I’d like to discuss airbags, specifically rear airbags. Nothing hypothetical, I’m interested in what people have actually experienced. Here’s the problem I’m hoping to solve. My 1994 33’ Class A HR drives okay, handles okay, but after 20 years it seems to be hanging a little low in the rear. It’s not a huge problem, but several time I’ve scrapped my tail going over areas that just weren’t that elevated. I’m hoping that with a pair of airbags mounted on the rear axle I can achieve the rear end clearance the rig had when it was new (or at least newer). Harking back to the mid-1960’s and my hot rod days, I was also thinking of taking the rear springs apart and simply adding a leaf or two to each spring, however the airbags look easier to install. Has anyone out there had a problem similar to mine and successfully addressed it with airbags?

I recently had replacement springs installed on the rear of my P-30. The original springs had sagged.

I had airbags on my 32' gasser. They came with the RV so I can't really say what the before and after was. However, what I did note, which was a surprise, not only did it prop up the rear end, but it also reduced the side to side sway in cross winds and when big rigs pass you by. This was tested with the air bags at 20 lbs and then again at 60 lbs. There was a big difference. They do a good job, and from what I have heard, they are not terribly expensive. I believe mine were from Firestone.

They will work but they are a band aid to the problem. They also can have thier own issues with leaks. Unless your going to invest in an air pump system to manage them I would just get the springs rearched and beefed up. You will be happier.

I would certainly not use the term bandaid, especially in this situation.Air bags will both restore your previous ride height and better manage varying loads. "supplementary" air bags were standard on many P series chevy motorhome chassis, and have always been a popular aftermarket item.Re arching or replacing the leaf springs is a very permanent solution, what if you miss? you'd be stuck with the wrong height or an improper spring rate and bad ride...I too am an old time hot rodder... :)

The air bags can be used as a supplement to your regular springs. Most aftermarket air bags have a 5000 pound capacity so they do have some limitations. The advantage is that they are adjustable. With heavy crosswinds on a smooth road, you can pump them up to 80+ pounds and they will stiffen the ride and minimize sway. On rough roads you can drop the pressure back down for a smoother ride.

Using airbags for rear spring augmentation | Good Sam Community

topflite51
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
Installed Air Bags on front and rear, it is the best money I have ever spent on the RV.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2014
I have them front and rear and I also have the dash mounted control, with gauges, to inflate or deflate them. This makes it very convenient to adjust the air pressure as needed for changing road or wind conditions.
s_N_s
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
We had them on our 94 Bounder 32H. They worked great. You can level up the coach with no problem. Good Luck hope it works out for you if you get them.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
Falconman, read up on them. Firestone and Airlift airbags are guaranteed for lifetime. I have had a pair for 10 years and they never leak. Go for it. They aren't a bandaid. Get the pump from airlift and you can't go wrong. It's built for abuse.
cpoo
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
Holstein, you have your new coach. Have you begun the long trip?
holstein13
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
You'll love them. I had them in my '11 Fleetwood Storm and it made the ride much better.
BrianinMichigan
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
I put a set of Air Lift bags on mine about 3 years ago. I should of done it 10 years ago. I set mine up to be independently filled. Even though I had new springs put on it 7-8 years ago, the back end always seemed to sag. I maintain about 60psi in them and it raised the back end of mine about 2-3". I have not had to put any air in them in over a year. I put the air stems in a back hatch next to my portable air compressor. I also ran the air line in some vinyl tubing to keep any scuffing from happening.
jplante4
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2014
The Monterey (1995 Chevy chassis) had coil springs and airbags. The ride was a little rough at 50 psi front and 70 psi in the back, but the ride height was good. Ride improved when I set the tire pressure at 100 psi instead of 110.
cooper841
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
I have had them for six years .They have my ride a big difference and carrying little bit more of a load.With the onboard air system in inflate or deflate right from drivers seat.
MountainAir05
Explorer II
Nov 21, 2014
I have had them since 2005 and really do not thank you made wrong decision. My ride now is very good. I can load them for wind side/side and front to back. Just add 10+ lbs and a world of difference in handling. Play around with the air setting. A couple hours each to install.