Forum Discussion

TC_Z's avatar
TC_Z
Explorer
Oct 08, 2018

Air Bag Helper Springs for MH ??

Hi, I searched blog and did not find this.... We have a 2007 gas Winn Voyage 38J on Workhorse chassis. It has traditional shocks and leaf springs. It rides fine on smooth roads but is very rough ride when runs over cracks in concrete, or bridge edges, any type of road issue. Wondering if there is an air bag add-on upgrade kit? Has any one installed one? Does it help or is it a waste of money? I search internet and get lost in the many hits. I want to benefit from other RVers' experience. Any feedback, brands, tips would be appreciated.
Many thanks....
  • I have air helper springs on the back of my class C. They definitely help the handling some, preventing some wallowing around (for lack of a better description), but don't prevent transients from reaching the coach. They mainly just increase the spring strength.

    Replacement shocks can certainly help some. I would suggest seeing if Koni FSDs are available for your chassis. They are not inexpensive, but work nicely, and have special valving that varies the stiffness based on the speed of the motion (so they give good damping for big bumps but are not rock hard for little ones).

    As was said, proper tire inflation can make a big difference as well. Also, if you have any play in suspension bushings, those clattering around can also exacerbate things. At the end of the day, though, a gas motorhome is not going to ride like a Cadillac or an air-suspension diesel pusher.
  • How long is your rear overhang? Shocks is your best first step. There is really not much your going to do or add to the chassis that will make much difference at the end of the day. Air bags could likely make the ride worse if over inflated. Correct tire pressure would be q free first step for sure.
  • I have an F53 chassis on leaf springs. I added air bag helper springs on the front. It helps handling, and ride leveling, but it really didn't do anything for ride comfort. Suggestions from the forums are to run the correct amount of tire pressure according to the manufacturers inflation charts based on the weight of your rig, and to change out shocks.