Airbags on 98 Dolphin or Similar Chassis

[andrew000]

Was wondering if anyone had installed airbags on a 98 Dolphin or similar Ford Chassis. If so, any thoughts and inputs is much appreciated.

I'm thinking of add airbags to help level out the rig since my driveway has a slope which is causing some clearance issues.

Thanks,

Andrew.

[Post43]

Air suspension?

[andrew000]

Yes. Airbags suspension. Something similar to the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Help. I assume that I will need a kit that fits a F53 chassis, like this one?

2070 Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags Kit Ford F53 Class A Motorhome | eBay

[Post43]

Andrew.
If you can, take a look at some of the posts I have been involved in here. I have a workhorse chassis but it may be similar to your ford. I have added Kelderman Air ride to the front leaf springs and the air bags to the rear of my coach. Also replaced the cheap/worn out shocks with Koni RV specific. HUGE HUGE HUGE improvement in ride, handeling, rattles and rolling side to side. Also adjusted the air pressure to the weight of the coach.
I wish I had spent some time on here before I learned the hard way and installing alll these options, which by the way, is all good!!!
I am fairly sure you will not achieve any ride height difference by installing these upgrades, maybe a few inches, but not enugh to make your driveway any less of a challenge.
David

[Post43]

Just re read my post. I meant to say I adjusted the air pressure in the tires to the weight of the coach. Just old I guess!!!!

[96 Wideglide]

Installed Firestone bags on the rear of my '2000 Dolphin to level side to side. Did the job, but beware, the more air you need to add, the harder the ride will get. Pumped to max 100lbs, you can get about 3" at the bumper.
If you install an on board compressor, and only fill them up to get in or out of your drive, may work well for you.

[andrew000]

Thanks David for the info.

Wildglide - do you remember which kit you installed?

I assume there's only one F53 chassis. So, as long as I get one that fits a F53 chassis, then I'm good?

[Post43]

Best bet is to call Kelderman. Ck out their website. Good stuff!

[chboone]

I installed the Air Lift bags with their wireless air system on the rear of my Dolphin. If you air them up to the max PSI, at best they will rise the coach up just under 2". However, as 96 Wideglide said the more air the harsher the ride. With the wireless system you can temporary add max PSI and lower the PSI without leaving the coach. I started at 80 PSI, now run at 50 PSI all the time.

Chuck

[Walter5555]

Hi.
I would think that if it's just to level your R.V. while its parked adjacent to your house you could place some wooden blocks under that side of your M.H. tires which would be a lot cheaper then air bags.
Or lower your jacks, eather way it would level your rig.
Just a thought.