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Tag upper air bag replacement

Tire shop reported ugly cracks in our curb side tag axle upper air bag.
Since this bag pushes the tag axle down, I am concerned that I might not recognize if it starts leaking and quits doing it's job properly. Seems like that might put too much load on the duals on that side. At some point I think I would notice it if the air pressure drops in a few hours after I park or I hear it after I park and do a walk around.
Should I replace it soon or wait until it is definitely bad?
What is the parts number for this bag on an '03 U320 (Barry Beam ? ;-))?
Has anyone replaced this bag and can you speak to how difficult it might be to do?
Thanks, Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #1 –
Did a quick search of the forum for tag air bags.  A number hits - check Piku and Jim McNeece's posts (Jim also having a 2003 and I believe DIY on the air bags).

We had ours done spring 2014 since we don't have a place at home or storage to do that work ourselves.  Once removed it was obvious both our tag air bags had leaks - no real symptoms prior to that.
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: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #2 –
I replaced those bags on our coach, they were not leaking, but had nasty cracking on the rear bottom of the bags, I had to order them and took about 2 weeks to get them. I removed the tag axle wheels and then not to hard to change. I can't find the part numbers right now but there are numbers on the bags. I looked at one of the bags, it is a Goodyear  numbers on the side were 566-22-3-143 and on the tag on top said part number 1R11-039
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #3 –
Quote from: red tractor –
I replaced those bags on our coach, they were not leaking, but had nasty cracking on the rear bottom of the bags, I had to order them and took about 2 weeks to get them. I removed the tag axle wheels and then not to hard to change. I can't find the part numbers right now but there are numbers on the bags. I looked at one of the bags, it is a Goodyear  numbers on the side were 566-22-3-143 and on the tag on top said part number 1R11-039
Mine said the same thing 1R11-039
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #4 –
Thanks all,
I will get it ordered.
BTW are both bags on the tag the same, ie. 1R11-39?
I might as well replace both while I'm there.
Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dick S –
Thanks all,
I will get it ordered.
BTW are both bags on the tag the same, ie. 1R11-39?
I might as well replace both while I'm there.
Dick
Both should be the same
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #6 –
If you are talking left and right then the answer is yes, but the bottom bags are different
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #7 –
I still have nightmares of that job ;)  It was really hot outside though.

We knew we had a problem because you could hear it hissing while the coach was running.  We initially knew we had a problem becuase we heard a quiet explosion and the rear of the coach shifted.  In our case the upper bead pulled from the plate.  However, it was able to reseat and reseal itself and still be driven several times!

Our air bag mounting studs did not match the holes.  I had to get very creative in order to get it in there (ended up using ratchet straps to pull them together the 1 millimeter or whatever it needed.  We only replaced one and the other is still holding up, though I will not let the rear pressurize/raise itself excessively during levelling now since that's what caused it to begin with.  The rubber itself was fine.

Oh and if it's leaking well enough the coach will sag enough in the rear that you won't feel comfortable driving it.

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #8 –
I had no trouble getting the new bags in as the bolts and holes lined up perfectly. I did  replace the air line fittings at the airbags
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Tag upper air bag replacement

Reply #9 –
I did get the bag replaced. Did only the one side. The upper and lower tag axle bags are not the same.
I wrote up our experience, but without photos I'm not sure how helpful it will be.
Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V