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Topic: Weather checked air bags (Read 1667 times) previous topic - next topic

Weather checked air bags

I just purchased a 1997 U 295 , the outboard air bags have lots of cracks in them. Looking at $2500 to have dealer replace, has anyone had and experience on when to replace them. They hold air no leaks, just worried about a failure on the road.
Thanks

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #1 –
Tank,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

Couple of different ways to look at this:

A bag does not "need" (as in immediately) to be replaced until you see cord. There is still an inner layer that has not been exposed to the elements.

If you are going to keep the coach, it WILL need air bags in the foreseeable future-- 20+ year old rubber components are on borrowed time.

Also, would you rather replace them when convenient for you or have a catastrophic failure and be on the side of the road?

Depends on whether you subscribe to the philosophy of  "Preventive Maintenance" or "Break-down Repair".

As far as price--  others will chime in-- doing my own work, I have no idea.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #2 –
Tank,

Congrats on your new (to you) ride, and welcome to our group!

Lots of discussion over the years on the "air bag" subject.  I used the Forum "search" function and pulled up a couple threads to get you started.  You can find many more on your own, I'm sure.  Happy reading!

Airbags on 03 U295

What's your opinion of this airbag?

Here a post with photos of a "cut open" air bag.  Shows how they are constructed:

What did you do to your coach today VI

Here's some more "bag" info from beamalarm.com - a VERY valuable source of Foretravel knowledge:

Air Bags

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #3 –
Original air bags on a 97, REPLACE!
As stated, they will fail, its only a matter of when.
The rear end will not support its weight if one of the bags fail. You will be stuck wherever you are.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #4 –
We have a 1997 U295. The air bags look fine. I replaced two fronts just to experiment. I carry a spare, and wood blocks to get me off the road.

Our coach has always been mostly kept inside. Don't plan to replace them anytime soon. I would take off to anywhere right now.

But I have also seen 99's that looked awful. Has a lot to do where it has been and stored. Sun is the enemy.

So weather cracking is not good.

Also, bags might look fine, till you raise it all the way up and look at them extended.
Chris

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #5 –
Ours were very tired looking with lots of cracks. The 2 worst developed leaks and I replaced them. Not a big deal to DIY. It's Bridgestone/Firestone for about $160 or Continental (German) for about $85. Can't imagine much difference in quality, just the price.
I carry a couple of extra but with the most cracked behind us, I'll wait until the others develop a leak. I do carry a tubeless tire repair kit to plug a hole should it develop. The leaks usually occur at the bottom of the bag facing the tire.

8 X $85 plus one hour each of your labor is just $680. Much faster if you have shade tree experience and have all the tools assembled ahead of time. No need to pull the wheels.

Pierce

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #6 –
Pierce, when you say tubeless tire repair kit , do you mean one of the kits with the glue and string that you push through the hole?
Thanks
Chris

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Pierce, when you say tubeless tire repair kit , do you mean one of the kits with the glue and string that you push through the hole?
The last time this subject came up, I purchased the kit linked below based on recommendations here and on other forums.  It should work on air bags and on tires, but since I've never had need to use it, can't say for sure.  Knock wood.

Amazon.com: Safety Seal Truck Deluxe Tire Repair Kit 30 Repairs: Automotive
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #8 –
Looks like that kit would work on ATV tires too.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Pierce, when you say tubeless tire repair kit , do you mean one of the kits with the glue and string that you push through the hole?
Thanks
Chris
Yes, Chuck's kit is  really deluxe and looks perfect.

If the leak is sudden and bad, the compressor won't keep up and the coach will settle down on the tire. Sealing off the leaking bag supply line may not allow travel as one bag may not allow the tire to clear the top of the well so the kit is an excellent idea to keep onboard. Since our leaks both faced the tire and most all the cracks were also facing the tire, it's pretty easy to insert a plug.

Carrying a HF hydraulic/air jack makes changing much easier and faster. I made a fitting for the top of the jack to go on the frame so I could lift a side without worrying about the coach falling off the jack. Ideal would be to jack the other side or end so the coach does not twist.

The old bag can be removed and the new one installed easily without compressing it at all. If you can't find my old post, I can repost the photos of the installation.

Pierce

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #11 –
The weird thing about the kit is the fact that it uses a lube instead of the cement the other kits use. I have had problems with other kits with the plug getting stuck before getting all the way in tire.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #12 –
While on the air bag subject,I will do a search but does anyone have the fitting sizes and/or part number in case you need the fittings and hose.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #13 –
My lines are 1/4in air with compression fittings up to the bags. The bag fittings have a step up to  larger size. 
FWIW spray the upper and lower fittings well before attempting to loosen and things may go better.
 Depending on the hourly rate of the installer, it may save a lot of time to saw the top fittings off and buy fresh fittings.  A small wire brush and lube expedites also. 
 Pretty s ure that the bolt heads are 3/4in .

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #14 –
Quote from: John44 –
While on the air bag subject,I will do a search but does anyone have the fitting sizes and/or part number in case you need the fittings and hose.
Mine are 1/4" pipe to 3/8 compression elbows. Be sure to get DOT air line fittings not the stuff from HD or Lowes

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #15 –
We would use this type of hose on the platforms to hookup air lines,was easier then bending stainless tubing.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #16 –
Mike has good advise on spraying all fittings ahead of time. Really makes installing the bags easy. Three of the four bolt heads are 3/4 with the hollow air supply stud larger. The bags don't come with nuts/washers. I purchased stainless fittings ahead of time. The bottom nuts  will come off in five seconds each if you have an impact. An electric drill/driver can pull the small fenders out of the way for removing a nut on a couple of the bags. It makes it easier. I made a wrench to fit without the fender removal but it's a lot more work. The air line has to be lined up exactly or it won't thread on. Patience and not force plus a little adjustment will get the air fitting threaded back on without swearing. If you are installing stainless nuts, make sure the new bag threads are clean along with the mounting plate surfaces so the nuts go on with fingers. Makes it fast and no risk of the stainless galling. No-seize or WD-40 greatly reduce the chance of any galling. I didn't have any problem removing the air fitting off the old bags. Use teflon compound on the male air fitting, not female to install in the new bag.

If the air fitting won't come off the old bag easily, apply some heat to the stud. Don't ruin the old fitting.

Pierce

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #17 –
Probably good advise to replace them,
But....... they may not be as bad as they look. Here are a couple pics of mine before I changed them 2 years ago, outside was showing cracks but inside they still looked great.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #18 –
I think you should go ahead and change them. The DW can always use some additional planters.

Re: Weather checked air bags

Reply #19 –
As you can see in the bag that has been cut, the rubber wall is very thick. The cord is two layers thick and more toward the outside with lots of rubber on the inside. The bag photo from FourTravelers looks like new compared to some of ours.

For maximum bag life (and undercarriage), wash after driving in treated roads. Store the coach with stands in winter to keep the bags from compressing. Bags could also be wiped with a protectant occasionally.

Pierce