Installing Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags on Ford F53 Chassis 

thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I also enjoy the variety of work. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

thank you, I was surprised it worked too

Thanks

good luck! I hope it helps

@@AZExpert By chance do recall how much movement the bags moved the motorhome? I have a 37 Damon Challenger it leans 2 1/2" to the passenger side, once I installed the bags put 95 psi in the low side and it moved an inch. Doesn't appear that it will go anymore.

@@joshsalazar9959 did you get the exact same kit I think they have different sizes. He went from 17" to about 19-1/4" so about 2-1/4 inches at 90 psi then he let a little air out. So 80-85 psi. Hmmmmm this one he said was 23000 gross vehicle weight, what’s yours?

22000 pounds coaches are same mfg. thanks for the feed back. I did get the same kit. I had replaced the front leaf, shocks and steering stabilizer thinking failure. Replaced rear shocks thinking factory where bad. mines a 37'. raised 1 1/4". Called a hand full of shops anout a new leaf or a added leaf with no luck. Better than it was I guess

Awesome

Thanks Phil!

Good luck, it should be easier than leaf springs for sure.

no it's wrong for sure, I don't have science either just the very bad instructions lol. Firestone recommends at least 20psi in a bag at all times. I'm still unconvinced that 90/30 split seems reasonable but I can say the owner said it was so noticeable he doesn't hate driving the motorhome anymore. I guess he was thinking of trading out due to the lean. Thanks!

You don't want to ride with them empty because it can crack the sides and then they'll leak. Especially true for older air bags.

Hey, Thanks for watching! :) and Welcome

Good luck. I have not added bags to the rear w22. Just be careful not to get crushed. What kind of motorhome do you have

@@AZExpert 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire. Did you lift the coach a bit with your install?? Also, the fender on ours has screws in the sides, how are these generally attached on the top? I sent an email to you with a picture of the side of the Coach. Didn't know if you could give me insight on the fender removal.

I would have thought that too. But since the sag is generally caused by uneven weight the air bags just take up the slack of the additional weight meaning the leaf springs should respond in kind. And the sir springs can act as absorbers the reduce spring back. Spacers do work to level, but not relieve the uneven weight. I'm not an automotive engineer so please dont quote me as an authority. 😀

AZ Expert Yes, you are correct as it doesn’t relieve the weight difference with the air bag. Before I got mine adjusted, I did a 4 wheel scale weight and adjusted the weights by shifting the storage to different compartments. As it was adjusted as much as possible, I filled all the tanks (fresh water, fuel, propane and personal belongings) then brought it to the spring shop. They adjusted it to 1/2 “ in height for level with spacers. Since then, it rides level and smooth. Of course, I changed the shocks to Koni’s, rear Trac bar and Cheap Handling Fix on the sway bars. Hugh difference 😆.

I have the same question / Can i install only in the back?

I'm looking for an answer to this. I'm in the process of installing this kit and I initially used the RV Jack's to get it off the ground and then blocked it up and removed the tires. No without jacking up the Axel there's no way to install the bags. But that means once installed.... And I go up on Jack's even half way then the weight of the entire rear end will hang on that airbag. Even if the rubber holds.... Will the 5 or 6 threads in that single bolt on the bottom plate of the bag??

That is common. Often these RVs are close to overloading the suspension unloaded also very often unbalanced too.

I wonder what the max is allowed... that would be a loud bang if one blew. I imagine it would scare the crap out of surrounding traffic lol 😝

thank you

I would order it and see if it fits. The chassis is nearly indentical between RV builders. Return it if it doesn't fit....I ran into the same issue with this motorhome too.

Where are you located? I need a few things done in my Rig and am looking for a reputable RV mechanic.

That's good to hear

The fittings and lines and bags are DOT quality. Leaks are not very common. These are pretty popular systems on trucks especially for 5th wheels.

while you might be correct they definitely do leave the factory like this too

On a 32v adventurer 2002

screws on the frame struts, mounting flanges, and then tiny screws in the beltline on the wheel well side

@@AZExpert thanks for answer. I ended up taking tires off. I think it actually made it easier to drill the holes as needed.

Well that's one way of putting it.