air ride supension?

[sb201]

Can anyone help me figure out the air ride supension on Class A motorhomes. Where can i read about it? We are getting ready to upgrade from a gas shock to a diesel motorhome and I want to be assured of getting the best ride. I have seen some youtube videos of people going back and putting air suspensions on class A diesels but I was thinking that all diesels had air bags.
Any help will be greatfully appreciated.
Scott

[fcooper]

SB201
Look at the thread in the link below. In the 4th post, there is a link to a PDF diagram of a Freightliner chassis air diagram, about an 03 or 04 model, but most are similar.

freightliner chassis air diagram

ps...we're almost neighbors. If I can help with anything let me know.

Fred

[lanerd]

wny_pat wrote:
My diesel pusher is built on a Foretravel monocoque chassis (unibody, not frame rail) and has a Velvet-Ride Torsilastic Suspension System by Goodrich designed around around its Torsilastic rubber torsion bar. It is the same Torsilastic rubber torsion bar system that was used by Eagle International buses, Dina Autobuses of Mexico and Flxible. Gives a very improved ride over regular spring suspensions found on other motorhomes. The suspension is designed to provide a million miles of service with virtually no maintenance, according to BFGoodrich engineers. It is no longer in production. It can also be found on the Safari. Safari did have some problems with theirs I believe.

Had to be the "pre-Monaco" Safari's. As far as I know, ALL Monaco brands (monaco, holiday rambler, beaver, and safari) DPs had the multi air bag Roadmaster suspensions. The 4-bag with a certain trailing arm design had some major problems. I've never heard of the 6-bag Roadmaster..only 4, 8, and 10.

Ron

[wny_pat1]

My diesel pusher is built on a Foretravel monocoque chassis (unibody, not frame rail) and has a Velvet-Ride Torsilastic Suspension System by Goodrich designed around around its Torsilastic rubber torsion bar. It is the same Torsilastic rubber torsion bar system that was used by Eagle International buses, Dina Autobuses of Mexico and Flxible. Gives a very improved ride over regular spring suspensions found on other motorhomes. The suspension is designed to provide a million miles of service with virtually no maintenance, according to BFGoodrich engineers. It is no longer in production. It can also be found on the Safari. Safari did have some problems with theirs I believe.

[Executive45]

Air ride is much more comfortable and stable than springs IMHO...that said, to add to your confusion, there are two places where the air bags are placed...inside the rails and outside the rails. Air bags placed outside the frame rails gives you a wider stance, hence a more stable and comfy ride...number of air bags makes a difference also. Some have four, some six..mine has ten...pick a floorplan you like, then drive it. There's not one answer fits all other than air bags are superior to leaf springs, but like SuperCub said, there are other things to consider other than bags or springs......Dennis

[supercub]

Not all dp's are air ride, I believe the entry level Monaco motorhomes have a leaf spring suspension, and I'm sure there's others too. As far as air suspension, The Roadmaster 4 bag is known for a firm ride. The Sparten and Freigtliner are known for a more comfortable ride. Other factors enter into the picture such as wheel base length, weight, IFS, etc. The best thing, is a good test drive.
Brian

[luvlabs]

I've not heard of a diesel pusher with anything other than an air suspension chassis. Most pusher chassis are Freightliner or Spartan. You can look at their websites for more information.

Not true for the Fred chassis (front engine diesel) - those are usually on springs but I'm sure there are exceptions to this as well.