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Topic: 86 GV, Ride height bags (Read 515 times) previous topic - next topic

86 GV, Ride height bags

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. 
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags

Reply #1 –
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.
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: 86 GV, Ride height bags

Reply #2 –
Quote from: red tractor –
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... 
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags

Reply #3 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags

Reply #4 –
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...

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman
 

Re: 86 GV, Ride height bags

Reply #5 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020