tag axle MH sagging... what to do?

[Phenomenon]

1991 Fleetwood Bounder Special Edition, 40feet long with a tag axle out back.

The weird part with this tag axle setup is that it uses the bloody mor-ryde system but its a pivoting arm that supports both axles.

I would say the rear end is sagging a good 8" for sure. It only bottoms out on really big bumps but this thing is nose up all the time.

Ive tried googling this setup but im not finding much on how to make it ride level again.

The actual "rubber suspension" bits seem to be fine but i do notice the drive axle is the only one with coil springs on it.

I'm almost wondering if i put some air bags there instead if it would raise it up and make it ride better.

Anyone have hands on experience with this setup?

[Phenomenon]

The tag on the MH says 16,000lbs but i havent actually run it accross a scale yet.

[mpierce]

wolfe10 wrote:
It is a GAS rig.

Still do not think a GAS 40' tag axle MH only weighs 16k.

[wolfe10]

It is a GAS rig.

[mpierce]

Phenomenon wrote:
it may not actually be 8" of sag but its at least 4" for sure.

This MH weighs about 16,500lbs so im gonna need to step it up to a semi truck air bag rather then the little helper ones.

Huh?

A 40', tag axle MH, that weighs 16,500#? I do NOT think so!

[Phenomenon]

it may not actually be 8" of sag but its at least 4" for sure.

This MH weighs about 16,500lbs so im gonna need to step it up to a semi truck air bag rather then the little helper ones.

[Kayteg1]

How much the 40-footer Bounder weights?
Typical air helper bags are max 5000lb rated.
When they will always help, I doubt they will lift the heavy coach 8"
I would contact the manufacturer.
8" sag is HUGE

[Phenomenon]

if the weather cooperates today i'll use the onboard jacks to lift it up (jack stands under it of course) and have a look underneath to see what i can see.

i shall post pics also.

[mpierce]

Take it to a Heavy Duty Semi Truck Alignment place. Have them take a look. Maybe they cannot fix it, but I bet they will be able to tell you where the problem is. Something is very wrong!

[RLS7201]

I was unaware that Oshkosh used coil springs on their drive axles. That being the case, you might add air bags inside the coil springs (like the front of P32 chassis). Or you might contact some one like Robert Henderson at Henderson Line Up. for spring replacement guidance.

Richard

[Mile_High]

Did you try calling Mor-Ryde?

[Geocritter]

While I don't have a tag axle I used rear suspension air bags to augment the worn springs on my 1994 33' Class A Holiday Rambler and they worked great. I installed them myself. The installation was straight forwards and easy, the airbags cost $300.

Steve

[cross_country]

I have had that tag axle system however no sag. To improve the ride and handling also to clear the rear end from bottoming (long overhang) when going up or down curbs; ride rite air bags did the trick. I paid around 600 cdn for them installed. Caution, make sure they do not rub on anything. If you go that route and I agree to ensure your suspension is what it should be, an option is available to have the bags maintained while driving as opposed to manually checking the pressure and filling.

[jerseyjim]

I have no experience with THIS setup...but if the rear is sagging EIGHT inches and the nose is (correspondingly)"up", I might hazard a guess that from a 1991, the springs, shocks or suspension itself is shot...and needs replacement. Air bags will work somewhat...but they will only cover the symptom and not the disease. And...if the airbag goes bad or gets damaged...you're right back where you started. just my 2 cents.

g'luck!