmont Summer 2009 slide show
NEW-> Memories of OLD Miami, Fla. (pictures)
|
A/C Inspector
St. George Ut.
Full Member
Joined: 09/03/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
JDLEE1979:
I am happy with the riderites. I travel with 75LBS in each bag and that seems OK. I don't have a compressor on the system but have a portable unit that I use to inflate tires and keep the bags tight. I will be leaving for points north and the midwest on Fri. so will try some different settings just for giggles. As I said the bags have tamed the body roll and stabalized the unit. I do have the 15K springs (RPO code GW2) with the 8K front axel. The way I read it RPO code HD1 is the a 15K rear axel. One still can't load the rear axel over 15K so 19K springs should be good. I have had mine weighed and the rear load has been below 15K. Those who have had handleing problems may have overloaded the rear axel. I'm not saying that they have but you wouldn't know unless you put it on the scales. That being said you could put 30K springs in and you still cannot exceed the 15K RPO code HD1 load legally. Just my opinion.
Thoughts?
2006 Seneca 35GS.4"cat back.Edge/Attitude/GPS/Bilsteins/. Ford Ranger toad.
|
az99
N.Y.
Senior Member
Joined: 12/26/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
A/C Inspector wrote:JDLEE1979:
That being said you could put 30K springs in and you still cannot exceed the 15K RPO code HD1 load legally. Just my opinion.
Thoughts? You are missing the point of using a heavier spring. It is not so you can overload the vehicle. It is to control and support the body roll. When the back of the coach tries to roll to one side it has far more leverage than for example a stake body bed on the same chassis. Because of the height and shifting of the coach weight it needs more spring to support all the weight being transferred to one side. That is why Jayco upgraded the 15K springs on warranty to the 19K and now ships the units with 19K springs.The other thing a heavier spring does is better balance the front to rear weight ratio by raising the rear and also controlling front to rear weight shift.
|
A/C Inspector
St. George Ut.
Full Member
Joined: 09/03/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
az99:
My coach is level and controllable. Sure I would like to have the 19K springs but don't feel that I need them. I understand where you are coming from on this issue. I also understand the physics of the load redistribution. I do think that a bit more load on the front axel would be a good thing. I believe that I accomplished a load shift forward with the bags. As I said before I don't have a handleing problem. The body roll is subdued and all seems to be well in OZ.
Thanks for your comments.
|
|
|
JDLEE1979
Sandy, Utah
Full Member
Joined: 07/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I was only 11,220 pounds on the rear axle, that was with no water. I've noticed now on a full tank of water that the back end is of course lower and I get a lot more of hitch dragging through dips. Also like you say the side roll is a bit bothersome. I was looking at it last night, and it would be tight but I think you could make the install without removing the tires with out too much trouble. Just out of curiousity where did you run your air lines too? I don't have the fiberglass bumper, I have a steel tube bumper that holds the sewer hose. I think I'll put a piece of aluminum angle on the bottom of the bumper and run the lines through that.
|
az99
N.Y.
Senior Member
Joined: 12/26/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
When I had the air bags on mine I drilled holes in the back of the plastic enclosure of the sewer and water compartment and mounted them there. It was a short run and keeps the air fill fittings out of the weather.
|
JDLEE1979
Sandy, Utah
Full Member
Joined: 07/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Thats a better idea, I like it!
|
paulin
No. CA
Senior Member
Joined: 08/28/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Many of us have installed Super Springs to the 15K suspension and had good results. They are a lot less expensive than the 19K retrofit. Sorry, we are on the road and I don't have Super Spring's web address with me.
Paul
Paul & Linda
2007 Jayco Seneca HD 34SS Duramax
2005 Saturn VUE
"Monty", "Maggie" & "Murphy" the mighty Shih Tzus
FMCA #F375077
|
A/C Inspector
St. George Ut.
Full Member
Joined: 09/03/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
Paulin:
Are they along the lines of a Hellwig system?
|
|
|
