Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: JJMoving on May 26, 2017, 10:47:25 am

Title: Airbags Ride height and psi settings on a 1993 U240
Post by: JJMoving on May 26, 2017, 10:47:25 am
Hello all, I am a new owner and this is my first time posting a question.

My coach is a 1993, Grand Villa U240 build #4178 and it has airbags installed at the back axle.  It has 2 bags for each side but I cannot seem to find any information about these bags... What they should be set at, what the max pressure is, why are they there, all a mystery.  At this point I am assuming they are there to assist with the ride height which is currently runs between 31.5" and 31.75" when the bag pressures are set in a range running 100-200 psi.  Although I have reduced the pressure to 100 at this time because I am worried I have them running at too much pressure. 
I have a couple of specific questions but what I am really trying to determine is if the wisdom of this group agrees with the practice of using these airbags to adjust ride height and if so what is the best practice for inflation pressure.  Do I fill to ride height of 32-33" or do I fill to not exceed max psi of the airbag?  Any help/advice is appreciated, thank you Jim Verebely
Title: Re: Airbags Ride height and psi settings on a 1993 U240
Post by: wolfe10 on May 26, 2017, 11:46:33 am
Jim,

Yes, these are "helper springs" used to assist what are probably the original torsilastic springs.

No idea whose bags they are.  Look for manufacturer and model number on the bags.

How many shims do you have left on each wheel position.

What is ride height in front-- should not be an issue, as it was very rare to run out of shims in front.

Are the shackles (the vertical links) bushings in good shape (centered in the rubber)?

If questions, PM me and we can talk about this.
Title: Re: Airbags Ride height and psi settings on a 1993 U240
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on May 26, 2017, 12:36:23 pm
I'd hope this thread stays active. A smart cookie (initials are "B.W.")  figured out that the rear weight of the CAT 3116 was more than than the torsilastic suspension could handle.  He convinced the mfgr that a modification was needed, and was made. Our's has the upgrade, and she sure is smooth and sits like a proper lady!  ^.^d