Forum Discussion

Explorer

Jun 18, 2013

TAIL DRAG SOLUTION? E-450

I have recently purchased a Nexus Viper 29V C/B+ MH on an E-450 chassis. This 30' Mh has a 208" wheelbase with a pretty long overhang. This causes a lot of dragging and scraping of the rear hitch. I am looking for a air bag kit to stiffen up the ride but that would also allow me to raise the back of the MH (3"-4") for short periods of time to navigate dips, driveways, etc.

I have looked mainly at the Air Ride #5000 series with onboard compressor. In talking to Air Ride I was told that when my MH was sitting at normal ride height, inflating the Bags would not raised the rear of the MH. I have also talked to shops that install these things and they seem to think that it would. I am getting very confused.

I think I have seen some posts here that talks about this but I can't seem to find them. Does anyone have any info about this issue?

Class C

14 Replies

Go_Dawgs1
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Yea I don't think that will give you what you are looking for in lift. I have a 03 Chateau 26Q with a good overhang and when my bags are inflated to 60 or 70 pounds it doesn't lift it that much. From 0 to 70 is maybe and inch different. I would look at a different shock or adding springs. Not my area.
Beverley_Ken
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
We have the Firestone airbags on our 29' Outlook c-class. When aired up from 5psi to 75 psi only raises the rear of the MH about 1/2 inch. They do make a big difference in the handling of ours.

Beverley and Ken
rvten
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
Firestone Air Bags.
Have them on our E-450.

Funny it did not come with them.
DaHose
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
I would definitely say that air bags will lift the rear. I was perusing through a Ford forum where folks were specifically saying that they don't run any pressure in their helper bags because it lifts the rear 3-4 inches. They only put in pressure when they load up their 5th or camper.

I have thought about independent bags on the rear axle for leveling. Might be enough on its own, or maybe use small blocks only on the front and air lift the rear.

Jose