dearched springs

[emo666]

I just bought a 2000 coachmen 195 21ft class C --it's in excellent shape and has a rear kitchen which puts all the weight on the rear of the coach. It's on a short wheelbase chassis(144inch) with a 6 ft rear overhang. the problem is the rear springs are dearched with only 4 inches between the rear axle and frame. this is when the coach is not loaded at all--no clothes water or much fuel.
I've looked at the Roadmaster system and double external helper springs but would like to know what else is available or what's worked or perferred. It's dearched at the front shackle (toward cab) more than the rear. I would also like to soften the ride at the same time.

[grumpy14]

Check out Rear air bags you should be able to find somethig that will work, maybe cheaper and easyer to install--good luck

[emo666]

I'm Somewhat afraid of airbags as they would be loaded all the time trying to re-arch the spring so they would become the spring --and I'm not sure they are designed for that. It's my impression that they are to add to the spring action. Yes or no??

[bearaboo]

If the springs are damaged or sagging, you might not be able to install air bags. I think that you have to have a minimum amount of clearance. I would take it to a reputable spring shop to evaluate your situation. You can rearch springs and actually rebuild them to be almost like new or better. Also, on the Fords there is not much of an arch to begin with.

[Campingman]

Hardly any arch on my new one. I'm not worried about it.

[pwf16129]

air bags are the easy way to fix this have air bags on rear of my 1985 class c 26 ft, ck to see springs in safe condition ,bushings not wallowed out, bolts tight.
install air bags, these will go between the rear end and frame, with individual inflation lines this very important to balance the weight side to side, set to level when loaded and avoid the temptation to air up higher, will ride bad and handle worse if you do,made this mistake one time.
as far as the bags being aired all the time almost all big rigs run air ride and the trailers also the bags are made for this purpose so isn't a problem.
also very important don't over load your rig since it won't squat anymore the bags will handle more then the rig will safely.
mine came with them on already and aired down it rides to low,replaced the schrader valves that is the small valve in the end of the line, just like in your valve stems on your tires, aired them up stayed up for 10 months so far, best thing since sliced bread.
happy travels

[wa8yxm]

I would look to a 2-part "Fix"

First, a spring shop, they can do one (or more) of the following.

A: Re-arc the springs
B: Replace the springs
C: Beef up the springs

The second part is the air bags suggested above.. A good place to start your search is in Lansing, Michigan.. Of course since odds are high you are not in Lansing. Here is the LINK so you can let your computer do the driving

Air Lift Company | Trusted air suspension specialists since 1949