I only found two short threads on this subject so a new post is warranted I think. I've ordered a Center Point air bag suspension system for our fifth wheel. It should arrive next week and my RV tech is going to install it for us.I would like to hear from those with actual experience using this system how well it works, how do you know how much air to put in the air bags, and what kind of maintenance does the system require?Also, I already have the Trail Air Tri Glide pin box, so I'm expecting a really smooth ride for the trailer and the truck. Will I be disappointed?Thanks.

I did not even know that was an option. Found it on Lippert's site and it looks very interesting. Interested to hear what others have to say. Looks like they cost around $700 plus installation.

I've only seen one installed. I know the guy had some trouble with it but I don't remember what. I wasn't too impressed with the fact that you had to mess with the air pressure all the time. He has since gotten another rig and moved on. His new rig has a Mor-Ryde I.S. I guess that tells the story.B.O.

We have had this since it came out on our 35 ft alpenlite. Only problem was the guage leaked and was replaced and no problems since. I think the new models have air to both side separate and we have one valve to do both sides together. The weight of the rv tells how much air pressure and another way is to measure the distance between the back of the airbag to the back of the bag . I have never done this so I cannot explain it but the instructions will tell what is needed. 5 lbs of air pressure for each 1000lbs on the axles is what I do. We had a spring break on the trip home from Az in April that ruined the long shackle after it was dragging the highway. Lippert was no help with us getting the parts and the lady on their end should have stayed home to cook and clean. Knew nothing on the product. chevman

Had it for over 7 years of full timing with no problems. Have Nitrogen in the bags and have to add 2 to 3 times a year. I carry a bottle of Nitrogen anyway for other things. I was at Mor ride for disk brakes and they asked if I wanted a IS system installed, I told them what I had and was told "you have a good system now" . I would do it again.BTW. Also have a Trailair pinbox.

I have a trailair pinbox, and centerpoint suspension on the trailer. Add a Viair compressor, a 0.5 gallon tank, and a pressire switch and you have onboard air. I ran the fill valve from the pinbox to the battery compartment (that is where the two valves for the centerpoint are) and I can fill all three in under a minute from the onboard air. I also fill pool toys, balls, tires (bike and trailer) off the system.As far as ride, the combined pair absorbs most bumps from grade crossings, and all but the worst chucking. There is a sticker with the centerpoint, x psi per thousand lbs of axle weight. one setting for two axle, one setting for three. I have two valves, and was told the purpose of two is if one side is heavier ten the other, you could run different pressures on each side.I have left coffee in a mug on the counter, without spilling a drop. I can see the trailer rock and roll behind the TV, and only feel the TV on the road. Believe it or not, the ride is better with the trailer attached then empty.Only thing I don't like about having it done, was the wet bolts - some are pointed in , some out. Might as well have them all pointed out, as I have to pull the tires to lube them.

Center Point Suspension | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

Boxer_Lovers
Explorer
Sep 26, 2013
Thanks for the input. I've pulled it a couple of hundred miles and can't feel a great deal of differnce in the TV ride. However, the inside of the trailer shows fewer signs of things jumping around than before, so I'm satisfied.

The trailer is at the dealer's for some warranty work. When I get it back I'll try to find a scale to weigh each side of the axles and manually ad air to the heavy side if needed.
hook47
Explorer
Sep 20, 2013
The 2 Mobile Suites I've had had 2 gauges; the off door/kitchen slide is heavier than the door side and the pressure used is 10psi higher on the off door side. It should be a relatively easy fix to add a separate line and gauge or don't use a gauge just a tire gauge to adjust the one. Before you do this, with the rig loaded as normal, check the air bags for proper adjustment. The 2 plates that the air bags are mounted on should be basically parallel when inflated (about 5 1/4 inch apart, IIRC). If they are pretty close to this it should work ok.
ken_burke
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
Boxer Lovers wrote:
I only found two short threads on this subject so a new post is warranted I think. I've ordered a Center Point air bag suspension system for our fifth wheel. It should arrive next week and my RV tech is going to install it for us.

I would like to hear from those with actual experience using this system how well it works, how do you know how much air to put in the air bags, and what kind of maintenance does the system require?

Also, I already have the Trail Air Tri Glide pin box, so I'm expecting a really smooth ride for the trailer and the truck. Will I be disappointed?

Thanks.

I think that you will be really pleased with the new air suspension system. I have the TrailAir pin box and the TrailAir jaw.

ken
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
It sounded like it came with separate air lines so the reason for two gauges. Somebody is trying to fool somebody.
chevman
stickdog
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
Boxer Lovers wrote:
I just received an email from LCI parts informing me if I wanted the ability to adjust and read air bag pressure on each side of the trailer that I should have ordered a second pressure guage. My impression from posters here was that the new ones came with two and the old ones only had one pressure reading guage. Any thoughts?

Don't trust what you read on the internet.
Boxer_Lovers
Explorer
Sep 19, 2013
I just received an email from LCI parts informing me if I wanted the ability to adjust and read air bag pressure on each side of the trailer that I should have ordered a second pressure guage. My impression from posters here was that the new ones came with two and the old ones only had one pressure reading guage. Any thoughts?
christopherglen
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
I prefer air suspensions, not so much for the improved ride, as massive reduction in peak stresses hitting the frame. Without going into lipperts frame issues several years back (or the possibility of a Friday afternoon / Monday morning frame), I feel the lower stresses overall and especially peak stress reduction will make EVERYTHING (frame, walls, appliances) last longer.
The improved ride in the cab is a big (and expensive) plus!!
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
maybe the new design was not a good one. I wish I could tell you how it was for us but we already had the airhitch for a couple of years and this stopped any feel from the alpenlite. It will be good to hear what you think.
chevman
Boxer_Lovers
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
The system arrived and installed with no problems. I was disappointed to find only one air line and one pressure gauge. Several posted on this forum that the new models have seperate pressure lines,valves,and guages. Mine does not. I hope I didn't pay for a new model and get the old design.

Taking the rig back next Tuesday for some warranty work at the dealer 75 miles away . I'll see if I notice any improvement. Fairly rough road.
RECVEH2005
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
We had one installed on our previous fiver (Okanagan) and we were pleased with the result. We had to replace the air valve one time in 5 years. Otherwise all O.K.

Mike