Community Forums

scubastevee · 12-06-2015, 08:25 AM

Hi,

I bought my RV when it was 9 years old (van manufactured in 2003 & RV in 2004) and the rear suspension has a noticeable sag. Still using the original shocks/struts. I am wondering what others have done. i.e. only replace the shocks/struts, add new leaf springs to support the original ones, or install a leveling kit? The sag is there whether or not the water tanks are empty vs full, so is not a load issue per se. Ride is already harsh and the only solution I've read about, that won't increase the harshness, is a leveling kit.

I'm going to take it to a mechanic for an estimate but also value the advice on this forum.

This is a converted Ford E350 Super Duty cargo van with the V10 Triton engine (so a lot of weight at the front). Gray and black tanks are behind the rear axle, fresh tank is in front of the rear axle.

Cheers,

Steve

Skip426 · 12-06-2015, 09:05 AM

Standard shocks,don't support any weight.
Leaf springs would have to be re-arced to raise the vehicle ride height, then adding a leaf to support the weight , in the higher position. Result could be a very rough ride.
Installation of rear air shocks or air bags; between the rear differential and the frame; will be the least expensive way to raise the rear, air bags preferred.

GraySeal65 · 12-06-2015, 09:06 AM

Shocks wont affect the ride height, they only control spring oscillation.

I would consult a shop that specializes in leaf spring repair, they can remove the springs and re-arch them or add leafs to achieve the correct ride height. New shocks will help with the harsh ride.

Good luck. Kind of a repeat Skip beat me to it lol.

scubastevee · 12-06-2015, 09:21 AM

Thanks ... forgot about air bags. Now to do some research to find a shop that does this type of work.

Cheers,

Steve

TdogKing · 12-08-2015, 10:11 PM

My Pleasure Way Class B is on a Ford E-350 Van chassis and it has Firestone Ride Rite Air bags in the rear. It rides really nice and is slightly higher in the rear, but it has quite a bit of adjustment.

scubastevee · 12-09-2015, 04:15 PM

I'm taking it to a suspension specialist on Monday and will see what the recommendation is and the cost estimates. If using air bags, it would need to be an easy to use system for me ... and, sometimes, easy to use equates to $$$$.

Cheers,

Steve

Air Lift Company · 12-10-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubastevee

I'm taking it to a suspension specialist on Monday and will see what the recommendation is and the cost estimates. If using air bags, it would need to be an easy to use system for me ... and, sometimes, easy to use equates to $$$$.

Cheers,

Steve

Let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything I can help you out with when it comes to air bags.

scubastevee · 12-14-2015, 02:04 PM

All done ... had new springs installed along with two heavy duty shocks. Much better now in terms of raising it back up to where it should be and no more crash, bang, boom on every bump in the road.

Although, I didn't go with the air bag solution, the web site for Air Lift is excellent and provides good information.

Cheers,

Steve

3feathers · 03-18-2016, 11:30 AM

I put rear air shocks on my unit and now it takes corners better and stays level. shocks,$350, welding mounts $100

3feathers · 03-18-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Standard shocks,don't support any weight.
Leaf springs would have to be re-arced to raise the vehicle ride height, then adding a leaf to support the weight , in the higher position. Result could be a very rough ride.
Installation of rear air shocks or air bags; between the rear differential and the frame; will be the least expensive way to raise the rear, air bags preferred.

I put air shocks just insideside my rear wheels and the shocks, bracket welded to the upper frame, use an adjustable pressure Gage to raise when loaded or level when MT, cost under $450.00. Better ride, less money. look for
truck shocks ask me questions, 3feathers@3oaks.com

3feathers · 03-18-2016, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3feathers

I put air shocks just insideside my rear wheels and the shocks, bracket welded to the upper frame, use an adjustable pressure Gage to raise when loaded or level when MT, cost under $450.00. Better ride, less money. look for
truck shocks ask me questions, 3feathers@3oaks.com

Look at "airbagit.com"