Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Air Ride (Read 1008 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Air Ride

Reply #25 –
From what I've read many people who bought IFS Foretravels were not happy with them because, "They didn't ride or handle like a Foretravel." The Active Air system was supposed to be the solution to that problem.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Air Ride

Reply #26 –
All I know is that our 99' non IFS corners nice and flat, at least up to the point our kitchen chairs would start sliding around if I went any faster... ;D
Don
Quote from: D.J. Osborn –
From what I've read many people who bought IFS Foretravels were not happy with them because, "They didn't ride or handle like a Foretravel." The Active Air system was supposed to be the solution to that problem.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Air Ride

Reply #27 –
Seems the industry needed hwh to build an adjustable quick acting high pressure feed system to stabilize the newer coaches.

Twenty years after Foretravel built the original u series unihome.

Interesting is they had the adjustable suspension via floor levers that re adjusted the neutral position of the ride height valve.

I always told myself if I ever owned a uni something that I would investigate installing the original mechanical system.

Drove countless miles with the down wind side raised up or the upwind side dropped.

Obviously a quick acting automatic system would be superior.  Just $$$$.

The manual was very inexpensive.

Most functions are available on the hwh panel but only in manual mode.

IF I had more than the tiny amount of truck sway or body roll on corners I have currently I would be a player for the system.

But you never know...... Like the idea a lot
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Air Ride

Reply #28 –
/
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Air Ride

Reply #30 –
Aha! IFS coaches need this, us old solid axle folks don't as much (but we can't turn as sharp)
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Air Ride

Reply #31 –
I live in Arlington, VA.  John S. told me he would show me his as well when he returns from his travels, sometime later this fall, but if you come thru D.C., give me a holler!
Carpe' Diem!
Tim & Cindy

Re: Air Ride

Reply #32 –
All vehicles with air bag suspension (trucks and motorhomes) adjust the balance when driving passing, turning by using ride height valves. Most use mechanical ride height valves that may take a moment to re-level vehicle front to back and side to side.

HWH invented Active Air that uses electronic ride height valves, much larger air lines and devices that anticipate a lean before it happens. Electronics operate quicker, larger air lines allow greater air volume to operate quicker and a device on the steering wheel column notifies HWH controller that a turn is occurring so the system can pump up the air bags on that side anticipating a lean before it happens.

Coaches without Active Air work just fine without any noticeable lean, but Active Air just works better, but comes with much more complexity and cost and is quite cool.

Re: Air Ride

Reply #33 –
When HWH introduced Active Air I talked to the president at the Albuquerque FMCA rally.  He told me it was intended for IFS coaches and that I would be wasting my money on a solid front axle coach.  I would be hard pressed to notice any difference!
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Air Ride

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
I suspect the name "Active air" came later at HWH, but my 1999 U-270 and 2000 U-320 have roll control via the HWH system, which is one of the factors in how nice a FT drives.

My understanding is that going down the road, the only thing controlling the amount of air in the air-bags is the mechanical ride height valves-two on the rear, one in the front.

I never heard of any roll control with the HWH system. Once the parking brake is released, it automatically puts the ride height valves in control--unless I push off.
1998 U270 34'