Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Subsilked on October 28, 2018, 08:40:44 pm

Title: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: Subsilked on October 28, 2018, 08:40:44 pm
Hello..  as we learn more every day about our 86 GV 33' Tag... we have a new question.  Ride Height.  It appears we do not have an air suspension... rather a set of bags for ride height.... we found a air stem inside the very rear ( drivers) basement compartment, along with the black and grey tank dump valves.  We have been keeping the air pressure at 70 psi...  anything else we need to know. ?  Is this the ONLY airbag stem...  is this ONE valve used to fill up ALL the bags?      We have located another stem on the very front ( passenger)exterior side wall, just behind the end of the bumper.. no psi and it does not take any air... not sure what this does..

Again.  Always . Thank you for all of your help to newbies...  we have another query related to emptying our fresh water tank but i will post in a new topic. 
Title: Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: red tractor on October 28, 2018, 08:51:56 pm
If I remember correctly the drive axle has leaf springs and the tag axle has airbags. There was when new a 12 volt compressor for the tag axle airbags. The front suspension has coil springs and originally had air bags inside the coil springs. They had fill valve stems that were accessible underneath but many people installed extension lines up to the firewall. Follow the line from the valve stem to see where it goes. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: Subsilked on October 29, 2018, 02:59:26 pm
If I remember correctly the drive axle has leaf springs and the tag axle has airbags. There was when new a 12 volt compressor for the tag axle airbags. The front suspension has coil springs and originally had air bags inside the coil springs. They had fill valve stems that were accessible underneath but many people installed extension lines up to the firewall. Follow the line from the valve stem to see where it goes. Hope this helps.
Thanks Red Tractor...  great find.  I followed the air lines from the bottom of coil springs and located the air supply valve stems.. just as you said.. mounted on the firewall inside the hood access right in front of the driver....

BUT as you can see from attached photos.  Passenger side bag has a broken ( plastic) bottom end where the air hose would snap into place.  Drivers side in good condition it appears...  any help locating replacement bag... if coil springs are both in good condition.. does this need replacing ??? We are satisfied with our 33 year old RV ride quality anyway... 
Title: Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: wolfe10 on October 29, 2018, 03:41:49 pm
Those are STANDARD Chevy P 30 front air bags.  Any RV store has them.  Not special Foretravel part.

If you are going to keep the coach, consider Henderson replacement springs that are strong enough that no air bag is needed.

Do not drive too far with no air in the front bags, as front end alignment will be way off (independent front suspension).

And, if you are keeping it,. make sure they check the ball joints if taking it apart.
Title: Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: Subsilked on October 29, 2018, 04:15:33 pm
Thanks again.  We found the link to a very inexpensive replacement spring air bag set... easy to install...  will follow up with Brett's recommendation for the stronger spring set

1963-1999 Chevrolet P-30, P-32 Motorhome - Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs... (https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/air-lift-81560-air-spring-kit-chevy-gm-motorhome-63-99?gclid=CjwKCAjw39reBRBJEiwAO1m0OZDECuqaMoQOoXuhfAwa4kxKqVAco0DbI2Nn0RTPxLzrBuKUqg7WjBoCZ3EQAvD_BwE)

Title: Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags
Post by: wolfe10 on October 29, 2018, 04:34:09 pm
Weigh the front end when loaded as you normally travel.  then contact Henderson for the correct PN (they come in several "strengths" depending on actual weight.

And, while disassembled to install the new springs,  I would replace the ball joints and check for any other worn components.

It should drive a lot better with proper spring rate and an alignment.

Oh, and check the left bell crank bushing-- wear there (it a bushing, not bearing) give play in steering.