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Air bags to level a 5th wheel?
10-26-2011, 04:29 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 933
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I've been reading about all the jacking systems used to level a 5th wheel and the big $$ that go with them plus all the components that can break or wear out.
So, can a set or 2 of Firestone air bags be placed under the 5th wheel springs to raise and level it? The bags can lift the front or rear of a MH or PU with all that weight 7" or more so why can't they be used to level one side of a 5th wheel. Am I missing something?
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10-26-2011, 06:02 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Florida Cooters Club Appalachian Campers Coastal Campers
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Nature Coast FL
Posts: 1,114
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Seems like it might be a little bouncy. But a product is made that is placed under the tires and inflated to accomplish the same thing. But I have no experience with it and can't remember the name of it (or even if it's still made).
On edit: did a little research. Company name was Levelair and is apparently defunct. Here's a video about someone who did it as a DIY project.
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Dave & Jo Ann
'08 HitchHiker Champagne 35LKRSB | '11 F350 Lariat 6.7PSD
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10-27-2011, 07:44 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Western New York (summer) someplace warm (winter)
Posts: 261
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Agree about being bouncy. MH are designed from the start with air suspension most trailers are not. Typical spring suspension on most trailers only has a few inches of travel so you would be limited. Yes early leveling system had their growing curves, but they are much better now. Have had an auto leveling system added to our 5er and love it. Keystone plans to start installing the auto leveling system on all the Montana line.
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2011 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 HD LT Extended Cab, DRW, Duramax/Allison, 2010 Montana 2955 RL with just about everything, MorRyde IS w/Disc Brakes, dual ACs, auto level, auto sat dish, combo washer/dryer. Michelle & Ann
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10-27-2011, 08:13 PM
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#4
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Member
Solo Rvers Club
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Kzoo, MI
Posts: 74
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There is not a lot of travel in the suspension of a trailer. Just look at the clearance between your tires and the fenderwell. You might get a couple of inches of lift.
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2011 Crossroads Cruiser CF285RL Patriot- 2008 GMC 3500 D/A Dually
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10-27-2011, 10:00 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 933
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Ok, tomorrow I'll jack up the back side of the 5th and see how many inches you can get. I'll bet it's more than a few....
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10-27-2011, 10:04 PM
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#6
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Moderator Emeritus
Vintage RV Owners Club Texas Boomers Club Oklahoma Boomers Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 11,982
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It is a lot simpler to carry a few boards or the stacking blocks.
Ken
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Amateur Radio Operator|Practicing for our retirement! 2008 Cameo 35SB3 - 2002 7.3L Crew Cab Dually w/ a SCMT - Max Brake - Travel with one Miniature Schnauzer, one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot
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10-28-2011, 09:16 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 599
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I would think you could figure out how to do it, but now you need a compressor to provide air. Don't have to air up 2x8s...
And I bet the side-to-side wiggle would be impressive.
Joe
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'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites
'09 F450 Lariat 4x4
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10-29-2011, 10:15 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 933
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wingnut60
I would think you could figure out how to do it, but now you need a compressor to provide air. Don't have to air up 2x8s...
And I bet the side-to-side wiggle would be impressive.
Joe
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I've got a tri axle so it's not just a couple of boards. The bottom board has to be 10' long to be correct and the second board at least 8' so that's a lot of boards to carry around and that only gets me 3" higher.....
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10-30-2011, 07:11 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 599
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Hopefully, you won't be many places that are out of level by 3 inches...
I use 2x8s, about 12" long and place one under one tire for less than 1 inch rise; one under each tire for full 1" rise; then a second under one tire and then under both. Bevels help the trailer climb up the boards. Very seldom have needed more the one or two boards under one tire, one under the other.
Air pillows are available, but the reports I have read about indicate lots of movement when used.
Joe
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'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites
'09 F450 Lariat 4x4
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11-02-2011, 07:25 AM
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#10
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Junior Member
Nor'easters Club
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 24
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wingnut60 now thats a fact
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11-03-2011, 01:38 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 254
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About 10 years ago I purchased one of those air bags. Still have it. Don't use it. It came with an inflator. It does work but it also allows the coach to bounce on the air pillow. It seems to be indistructable since it is made of Kevlar. Cost about $300. Another great idea that doesn't work.
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11-03-2011, 03:10 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Burleson, TX
Posts: 599
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I believe that to be the same comment of everyone who has tried them. The idea came from the bags that use vehicle exhaust to fill and raise vehicle to change tire?
Joe
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'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites
'09 F450 Lariat 4x4
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11-03-2011, 03:14 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 2,254
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leave em deflated when you dont need em going down the road
then air em up when you need leveling....
if your trailer has shocks, i dont the trailer would be bouncing up and down much with them aired or not
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driving the short bus 4056 Tuscany
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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11-05-2011, 11:10 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 4,925
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Stock up on Dramamine.
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"As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances there is a twilight where everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be aware of change in the air - however slight - lest we bec
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