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Topic: Getting Airbags (Read 682 times) previous topic - next topic

Getting Airbags

Morning,
I'm new here so bear with me. I own a '97 U270 and it's been good to me. I'm home based out of Lufkin, TX but my pooch and I spend a majority of our time on the road seeing the country. I'm needing new airbags and I've looked through the forum and saw something about shop in Nacogdoches, Bernd's shop, that can do the air bags. Considering giving this guy a shot.
James Hegar
'97 Foretravel U270

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #1 –
Depending on your mechanical ability, you might consider doing the job yourself, and save the labor costs (@ $100/hr).  Use the "search" function here to find many posts on the subject.  The bags on my coach were replaced by the previous owner (he did it in his driveway).  He claimed it was not a super-hard project.

Air Bags

Or, if you want a shop to do it, Bernd's, MOT or FOT could handle it easily.  It is not a difficult job - just takes the time and proper tools.

Welcome to the Forum, by the way.  The more the merrier!  8)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #2 –
James- welcome to the forum.  I had my air bags replaced at Bernd's shop 2 years ago- no problems and we are full time in our motorhome.  His number is 936-707-1584.  He is also good for replacing fuel lines, valve adjustments, etc.

Best of luck and travel safe.

^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #3 –
We had MOT change our 8 air bags.  We decided to preventively change them as we had no problems with the original.  We are pleased with Motorhomes of Texas workmanship on the airbags and other maintenance items.

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #4 –
I had FOT change the air bags on our 1997 U295. One of the bags started leaking while the coach was in their shop for some other work. I was satisfied with the price and workmanship.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #5 –
Quote from: james hegar –
I'm home based out of Lufkin, TX but my pooch and I spend a majority of our time on the road seeing the country. I'm needing new airbags and I've looked through the forum and saw something about shop in Nacogdoches, Bernd's shop, that can do the air bags. Considering giving this guy a shot.

Here's another topic discussing the various shops, including air bags in particular in Nac Needing Repairs

I would not hesitate to use Bernd's shop in the future for them, based on our direct experience.  I would also not hesitate to use MOT based on Barry and Cindy's feedback, which I value highly (and our experience with MOT on other things).
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #6 –
We had our bags done by Bernd. I really appreciated the attention to detail that represented his work on our coach.  We had our entire system examined and repaired as necessary.  Given our earliest problems we have excellent retention now.  When we took our unit to have exterior work done the technician was very complimentary on our coaches air system.  He has created some of his own tools and processes that shorten the amount of time billed for the job.  By all means price it out. 
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #7 –
I had the rear 4 replaced at an RV place while up in the Upper Penn . of Michigan.
Not a particularly difficult job. I choose to have the fronts done at FOT a couple of months later
figuring they had a little more experience getting the frontmost  bags done.
.
 I would suggest that you get new bolts/washers  and get new elbows for the air lines.

hth
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 
 

Re: Getting Airbags

Reply #8 –
Quote from: TheBrays –

 I would suggest that you get new bolts/washers  and get new elbows for the air lines.


Would definitely recommend new air fittings with new air bags.  OEM are likely a plastic quick-connect, similar to the one discussed in this thread Exploding Dash .  Ours were.

Bernd's shop installed new brass Eaton fittings on our coach as part of their standard R&R for new air bags.  We had his shop replace the original (reused) plastic fittings with brass as well on the other airbags that FOT had installed the previous year. 

Our coach held level for the entire 3 months of winter storage (leveling system off).
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320