Community Forums

jdpm · 07-28-2021, 01:26 PM

Has anyone installed air bags on the rear of an 18k chassis? If so, what brand and was it a no drill installation? Thanks

Lakehouse 2 · 07-28-2021, 04:33 PM

We have an 18K chassis under our 2015 Windsport 27K and I was considering adding air bags to it. When checking the Firestone air bag information for our coach I saw a footnote that stated that their air bags could not be used on Thor coaches because of modifications Thor made to the chassis where the air bags had to be mounted. Be sure to check the fine print. Good luck.

Mr Sunshine · 08-08-2021, 07:24 PM

I have the same question. Any answers?

givemeaboost · 08-08-2021, 10:18 PM

I installed Firestone bags on my 2000 Gulf Stream 18000 # chassis and had to drill 4 holes on each side. It was pretty simple to do. Here's a video that I found that showed what you need to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKCnXjY_JJM

I pulled the duals off when I did mine. It gave me the option to check my rear pads (which I replaced)
Ken.......

jdpm · 08-09-2021, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by givemeaboost

I installed Firestone bags on my 2000 Gulf Stream 18000 # chassis and had to drill 4 holes on each side. It was pretty simple to do. Here's a video that I found that showed what you need to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKCnXjY_JJM

I pulled the duals off when I did mine. It gave me the option to check my rear pads (which I replaced)
Ken.......

It sounds like some only add the air bags o the rear. I saw one guys weight slip and it showed 1k lbs more on the right rear and 300 on the right front.

jdpm · 09-13-2021, 05:31 AM

This video and mod is dramatic in the lift if gave this leaning coach. I assume he installed them only on the rear.
I know someone else who installed the Air Lifter 5k with internal jounce bumper and did not get but about 1 to 1-1/2 inch of lift on the low side. His big concern when installing was the lack of detail in the instructions.
Basically a one size fits all application. Plus, the manufacturer doesn't mention anything about the operating range of the air bag. The instructions say mount the upper bracket just parallel to and just below the frame.
However, there is no mention that placement on the frame may affect the operating range of the air bag. If too high, it seems the bag would offer no lift.
If too low then it would bottom out to easy.
Anyway, I'm holding off on the air bags due to this experience. That's a lot of work and $$$ to only get an inch of lift when 2 or 3 is needed.
Finally, a quote from the Air Lifter web side in regard to raising a vehicle: While adding air can cause your vehicle to ride an inch or two higher, air springs are not designed to raise your vehicle above factory height."

corvetteSS · 09-13-2021, 07:06 AM

I used the ride rites (Firestone) they work well for us.
It did require drilling a couple holes. But was not a huge problem.
Biggest issue for self installing, is removing the rear wheels, and having the right jack stands to use. Other than that, installation was not too bad

jdpm · 09-13-2021, 06:42 PM

That upper bracket looks almost exactly like the one Air Lift uses. The difference is the lower bracket. The Air Lifter lower bracket sets right on the leaf spring.
The Ride Rites pictured have a "riser". One would have to install the Air Lift assembly on the low end of the chassis rails to make them more effective despite the instructions saying the opposite.
Installing them too low is going to cause a harshness when bottoming out.
I just checked the Firestone website and they don't even list F53 as a choice.