Community Forums

ga traveler · 08-05-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcthorne

For improving handling on the late model F-53, I really suggest you give this thread a read:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/cheap...fix-72335.html

I have no idea how to soften the ride. Adding Air Bags to the exising suspension would stiffen it, not make it softer. Air bags ARE springs and can be as firm or soft as needed. But ADDING spring rate to the existing springs can only make it ride harder.

Now if they were REPLACING the leaf springs....That could be another matter, especially if they also increased travel.

Do you have airbags on your motorhome? How many airbags have you installed?

cpr_vbg · 08-08-2011, 07:35 PM

We purchased a 2000 F53 Chassis Allegro about 9 months ago.
I noticed that it had the original tires, shocks and no sway bar bushings.
Replaced all the tires, shocks (monroe) and new bushings.

The ride was better, but I was having the same issue with road expansion joints shaking/vibrating the dashboard and steering wheel. The new tires helped some as well as lowering the front tire pressure.
I then installed Ride Rite air bags on front and rear. Since then we have been on 3800 and 700 mile trips (got back today from the 700 mile trip). There is a definite improvement in the vibrations from road expansion joints. In my opinion, the overall ride is better with 22 lbs front and 72 lbs on the rear bags. On the last trip I had about 25 lbs in the front bags.

The DW commended on the trip today that she was able to read a book while traveling, which she couldn't do before the air bags were installed due to the road vibrations. I also noticed that ramps on/off the interstate are easier to maneuver with the air bags.

My semi technical explaination as to what I think air bags do: Think of the vibrations you feel as you are going down the road as a graph on a chart. The graph has high and low points has you drive over bumps and expansion joints in the road. (We would all like the ride curve to be flat which would mean you would not feel the road vibrations at all). The air bags seem to dampen the high and low points of the ride curves of the vehicle. They don't make the curve flat, but flatten it out some. (hope this makes sense).

I recommend installing the air bags. I'll do it again, if a buy another chassis with springs. I also think the rear bags affect the ride height/weight distribution enough to put on the front and rear axles.