air suspension??

[Jim @ Fran]

Hi...Have 1993 ford coachman catalina 22ft motorhome and have a suspension question...would this have come with some kind of air system for the rear suspension?    My rv feels like it bottoms out steel on steel with anykind of bump in the road.  also how expensive could this be to have one installed??  thanks to all...

 

[kdbgoat]

With a motorhome of that vintage, I would start with shocks and springs. If they are degraded, air bags would just be a bandaid repair. I put a set of airbags and compressor on an F-250 truck at work about two or three years ago. It was pretty close to $1000 if I recall.

 

[grashley]

You can look for some sort of air suspension system.  It will have air bags with air lines running to them and a compressor and height control switch somewhere.  Otherwise, Goat pretty well nailed it.  Springs will wear out and / or break.

 

[SeilerBird]

Goat did nail it. Coachmen is not top of the line so a 25 year old suspension system will be tired.

 

[NewmanRacing]

Air suspension will not solve this issue.

Make sure your suspension bump stops are in place. They are chunks of hard rubber that cushion any maximum spring compression.

You do hear the sound from the rear of your coach? Maybe your steps or jack in a storage bin?:

Inspect your rear springs closely. One leaf broken in the rear springs will cause this. Also make sure the leaf bundle straps are in place and not loose.

I had my rear springs re-leafed for about $500 at a local specialty shop.

Inspect your exhaust and make sure all mounts are OK. Crawl under and give it a firm upwards thwap with your palm.

 

[Jim @ Fran]

thanks for your replies..I took the RV to accurate allignment in appleton wisconsin and 2 service techs crawled under the coach and found there is a air system which worked on one side but the other bag was leaking..they suggested replacing the entire system due to age??    Said the springs looked good and no cracks etc...new system is about 300.00 plus another 200.00 or so labor...or I could just replace the one leaking bag and see..Not sure yet what I should do....would be nice to have it working just to see the difference in suspension..

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Back on the 90's the coach body was often heavier than the chassis could carry well, so add-ons like air bags were common. Given that your system is 25 years old and in unknown condition (pump, bags, lines, etc), I think I would replace the entire thing. I suspect that the cost of replacing everything is only around $200 more than just one bag. Assuming you can find just one that is compatible.

 

[Jim @ Fran]

thanks Gary...I agree with you....taking it in tomorrow to have checked out at a authorized air lift dealer..
Appreciate all the feedback..

 

[Jim @ Fran]

Just had the air system installed and the RV rides like a dream..no more bottoming out.....thanks..