Lancester
In The Jungle.....
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Joined: 04/04/2010
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Hello all.
My '97 four winds E-450 super doody is in need of some air bags on the rear as it is sagging & dragging too much when loaded. I am currently looking at the airlift 57242.
Any advice, suggestions, or caveats would be greatly appreciated.
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart.....
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demoon
MA
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Joined: 09/23/2005
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Had Firestone Ride Rite on my 01 Conquest 31 foot. About the only thing they did was to make one more thing to do. I was constantly adding air, and yes, they were checked for leaks. As far as adding to the height or load carrying - not much - might get an inch or two with 100 lbs in them. I presume there are units designed more for lift than for ride though.
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RVRAD
Long Island, N.Y.
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Joined: 10/08/2011
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Check out a truck spring shop and have them add or re arch your springs cause I agree you'll have more trouble with the air bags been there done that with a work van
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snowdance
Yreka, Ca
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X-2 Springs. Forget bags.
Snowdance
We spent most of our money traveling... Just wasted the rest..
Chevy 7.4 Vortex
2000 Jamboree 23b Rear Kitchen
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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I like air bags quite well. I've got 2 sets of DIY-installed rear AirLifts, 1000# on my old 4x4 Toyota pickup and 5000# on the Tiger. Neither leaks down much at all.
But I think it'd be good to get new steel springs or have the old one re-arched in your case. That and new shocks, then re-evaluate the stance and ride.
Two things if you do use air bags... first, be sure to _not_ cross-connect them. That makes cornering sway worse, as air will be pumped from the 'loaded' side to the 'unloaded' side. Second, an air spring is not self-damping like a steel spring. You'll need heavy-duty shocks, especially if you run higher air pressures.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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WyoTraveler
Northwest, Wyoming
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Joined: 11/22/2011
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I had Firestone Ride Rites on my chevy 1 ton crew cab dually. Yes, they do leak some air. The better kit comes with an electric air compressor that mounts under the hood and keeps the pressure constant. The air bags helps to take pressure off the springs especially on rough roads.
A word of caution, I made a mistake, I allowed the dealer to weld them on. Would never do that again. I never had any problems but I have heard of problems with them being welded on to the rear axle.
2013 Monaco Monarch motorhome
2012 Jeep Wrangler toad
AC6CV/7 ex-W8RUR since 1954
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John & Angela
Full Timers in Canada, USA and Mexico
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Here you go.
Supersprings
These things worked great on our little C. They also gave us an extra 1 inch lift in the back. Best money we ever spent.
2003 Revolution 40C Class A. 2002 Vanguard 22 foot Class C. Diesel smart car Toad or pulling a 2009 Timeout Tent Trailer.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away.
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knparker
Vacaville,CA
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Joined: 07/29/2006
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Ours has the Firestone Ride Rite bags with the dual control compressor system installed by Bigfoot. It works great, had a small leak at a fitting once with no other problems. The nice thing about having the on board compressor, aside from adjusting the pressure "on the fly", is the quick connect fittings on both sides of the coach to inflate a tire if necessary. It takes awhile but does the job.
'05 Bigfoot 30MH24DB
'07 Subaru Forester toad
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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Don't waste your $money$ on air bags.
Metal fatigues. Adding air bags will NOT help that aspect of your MH leaf springs.
I replaced the leaf springs and added one.
THE BEST thing I have ever bought for the MH. No more wham bam over bumps, no more tail dragging into gas stations, AND a much, much, much better ride. Did I tell you that it was the BEST thing I have done for my MH? 
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
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Ductape Dave
New Jersey, USA
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Another product of interest might be the Hellwig Load Pro helper springs, easy bolt-on installation.
Nexus 24' Phantom w/slide
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