Community Forums

KJB · 05-19-2011, 06:58 AM

I just returned from Oskaloosa, IA where I had Kelderman install their air ride system on my 2011 F-53 22K 242 inch wheelbase chassis. Oskaloosa is 500 miles each way for me so I had plenty of time on the road to evaluate the new system. It has improved the ride significantly. Does it ride like a diesel pusher? Probably not. I only have experience driving one diesel pusher and I would have to drive my Kelderman F-53 and a diesel pusher over the same road to make a true comparison. But the ride is improved to the point where I am very happy with it and I was not happy with it before the Kelderman upgrade. I went with the manual fill valves as opposed to the onboard compressor and auto level control after Jeff Kelderman told me that most RV users fill it and forget it. Total cost for the front and rear systems installed was $5,316. That is a lot of money to spend and we all have to make our personal spending decisions wisely but for me it was money well spent.

LVJ58 · 05-19-2011, 02:04 PM

Happy to hear the new system worked well for you in improving the ride quality of your coach.

Now, go and enjoy many fun, safe and trouble free journeys

Pirate · 05-19-2011, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the info. That system is on my short list for fixing my front end. Did you happen to find out from them how that changed, or didn't, the GAWR? I had heard their springs did not carry as much load as OEM. Thanks. PS: I'm only worried about front end.

"007" · 05-19-2011, 08:46 PM

Pirate,Your front end will effect the whole driving control of the chassis, your coach has to be on a level plain for good control for steering and braking.
Your weight ratings will not change from what is on your sticker, correcting with springs or air bags will not change your weight carrying capacity.

KJB · 05-20-2011, 05:10 AM

Kelderman replaces the front leaf springs with reduced weight bearing capacity leaf springs causing the airbags to support much of the weight. This contributes heavily to the ride improvement. To the best of my knowledge, it does not change any weight ratings. My RV handled well before the Kelderman system and I did not notice any change in the handling.

Pirate · 05-20-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJB

Kelderman replaces the front leaf springs with reduced weight bearing capacity leaf springs causing the airbags to support much of the weight. This contributes heavily to the ride improvement. To the best of my knowledge, it does not change any weight ratings. My RV handled well before the Kelderman system and I did not notice any change in the handling.

Thanks. That's what I was looking for but I guess I will have to call them for numbers. Just curious as to the bag's limit's and the spring's limits. You never know, perhaps that didn't worry about it, but I sure will.