Front Air Bags for a 2008 F-53 Ford Chassis

JimM68 wrote:
not real sure about all the positive responses...

Air bags add to the spring rate.
If the ride is all ready harsh, it can only get harsher as the bags are pumped up.

Exception would be a system that ALSO installed softer leaf springs, or removed one or more leafs from the existing springs.

Was my thought at 1st before installing, but what really happen was I just put enough air {30lbs} so motorhome rides on airbag during normal riding, giving it a softer ride, if I hit hard bumps or large pot holes than the leaf springs kick in, but the hard bumps seem to be a little less hard.

not real sure about all the positive responses...

Air bags add to the spring rate.
If the ride is all ready harsh, it can only get harsher as the bags are pumped up.

Exception would be a system that ALSO installed softer leaf springs, or removed one or more leafs from the existing springs.

Mike M2 wrote:
Here's my plan for a winter project, i'm going to make my front bags adjustable from inside the MH for a fraction of the price Firestone wants for a pump. I'm thinking of taking an old 12 volt tire pump i have and adding this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321079102429?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_846wt_679
to control it. The switch turns the pump on and opens the airline, and also dumps air. This will allow me to change pressure on the road for under 100 bucks...

Are you going to be using 2 or 4 airbags, if 4 than get the double control switch and you can operate the front and back at different levels, if not get the double anyways in case you install 2 more air bags.

Mike M2 wrote:
Yea, i've seen some complaints on front bags in an F53 and that made me hesitate at first. I think for the money it's a no brainer myself...

Yea I can't see why there would be a complaint unless they had to much pressure in the bags, I found 30 lbs just lifted the front a little to ride mostly on the air bags for that soft bouncy type feel, still banged on a pot hole but a little less.

Will be playing with the pressure and checking for level front to back for that almost perfect ride, cool thing is I can raise and lower pressure inside RV with controls and a air pump.

Yea, i've seen some complaints on front bags in an F53 and that made me hesitate at first. I think for the money it's a no brainer myself...

Just installed the front air bags today, set the fronts at 30lbs and the rear at 60lbs, wow what a difference, seemed more bouncy in front, soft sort of like, much less harsh.

Will have to say money well spent..

20# on my fronts and it does help somewhat on the harsh concrete joints.

Mike M2 wrote:
Here's my plan for a winter project, i'm going to make my front bags adjustable from inside the MH for a fraction of the price Firestone wants for a pump. I'm thinking of taking an old 12 volt tire pump i have and adding this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321079102429?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_846wt_679
to control it. The switch turns the pump on and opens the airline, and also dumps air. This will allow me to change pressure on the road for under 100 bucks...

Yep firestone does charge a lot for the gauge and pump, I was lucky my motorhome came with air bags in back, air pump, air tank and dual gauge control panel inside.

I also just ordered the air bags for the front with extra fittings to tie into the system I have now, it only cost me $380.00 to finish off my motorhome to have 4 airbags and front and back air adjust control inside.

Here's my plan for a winter project, i'm going to make my front bags adjustable from inside the MH for a fraction of the price Firestone wants for a pump. I'm thinking of taking an old 12 volt tire pump i have and adding this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321079102429?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_846wt_679
to control it. The switch turns the pump on and opens the airline, and also dumps air. This will allow me to change pressure on the road for under 100 bucks...

I have the Kelderman system which is bags front and back on 2011 chassis-Ford. A bit more sophisticated than just bags and makes a huge difference. I would think the plain bags would help and I agree you should play with the inflation to determine your sweet spot.