Installing rear Ride-Rite air bags on a '97 F53

[Wanabee FTer]

I received my Ride-Rite air bags from Streetside auto last week, so I called my local RV dealer and asked for an install quote. Tim the service rep quoted $225.00 to install. I figured for that price it's worth it for me not to hassle the install. I called back the next week to set up an appointment and was told "we don't install those unless you buy them from us". I told the person on the phone I spoke to Tim and he told me they could install them. Then the guy I spoke to said "Well I'm his boss and I guess he did'nt know the store policy". Fine, no sense arguing any longer. I made one more phone call to an independent and he vaguely quoted me "around $350.00 depending on how big a job it is". Oh well, I guess I will be doing this job myself.
I read the instructions tonight and looks pretty straightforward.
Anyone done rear air bags on a F53 before?
Anything I should know before I start?
Thanks,

[Wizard]

If everything is like mine, and I think it is, the biggest job will be removing the wheels. Darn, those things are heavy.

[Wanabee FTer]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. It looks like I will need to drill a couple holes in the frame on my year chassis. I just need to make sure I have a sharp bit.

["007"]

When I installed Air-Lift bags all around my 99 F-53 I made a pattern from bag mounts and drilled from the inside of rail to outside without removing the duels.
I jacked up MH on its jacks and placed jack mounts under rails to support coach while working under there.
Dealers said it could not be done or they couldn't do it because of a piece of angle iron in frame of box of rear wheel well. Bag mount has to be flush to walls of wheel well.
That was not a problem I just cut out space allowed for bag mounting and place cut pieces back to reinforce the original box well framing.
The pump control was mounted under dash to increase bag inflation or decrease inflation. Inflaltion pump and control valves were placed in a compartment on back board.
Was able to gain approximately 2-3" of ride height with the bags.
Had a previous F-53 with springs added for ride balance and ride height put in all around for about same price of adding bags myself.

[LVJ58]

Hi John, we had the Ride-Rites installed front and rear on our coach in September. I had Skip's Spring Service in Vegas order and install them for me. Total cost was $1,248, and even though it was a bit pricey, I felt more comfortable having them installed where it's done on a routine basis plus I didn't want the hassle.

You will like them, I run around 60psi in rear and 30psi in front. Best of luck with your installation.

Jim

[Wanabee FTer]

Hi Jim,
That sounds like a great price, I'm just sorta cheap that way. Having done all my own maintenance on all my cars and trucks, it's hard for me to pay someone allot of money for labor. The rear bags cost $250.00 and probably about 4 hours of my leisure time.

[LVJ58]

I know what you mean John, I'm pretty much a DIY person, and in my younger days probably would have bit the bullet and tackled the job myself--LOL

Good luck with your installation and do be carfeful,

Jim

[Wanabee FTer]

After I got the rear wheels off, I could see daylight where the rear sway bar bushings used to be. I found a few small pieces of it but 99% gone. Wow this must be the source of all my trouble. I ordered a new set of poly bushings for it today. Oh well, I'm sure the FSD's, rear air bags, and sway bar bushings will make a big improvement on my swaying concerns.

[ccook129]

Kit Number: 2474, I thought was no drilling required!

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccook129 Kit Number: 2474, I thought was no drilling required!

You are correct for '99 and up. My '97 F53 uses 2 existing holes in the frame. One of the 2 has to be opened up to 7/16", then 2 additional holes are drilled. I did it today with a new sharp bit, really wasn't that bad. My kit part# is 2068

[ccook129]

Great,I installed the whole system compressor,air tank,makes it easy to air up.

[RUNDLC]

I had rear bags installed on my 96 F53, I think total cost was 225.00 + 90.00 to install all 6 Monroe shocks. I am "thinking" about the tank kit now so I don't have to try and manually fill each bag.

[Wanabee FTer]

RUNDLC,
I bought a very nice 12 volt portable compressor from Harbor Freight so I can set my air bags and check my tire pressure. It comes with a hose with a built in pressure gauge, and has a 35' reach.

[p12]

For those with airbags, did anyone get any ride quality improvements or worsening? Front? Rear? Both?

I'm thinking of adding them to the rear as I have a real tail dragger but am curious of the change in ride quality if there is pressure in the bags?