Hurricane Air Bags

[WOODYDEL]

Hello, I have a 2007 Four Winds Hurricane model 31H. It sags in the rear. I've purchased Firestone Ride Rite air bags for the F53 18,000 lb chassis and they will not install. Of course, I found this out AFTER making the purchase. I identified my coach exactly but they did not mention that all Thor F53 chassis do not accommodate their kit. So I went to Air Lift and they gave me model number 57410 to use. It mounts in the exact same place as the Firestone kit.

No amount of effort will get these people to make a lower bracket to mount the air bags directly over the rear axle. They give all types of phony excuses. I can see there is no interference problem. They insist upon locating the air bags over the forward part of the leave springs. All to make use of two holes in the Ford chassis. Ford did not provide these holes for their use but since they found these two holes they are willing to locate the bags in what I believe to be the most illogical location.

I can make brackets to do what I want but think the manufacturers of these kits are being unreasonable and maybe lazy at that.

Mind you they make a double bag kit for the heavier sprung chassis which is centered over the rear axle. One bag in front of the axle and one behind. All chassis of the F53 type are exactly the same height and thickness. Right down to the thickness of the steel itself.

I know about Timbrens but think they might ride like a concrete truck. Even though they state they are progressive.

I do not overload my motorhome in case you might be thinking that. The design of this coach is so heavy over the rear axle that there is only 1 3/4 " of free area between the bump stops and the rear axle. That's COMPLETELY EMPTY. I can see that the bump stops are always coming in contact with the axle when I'm travelling. Fresh clean rubber is exposed.

If anyone has gotten air bags to fit please let me know. I'm at a stalemate with the aftermarket companies. You can take a look at the instructions for the 57410 kit from Air Lift online. The front page illustration is how it should be made. That illustration has nothing to do with the kit they are selling. When I tell them what I want, I tell them to look at their very own installation manual.

As I've stated both companies are illogical in their ignoring of the Thor F53 chassis.

[WOODYDEL]

Both air bag companies state Thor is the culprit by having the audacity to place their body mounts where both companies have placed their kits. I don't think I'm the only one with this problem.

I don't think Thor has done anything wrong. Except for overloading the rear axle.

Has everyone solved this or has everyone given up?

[WOODYDEL]

Problem solved.

[Wizard]

Didn't have any suggestions but how did you solve it ?

[WOODYDEL]

Sorry I won't say. I'm actually sorry to have made the original post. It's obviously just a problem I was having. Hey, you might find an answer in the latest motorhome mag article about supersprings. Yeh right. What a crock. Don't bother calling them they will tell you the gas lines are in the way. What? . Another bunch of junk copying everyone else (2 other copycats)....to grab your money.

[WOODYDEL]

While you're at it looking at the latest "innovative" superspring article, tell me this. IN HOW MANY DIRECTIONS ARE YOUR SPRINGS SUPPOSED TO BEND? Go ahead, put those bags midway between the axle and the forward mount. I bet that spring just loves being bent into an S curve. It's disgusting.

[AirLift]

"As I've stated both companies are illogical in their ignoring of the Thor F53 chassis."


Hello,

This is Aaron from Air Lift. I have read through your posts and I would like to know some more information about your fitment issues. (It appears maybe you have solved your situation, so I am obviously not trying to sell you anything). BUT this is a kit we have had for a while and I am not aware of wholesale problems. I have checked our application guide and we show we "fit" your chassis. We stand behind our products and if there is an issue I would like to know about it.

If I understand correctly your kit will not fit because of body mounts? I am wondering if it would be helpful if we put a disclaimer to check your mounting location prior to ordering for possible kit interference?

A couple of general statements about fitments, either with us or our competitor.

1. It is very challenging to fit all chassis because every manufacturer will run lines in all different places. Even the same coach builder will run different lines on the same chassis in different models or from yr-yr. Or as it sounds in your situation will locate body mounts in various places.

2, In regards to mounting in-board on the axle, most of the time your air springs will be most effective mounting outboard, this will help roll control and your over-all ride comfort because of the high center of gravity in a motor home. Mounting in board will provide load support, but will not provide the same ride and handling.

If you have not solved your problem maybe I can find a different lower bracket that would work in your situation, or work directly with our Application Engineers to try and come up with a work around for you. If you prefer to contact me privately that is OK as well.

[WOODYDEL]

This thread is of no interest to anyone. I'm done with your company. Matter of fact I'm pretty much done with any aftermarket gimmicks. I solved my problem on my own. You had your chance more than once. Adios.