How to know if you need new air bags

[DJ55]

Originally Posted by Gatesway

Dave, I too learned that Eric's original information was not correct when I blew a bag 2 days after installation! Ouch.

John, I'm so sorry to have steered you wrong. I'm disappointed in Eric, as I'd even gone back to him and asked him to confirm his paperwork for my March installation and he basically "doubled-down" on the incorrect fitments. I'm pleased, though, that he quickly got a replacement 9336 bag to me under warranty last week after the failure occurred, although I still had to pay for labor to install it.

Another poster above mentioned some bag options with metal cones. On our 9336 bag that failed, it looks like the plastic cone was the failure point, so, everything else being equal, having a (presumably stronger) metal cone sounds good to me.

Regarding installing a rear bag with additional lift, I'd want to make sure they can't lift so high as to break the rear shocks. If that would be a possibility, I'd want to have straps to protect the shocks from over-extending.

[Gatesway]

Originally Posted by DJ55

John, I'm so sorry to have steered you wrong.

Dave, please don't worry one bit! You passed on information from a trusted guy and he proved to be human as the rest of us! No worries! You've been such a blessing and help to me. Don't give it another moment's thought.

Oh, Gregg Bootes said that the 8184 is crossed to the original bag we had installed from factory. So the overextension issue seems not to be a threat.

If you look at my post above with the description, there is a bracket required and these came with it attached. Good news.

Here is a picture of the new bags (8184) that I'm installing on the rear:

[DJ55]

Originally Posted by Gatesway

Dave, please don't worry one bit! You passed on information from a trusted guy and he proved to be human as the rest of us! No worries! You've been such a blessing and help to me. Don't give it another moment's thought.

Oh, Gregg Bootes said that the 8184 is crossed to the original bag we had installed from factory. So the overextension issue seems not to be a threat.

If you look at my post above with the description, there is a bracket required and these came with it attached. Good news.

Here is a picture of the new bags (8184) that I'm installing on the rear:

Thanks John, much appreciated. Nice to know about the 8184s, this is the first I've heard of them being an option for our coaches. Please let us know how your install goes; I'd like to see how those brackets are connected.

[dmarrs8585]

Originally Posted by DJ55

Thanks John, much appreciated. Nice to know about the 8184s, this is the first I've heard of them being an option for our coaches. Please let us know how your install goes; I'd like to see how those brackets are connected.

I'm also waiting to hear about the 8184's I've also got a 2003 36' Allure w/ 2 slides #30826, I'm finishing up my Wax Valve installation today and Air Bags are next on the list. This thread has been a real help on my research I was about ready to order the Holland bags when I saw the post about the 8184's they have a bracket attached and the others don't, haven't looked to see if there is a bracket on the existing bags that has to be transferred to the new bag. Please let us know how they work out.
thanks
Dan

[Journey cat]

Originally Posted by Gatesway

Dave, please don't worry one bit! You passed on information from a trusted guy and he proved to be human as the rest of us! No worries! You've been such a blessing and help to me. Don't give it another moment's thought.

Oh, Gregg Bootes said that the 8184 is crossed to the original bag we had installed from factory. So the overextension issue seems not to be a threat.

If you look at my post above with the description, there is a bracket required and these came with it attached. Good news.

Here is a picture of the new bags (8184) that I'm installing on the rear:

Do these bags have a metal bottom , rather than plastic ? Also i would imagine they would be correct for an 05 XC rear application . What was the cost for the 2 bags . And where were they purchased

[TR4]

Just installed my two new rear air bags, thanks John (Gatesway) for the part numbers. Total time about 2 1/2 hours.

First day, block wheels and raise the rear about six inches using the HWH. Install jack stands under the frame rails. I had a 4 x 6 DF laying around, so I cut two 6” pieces. Install the blocks between rear end and frame rails.

Lower the rear using HWH. Note, make sure to hold the down button till ALL the air is out of the bags, otherwise you won’t get the air lines to disconnect. You should now be sitting on the blocks.

Soak upper and lower bolts with penetrating oil. I use 1/2 ATF 1/2 acetone.

Next day, remove air lines from the push to connect fittings. Remove the top nut using 3/4” deep socket. Remove bottom nut using 3/4” open end wrench.

New bags use 1/4” NPT instead of 1/2” NPT push to connect fittings. I got these;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q1C3L81...roduct_details
Install these first using your favorite thread sealant.

Install new bags in reverse order. Install air lines. Note, when you push in the air lines, you’ll feel some resistance. They will then go in about another 1/2”.

Raise the rear using HWH, check for leaks, remove blocks, remove jack stands. I left mine in the raised position for a day to make sure the air lines didn’t blow off.

[CountryFit]

Very nice TR4; that's the way to go .
You used the wood blocks but also used the jack stands. What kind of jack stands were you using?

[TR4]

Originally Posted by CountryFit

Very nice TR4; that's the way to go .
You used the wood blocks but also used the jack stands. What kind of jack stands were you using?

Thank you, my neighbor is a retired truck mechanic. If I ever need a tool, he has it. He had some tall 20 ton jack stands.

Bill

[Gatesway]

Bill,

Do you make house calls to NC?

Seriously, so cool you can do that. I would never attempt it. I’ll stay working on the house part of the coach…leave the chassis to the pros.

Glad it worked out for you!

I’ll give you a call soon to check in on you.

Best,

[CountryFit]

Originally Posted by TR4

Thank you, my neighbor is a retired truck mechanic. If I ever need a tool, he has it. He had some tall 20 ton jack stands.

Bill

I need to move to your neighborhood...

Have fun!

[dmarrs8585]

Can you take the brackets off of the "8184's" my brackets look just like them but the are welded to the frame.

[TR4]

Originally Posted by dmarrs8585

Can you take the brackets off of the "8184's" my brackets look just like them but the are welded to the frame.

Yes, I removed my brackets as well.

Bill

[Ozzsp250]

I have done all the bags on my coach and replaced height control valves, new air dryer assembly, rebuilt the six packs including new internal plungers and springs. I also went to new "push to connect" fittings however I made a mistake in not confirming these fittings meet DOT requirements. It turned out most did not and I had small air leaks, lesson learned here.

I added manual shut-off valves to top of all air bags and once coach is leveled I can close the valves and coach stays level for weeks actually 2 months so far. This permits working on the rest on the air suspension system, [the coach is sitting on 6" blocks for clearance].

I have now replaced the the new "push to connect" with DOT approved "push to connect" fittings, the difference is they have an internal sleeve [like the original compression type] to absorb vibration side loading etc. With this change the whole system is leak-free.


Upper 2 photos are DOT approved lower are not - no internal sleeve.

[CoachStreamr]

Please provide links to the DOT Approved ones you purchased.