Side to Side leveling with Airbags

[tsetsaf]

Anyone know if it is possible to use airbags (like the Riderites) between the frame and axle on a fifth wheel to level side to side in a campground? I have extra bags left over from a hot rod and figured I could save $5000 over an auto level kit by plumbing these with airline and a schrader valve and filling one side to lift the rig up. Not sure how much slack the springs have and if they would move that much under 80 psi.

[rtazz17]

jtwiley wrote:
Our monaco motorhome uses air bags to level, it works great but the last time we used it the auxiliary pump that keeps the air pressure up while parked for several days came on and would not shut off. The system would dump air and the pump just kept running. Had to pull fuse to shut it down. Any ideas on the possible cause. Thanks for any advise.

usually this happens cuz the air is leaking out somewhere and pump is coming on to keep system at correct psi

[jtwiley]

Our monaco motorhome uses air bags to level, it works great but the last time we used it the auxiliary pump that keeps the air pressure up while parked for several days came on and would not shut off. The system would dump air and the pump just kept running. Had to pull fuse to shut it down. Any ideas on the possible cause. Thanks for any advise.

[Atom_Ant]

here is a video of home made bags under a the tires

air bag leveling

[Atom_Ant]

On Edit - Michelle, I'm not that familiar with all of them, but some use all air. Here is a discussion on a HWH air system on a Monaco

Monaco air level

[Michelle_S]

Are you sure about Air leveling with a MH?? Friends have a 40' DP that has air ride, but once parked all the air is let out of the bags and hydraulic jacks level the MH.

[Atom_Ant]

Many of the big MH park and level on nothing but air. I wouldn't think it would be too bouncy. I don't notice my truck bouncy if I walk in the bed of it with the bags inflated.

I wonder if you could use the air to at least level side to side, then stabilize the front and back? The only concern would be if an air bag leaked, but so can a tire.

[ependydad]

tsetsaf wrote:
Thanks I have seen this, there are a few threads in the archive on these. They use the bags under the tires and inflate once parked. I am suggesting permanently mounted bags between the axle and frame.

The folks who mentioned bouncy rooms that is probably a true suggestion. If it only takes say 35 psi to lift the rig level then I can easily see the bag bouncing with movement in the trailer.

Oh well off to find some electric levelers.

Ahh, ok - I hear what you're saying. Interesting idea.

[waltbennett]

ependydad wrote:
I feel like there's an actual product out there like this.

Edit, a short bit of Googling didn't find anything. But, I did find this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19Wsx2OSz8

That is one great idea! Only problem with using it on a 5er is you'd have to have an air compressor. Certainly work with Class A diesels though.

As for using helper air bags on a 5er: I've got them on my truck and they do work very well, but I don't think there's all that much travel on a 5er suspension. I've jacked up my Monty twice now and I don't believe there's more than 4 to 6" at most.

[tsetsaf]

ependydad wrote:
I feel like there's an actual product out there like this.

Edit, a short bit of Googling didn't find anything. But, I did find this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19Wsx2OSz8

Thanks I have seen this, there are a few threads in the archive on these. They use the bags under the tires and inflate once parked. I am suggesting permanently mounted bags between the axle and frame.

The folks who mentioned bouncy rooms that is probably a true suggestion. If it only takes say 35 psi to lift the rig level then I can easily see the bag bouncing with movement in the trailer.

Oh well off to find some electric levelers.

[ependydad]

I feel like there's an actual product out there like this.

Edit, a short bit of Googling didn't find anything. But, I did find this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19Wsx2OSz8

[Housted]

Automate in Los Banos Ca. did that many years ago.
It seemed to work for them.
Had a control panel inside the rig with on-board compressor.
I looked at the idea but my 5er does not have the room in the necessary area.
I installed the Reico Titan Ground Control system and like it very much.

Housted

[Michelle_S]

Think of those Big air bag things the Kid bounce on!

[MC9]

I have no doubt it would level things. I also have no doubt it would be like standing on a water bed??

[mudmaker]

Hey I like that idea. I would think that would work depending on the frame strength.
Wasn't there a device made that would adjust ride height off of the spring hangar? An adjustable spring hangar based on air pressure would certainly work and be pushing in a spot on the frame specifically designed for the weight if the trailer already. Then just brace with the front and rear jacks and there ya go.
Probably not as simple as that but your idea is a good start.