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jspringator's avatar
jspringator
Explorer
Nov 08, 2015

Rear Airbags on 2002 P32 27'?

I'm still working on my 2002 P32 Winnebago Sightseer 27c.

I've installed (or in the process of installing) 4 bilsteins, Roadmaster steering stabilizer, Roadmaster Trac Bar, SteerSafe Bell crank, and front sway bar spreader.

I'm thinking about replacing the front airbags with SteerSafe springs. But it occurred to me that the rear springs may have sagged through the years and may benefit from an extra lift. A lift in the rear would affect the front weight, and may require a different front spring. These springs are speced in 500 pound increments.

I am aware of the 2" measurement in the front. Is there a similar measurement for the rear? I need to determine whether the rear would benefit from a lift, and if so, how much.

If I'm going to do this, I'll need to do it BEFORE I order the springs so I can get the weight right.

This is what I'm looking at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Firestone-Air-Bags-2085-Ride-Rite-Air-Spring-Kit-Rear-Chevy-P30-Motorhome-/130960571415
  • RVMike wrote:
    I had a 2004 Terra 26Y on a P32. After 10 years I added a leaf on the right rear because of sagging. I got rid of the front airbags and installed Henderson springs in the front that where rated 500 lbs over my weight. It already had a safety steer and sway bar front and rear. After the alignment it drove better than new. Whish I had done it sooner.

    It's really hard to convince some of the air bag disciples of what you're saying and for just replacing the front coils, to be done with it.
    Assuming they do have proper ride height before and after the installation, do they check the air in the bags every night and every morning while out on the road. If when they do find an empty bag with a leak, do they replace it immediately or continue along their way with limited time to spare while on vacation?
    I think they are more like putting a band aid on a broken arm, IMO and the cheapest way out for the coach manufacture in getting it out the door.
  • I had a 2004 Terra 26Y on a P32. After 10 years I added a leaf on the right rear because of sagging. I got rid of the front airbags and installed Henderson springs in the front that where rated 500 lbs over my weight. It already had a safety steer and sway bar front and rear. After the alignment it drove better than new. Whish I had done it sooner.
  • Found this in a Google search.

    Posted By: Pusher on 01/19/08 11:11pm

    the P-30 chassis with the 10000 pound rear axel should have 2 3/4 inchs between the top of the axel and the bottom of the frame when loaded. the lighter axels have more space. Actually I think that 2 3/4 is about the minimum you would want. this is from the P-30 chassis service guide. Good luck


    Does this sound about right?

    I want to get the rear height sorted before I start on the front.
  • jspringator wrote:
    I'm still working on my 2002 P32 Winnebago Sightseer 27c.

    I've installed (or in the process of installing) 4 bilsteins, Roadmaster steering stabilizer, Roadmaster Trac Bar, SteerSafe Bell crank, and front sway bar spreader.

    I'm thinking about replacing the front airbags with SteerSafe springs. But it occurred to me that the rear springs may have sagged through the years and may benefit from an extra lift. A lift in the rear would affect the front weight, and may require a different front spring. These springs are speced in 500 pound increments.

    I am aware of the 2" measurement in the front. Is there a similar measurement for the rear? I need to determine whether the rear would benefit from a lift, and if so, how much.

    If I'm going to do this, I'll need to do it BEFORE I order the springs so I can get the weight right.

    This is what I'm looking at:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Firestone-Air-Bags-2085-Ride-Rite-Air-Spring-Kit-Rear-Chevy-P30-Motorhome-/130960571415

    When I had the Henderson Super Steer coils installed, I chose the next higher weight springs, above what the scales read, rather than be too weak maybe. I even managed to discard some of the front end weight afterwards. You do have quite a range for ride height there of 1 3/4 - 2 1/2" even though it might not seem that way.
    Worked out fine and I'm still not at 2 1/2", which would have been good and also allow for a lot of possible fatigue in the future.
    Story short, I wouldn't be concerned with what you're saying and then do something with the rear later on if required.