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Topic: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus (Read 608 times) previous topic - next topic

Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Inspection revealed that it is time to replace the air bags. I do not know if they are original or not but they are cracking on the outside so need to be done. To my surprise the shocks were previously replaced with Koni's. The lower shells are rusty but with the suspension extended I was able to see the labels that were under the dust covers. FSD's. 
So, my thought is to replace the bags with larger diameter to lower the pressure for a given weight and provide a slight volume increase to soften impacts. Has anyone done this? Part numbers that are known fits? Any other thoughts or ideas?
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
To my surprise the shocks were previously replaced with Koni's. The lower shells are rusty but with the suspension extended I was able to see the labels that were under the dust covers. FSE's.

Pretty sure all Foretravels since the mid 1990's came with Koni shocks, although can't speak to the ones now being built on Spartan chassis.  Originally red adjustable.  Many of us replaced them with gold FSDs.
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: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #2 –
My thought,Do not try and reinvent the wheel.happy easter.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #3 –
I can't think of a reason to reinvent the airbags.  I will say that i don't think that cracks in them are indicative of imminent failure or need for replacement.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #4 –
I believe someone posted years ago that they were surprised at how thick our air bags are.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #5 –
I saw that post as well and cut one of mine open and agree that they are very thick and the cracks were only superficial. Also i have never heard of a catastrophic airbag failure.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #6 –
I say go for it. Let us know the results. 

Foretravel used a way bigger air bag then Country Coach did when I was comparing Country Coach to a Foretravel.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #7 –
Good luck fitting bigger bags. IMine has no extra room. I think if you want to increase their volume Pig tanks would be easier to accomplish.

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #8 –
Quote from: dsd –
Good luck fitting bigger bags. IMine has no extra room. I think if you want to increase their volume Ping tanks would be easier to accomplish.

The other option if one isn't happy with the ride would be Active Air, but I haven't seen any indication that HWH is installing this aftermarket at the present time.  That info is probably a year old, so they might entertain it at this point.
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: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Pretty sure all Foretravels since the mid 1990's came with Koni shocks, although can't speak to the ones now being built on Spartan chassis.  Originally red adjustable.  Many of us replaced them with gold FSDs.

Gold FSDs are what is there.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #10 –
Quote from: dsd –
Good luck fitting bigger bags. IMine has no extra room. I think if you want to increase their volume Ping tanks would be easier to accomplish.

Yes, considering ping tanks. Since replacing the bags anyway thought I would start there.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Michelle –
The other option if one isn't happy with the ride would be Active Air, but I haven't seen any indication that HWH is installing this aftermarket at the present time.  That info is probably a year old, so they might entertain it at this point.

HWH is not providing systems or kits for Active Air, and they are not doing any installs. Seems they have no intention.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #12 –
Trying to source or get specs on the air bags. Does anyone have the part numbers? This is a 2008 with tag.
Thank you,
Dennis
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
Trying to source or get specs on the air bags. Does anyone have the part numbers? This is a 2008 with tag.
Thank you,
Dennis
I would send Foretravel Parts an email.  They will give you the part # and their price..  I have done that for many parts on my coach.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #14 –
Quote from: turbojack –
I would send Foretravel Parts an email.  They will give you the part # and their price..  I have done that for many parts on my coach.

They gave me a price plus the shipping. Will not give part numbers or specs except if I was stranded roadside.
Beyond the shipping cost the price was reasonable. I am looking for specs to investigate other options.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #15 –
I usually find their prices to be quite reasonable.  Shipping costs from them give me sticker shock.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Suspension Air Bag Replacement options 2008 Nimbus

Reply #16 –
There should be some numbers on the bag itself that you can lookup.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246