Should I Add Leaf Spring or Air Bag to Suspension

[olygene]

I have a 27' 2005 E450 Class C chassis. Sometimes going over a steep driveway or dip, the rear end gets so low that it scrapes the steel drag guards. While it doesn't happen often, it is irritating and sometimes causes a jolt. I think raising the chassis about 2" will eliminate 90% of the scraping. After reading RVnet comments, I thought adding another leaf spring might do the job but when I took it into a shop, they suggested adding an air bag instead. I don't know if they made the suggestion because adding a spring would be too difficult or too expensive or that an air bag really is more effective for situations such as this. Any comments would be appreciated. Would especially like to know if anyone has done this, does it work as planned and what cost was. Thanks.

[ernie1]

I installed Super Springs on my 2005 E350 Ford Super Duty van and while it helped to support the oem springs, they have developed a nagging squeak that just won't go away.

[JimK-NY]

Air bags will give you a softer ride. On the surface that sounds like a good thing, however too much softness can be a serious problem. To compensate I put my Rancho shocks on maximum and ended up with a jarring ride and still too much sway. Supersprings were the answer.

[olygene]

My previous 01 Class C had them factory installed but I did not need to use them because my ground clearance was higher. My current Class C does NOT have them and the ground clearance is lower so am thinking they (or added leaf springs) might help.

[RJsfishin]

Many MHs were equipped w/ airbags from the factory. Perhaps yours should have also ??
Mine has them, but really doesn't need them.

[magic43]

Air bags all of the way.

[C_Schomer]

2" on an already stiff suspension like a 450 might be tough to get with a spring or air bag. HD bags are good for 50 lbs. of lift per psi, if that helps you decide. So 100 psi = 5000 lbs.
You would have a bone jarring ride from h@ll if you raise it up 2" with timbrens. Craig

[Home_Skillet]

I put air bags on mine, with the on board compressor.
I could not be any happier.

The rear end can be raised up from the cab as needed.

[Ron3rd]

You might also consider Timbrens. Simple to install. Love mine.

[poriggity]

It really depends on what you are after. An add a leaf will be cheaper, more than likely, but if you are going to be towing with your RV, or want to have customizable adjustable ride height and stiffness, then airbags are definetly worth thinking about.