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[GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125492] Tue, 10 May 2011 23:18 Go to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

It seems to me that we need to put together a spread sheet that lists /
describes the pluses and minuses of the rear suspensions currently
available.

OEM
Four Bag - Leigh Harrison
Quadra Bag - Jim Kanomata
Single Bag - Zeb Frady
Single Bag - Don Hensley
Four Bag - Alex Sirum
Singleton - Jim Kanomata

Parameters to be listed:

Max height under bogie and pressure required
Min height under bogie
Max pressure required (I know this will vary by coach weight)
Weight of system
Time to install
Cost
Shipping cost
Problems with system

It's 11:20 PM and this is all I can think of at the moment. I need to hit
the hay!

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426



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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125497 is a reply to message #125492] Tue, 10 May 2011 23:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Tue, 10 May 2011 21:18

It seems to me that we need to put together a spread sheet that lists /
describes the pluses and minuses of the rear suspensions currently
available.

OEM
Four Bag - Leigh Harrison
Quadra Bag - Jim Kanomata
Single Bag - Zeb Frady
Single Bag - Don Hensley
Four Bag - Alex Sirum
Singleton - Jim Kanomata

Parameters to be listed:

Max height under bogie and pressure required
Min height under bogie
Max pressure required (I know this will vary by coach weight)
Weight of system
Time to install
Cost
Shipping cost
Problems with system ...


Good list. I would add:

Average pressure at normal ride height (Yes, I know this will vary by coach weight)
Cost of replacement bags
Source(s) of replacement bags
Part number(s) of replacement bags

I remember when you only had two choices. Leigh Harrison Four Bag or OEM.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125500 is a reply to message #125497] Wed, 11 May 2011 00:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mitch is currently offline  Mitch   United States
Messages: 272
Registered: May 2009
Location: Tacoma, Wa
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I would add another item in the list;
Ease of installation.


Mitch Tacoma, Wa. '80 Spitfire '03 Windstar '77 Jaguar XJ6-C X(very)'76 PB 26 "The Beast" Where it rains, always. It's wet, No sun, Gray. Go to Oregon.

[Updated on: Wed, 11 May 2011 00:15]

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125503 is a reply to message #125500] Wed, 11 May 2011 00:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Our unit is easier to install, ask Jim B. he has installed more
Harrison in the past and now the Q Bag.
You need to see the two side by side and see that there are several
innovations that the Q bag has.


On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 10:15 PM, Mitch <Yowzax3@harbornet.com> wrote:
>
>
> I would another item in the list;
>  Ease of installation.
> --
> Mitch
> Tacoma, Wa.
> '80 Spitfire
> '03 Windstar
> X(very)PB 26 "The Beast"
> Where it rains, always.
>
> It's wet, No sun, Gray.
> Go to Oregon.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125524 is a reply to message #125492] Wed, 11 May 2011 07:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Byron Songer is currently offline  Byron Songer   United States
Messages: 1912
Registered: August 2007
Location: Louisville, KY
Karma: -2
Senior Member

Rob,

As always, you've done a great job in bringing focus to a topic that has
several solutions. Thanks for starting the comparison table.

However, I'm still trying to champion the cause with regard to what type of
air spring (bag) these solutions use. I'd like to see us clear the air with
reference to the number of bags actually used. I think we're doing ourselves
a disservice by calling something Quadra or Four without an adequate
description behind it.

I'm not that familiar with Harrison's system so I won't speak to it. Someone
else can. However, with respect to the Kanomata/Bounds development the
system uses two double-convoluted springs per side. In other words, on the
driver or passenger side there are two bags connected to a vertical
stabilizer. In all, there are a total of four bags used on the coach.

If we use this analogy, then the single bag systems would be Double Bag.

By the way, there are double-convoluted bags that are light duty (according
to Firestone) and some are heavy duty. The heavy duty pickups with air
springs get the light duty springs. Tractors with fifth wheels for pulling
trailers get the heavy duty air springs as do many trailers.

Another by they way, Firestone also makes Ride-Rite systems that include the
pumps, hoses, etc. without the air springs. They also include a remote
control in some instances. The systems could be used to replace the OEM
leveling system.

--

Byron Songer
1978 GMC Royale
Louisville, KY
http://www.gmceast.com
http://web.me.com/bnsonger




Rob Mueller wrote:

> G'day,
>
> It seems to me that we need to put together a spread sheet that lists /
> describes the pluses and minuses of the rear suspensions currently
> available.
>
> OEM
> Four Bag - Leigh Harrison
> Quadra Bag - Jim Kanomata
> Single Bag - Zeb Frady
> Single Bag - Don Hensley
> Four Bag - Alex Sirum
> Singleton - Jim Kanomata
>
> Parameters to be listed:
>
> Max height under bogie and pressure required
> Min height under bogie
> Max pressure required (I know this will vary by coach weight)
> Weight of system
> Time to install
> Cost
> Shipping cost
> Problems with system
>
> It's 11:20 PM and this is all I can think of at the moment. I need to hit
> the hay!
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist


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-- Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #125538 is a reply to message #125524] Wed, 11 May 2011 08:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Byron,

Both the Jim K / Jim B (Quadra Bag) and Harrison (Four Bag) system use four
bags in total; two per side.

Therefore your statement below of "If we use this analogy, then the single
bag systems would be Double Bag." is correct.

As far as the types of bags used by each system here's what I sent in:

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Rob Mueller
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:37 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] OEM AirBags....Hensley's AirBag/Harrison's, OEM???

Mike,

Correct!

In case anyone is interested here's the specs on the Firestone bags for the
Harrison System:

http://www.firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/datasheets/W013583400.pdf

Here's the Firestone bags for the Quadra Bag system:

http://firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/datasheets/W013587325.pdf

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

Here's some more info on these two bags:

W01-358-7325

http://firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/OE/OE_Data_Sheets/224.pdf

W01-358-7325

http://firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/OE/OE_Data_Sheets/26.pdf

There is another spec sheet that provides the "normal" operating pressures
and burst pressure which I have hard copies of in Sydney but I can't seem to
find them on the Web at the moment.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Byron Songer
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 7:54 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison

Rob,

As always, you've done a great job in bringing focus to a topic that has
several solutions. Thanks for starting the comparison table.

However, I'm still trying to champion the cause with regard to what type of
air spring (bag) these solutions use. I'd like to see us clear the air with
reference to the number of bags actually used. I think we're doing ourselves
a disservice by calling something Quadra or Four without an adequate
description behind it.

I'm not that familiar with Harrison's system so I won't speak to it. Someone
else can. However, with respect to the Kanomata/Bounds development the
system uses two double-convoluted springs per side. In other words, on the
driver or passenger side there are two bags connected to a vertical
stabilizer. In all, there are a total of four bags used on the coach.

If we use this analogy, then the single bag systems would be Double Bag.

By the way, there are double-convoluted bags that are light duty (according
to Firestone) and some are heavy duty. The heavy duty pickups with air
springs get the light duty springs. Tractors with fifth wheels for pulling
trailers get the heavy duty air springs as do many trailers.

Another by they way, Firestone also makes Ride-Rite systems that include the
pumps, hoses, etc. without the air springs. They also include a remote
control in some instances. The systems could be used to replace the OEM
leveling system.

--

Byron Songer
1978 GMC Royale
Louisville, KY
http://www.gmceast.com
http://web.me.com/bnsonger



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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128191 is a reply to message #125492] Wed, 01 June 2011 13:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Andrew is currently offline  Andrew   United States
Messages: 213
Registered: April 2011
Location: Connecticut
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Tue, 10 May 2011 23:18


It seems to me that we need to put together a spread sheet that lists / describes the pluses and minuses of the rear suspensions currently available.



I've been collecting bits from various threads and sites for a few weeks. All of the suggested comparison criteria are included (even if I didn't understand it Smile ), and I also added a few criteria that seemed useful.

I've tried to distill the range of answers down to the most authoritative, but I'm sure some opinion has crept in. The "comments" section is largely opinion.

There is a lot of data missing, and I'm sure there are errors. Air bags are a surprisingly contentious issue, but I hope this style is a fair presentation.

Here's what I have so far.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsEWkMLsSGYOdGhtejZVby1fSG5qUkZRT3BsTFNwcXc&hl=en_US#

http://goo.gl/clBjC (same link, shortened)

Please reply to this thread with additions, corrections or clarifications, as well as opinions!


1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128196 is a reply to message #128191] Wed, 01 June 2011 14:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Harry is currently offline  Harry   Canada
Messages: 1888
Registered: October 2007
Location: Victoria, BC CANADA
Karma: 3
Senior Member
I had a three bag system.
One was in the passenger seat........... Laughing
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128198 is a reply to message #128196] Wed, 01 June 2011 14:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
cbwoodsr is currently offline  cbwoodsr   United States
Messages: 1063
Registered: February 2004
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Senior Member
Was it an old one that could explode??

CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
ONLINE PARTS PROGRAM
www.GMCMHParts.com

Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128203 is a reply to message #128198] Wed, 01 June 2011 14:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
Possible that the third bag had those plastic cones?<Grin>
Jim Hupy

On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:17 PM, Charles Wood <cbwoodsr@swbell.net> wrote:

>
>
> Was it an old one that could explode??
> --
> CBWood
> 77 Kingslay
> MWC OK
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128204 is a reply to message #128203] Wed, 01 June 2011 14:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
It's the only place in a GMC where silicone is permissible ;~)

Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Hupy" <jamesh1296@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 12:42:46 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison

Possible that the third bag had those plastic cones?<Grin>
Jim Hupy

On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:17 PM, Charles Wood <cbwoodsr@swbell.net> wrote:

>
>
> Was it an old one that could explode??
> --
> CBWood
> 77 Kingslay
> MWC OK
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128207 is a reply to message #128204] Wed, 01 June 2011 14:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
oh
my, my, my

it is going to be a bad camping season

gene


On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:

> It's the only place in a GMC where silicone is permissible ;~)
>
> Larry Davick
> Fremont, California
> The Mystery Machine
> '76 (ish) Palm Beach
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "James Hupy" <jamesh1296@gmail.com>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 12:42:46 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison
>
> Possible that the third bag had those plastic cones?<Grin>
> Jim Hupy
>
> On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:17 PM, Charles Wood <cbwoodsr@swbell.net> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Was it an old one that could explode??
> > --
> > CBWood
> > 77 Kingslay
> > MWC OK
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
> _______________________________________________
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>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128208 is a reply to message #128207] Wed, 01 June 2011 15:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
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Senior Member
Especially for those coaches equipped with three air bags.<Grin>
Jim Hupy

On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Mr.erf ERFisher <mr.erfisher@gmail.com>wrote:

> oh
> my, my, my
>
> it is going to be a bad camping season
>
> gene
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:44 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
> > It's the only place in a GMC where silicone is permissible ;~)
> >
> > Larry Davick
> > Fremont, California
> > The Mystery Machine
> > '76 (ish) Palm Beach
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "James Hupy" <jamesh1296@gmail.com>
> > To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 12:42:46 PM
> > Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison
> >
> > Possible that the third bag had those plastic cones?<Grin>
> > Jim Hupy
> >
> > On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 12:17 PM, Charles Wood <cbwoodsr@swbell.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > Was it an old one that could explode??
> > > --
> > > CBWood
> > > 77 Kingslay
> > > MWC OK
> > >
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > GMCnet mailing list
> > > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128219 is a reply to message #128191] Wed, 01 June 2011 17:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Andrew,

Great Job!

To the rest of you silly buggers, you've had your laugh! Now how about doing
something constructive like going out and taking measurements to fill in
lines 10, 11, 12! ;-)

I've got the PowerLevel system on The Blue Streak dismantled but will start
putting it back together tomorrow. Once I get that done I can supply the
measurements for the Harrison system.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 4:28 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison

Robert Mueller wrote on Tue, 10 May 2011 23:18
> It seems to me that we need to put together a spread sheet that lists /
describes the pluses and minuses of the rear suspensions currently
available.

I've been collecting bits from various threads and sites for a few weeks.
All of the suggested comparison criteria are included (even if I didn't
understand it :) ), and I also added a few criteria that seemed useful.

I've tried to distill the range of answers down to the most authoritative,
but I'm sure some opinion has crept in. The "comments" section is largely
opinion.

There is a lot of data missing, and I'm sure there are errors. Air bags are
a surprisingly contentious issue, but I hope this style is a fair
presentation.

Here's what I have so far.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsEWkMLsSGYOdGhtejZVby1
fSG5qUkZRT3BsTFNwcXc&hl=en_US#

http://goo.gl/clBjC (same link, shortened)

Please reply to this thread with additions, corrections or clarifications,
as well as opinions!

--
1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
Savannah, GA
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128232 is a reply to message #128219] Wed, 01 June 2011 19:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Andrew is currently offline  Andrew   United States
Messages: 213
Registered: April 2011
Location: Connecticut
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 01 June 2011 17:52



To the rest of you silly buggers, you've had your laugh! Now how about doing
something constructive like going out and taking measurements to fill in
lines 10, 11, 12! Wink

I've got the PowerLevel system on The Blue Streak dismantled but will start
putting it back together tomorrow. Once I get that done I can supply the
measurements for the Harrison system.




Excellent, thanks! And please let me know what lines 10,11,12 (now lines 11,12,13) mean..! Smile Did I rephrase them into lines 14,15 or are they something else?

I've added some info sent via PM, and adjusted other parts to make it more readable. More feedback on all aspects welcome!

I can't find any info on the Alex Sirum setup anywhere. I could call him, but the more public the data the better, I think.

And I know the Jim K Q-bag system has loyal fans, so please help me differentiate it from the Harrison system quantitatively or qualitatively!

http://goo.gl/clBjC



1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128242 is a reply to message #128232] Wed, 01 June 2011 20:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Andrew,

I got to thinking about lines 11 - 12 - 13 and if I am not mistaken the
upward and downward movement of the bogie is actually limited by the shock
absorber not the air bags! The shocks compress when the bogie arm moves down
(raising the rear end) and extend when the bogie arm moves up (lowering the
rear end). If I am correct we need to add another line "Shock Absorber
Brand."

Here's a picture from JimK's website that shows that.

http://www.appliedgmc.com/products/full/684.jpg

Definitions of lines 11 - 12 - 13

Line 11: Max Height Under Bogie = Let's change that to "Distance from the
ground to the grease fitting in the rear bogie pin with air bags fully
inflated".

Line 12: Pressure at Max Height = Self explanatory, HOWEVER, not 100%
relevant as it is effected by the weight of the coach. Also one must be
careful when taking this measurement and monitor the pressure and bogie
movement. The pressure should be noted the INSTANT the bogies stops moving
(shock fully compressed).

Line 13: Min Height Under Bogie = Let's change that to "Distance from the
ground to the grease fitting in the rear bogie pin with air bags fully
deflated".

Putting numbers in all the boxes will differentiate the systems from each
other quantitatively. Once those are filled in we can solicit information
that will differentiate them qualitatively.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Andrew
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 10:43 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison


Excellent, thanks! And please let me know what lines 10,11,12 (now lines
11,12,13) mean..! :) Did I rephrase them into lines 14,15 or are they
something else?

I've added some info sent via PM, and adjusted other parts to make it more
readable. More feedback on all aspects welcome!

I can't find any info on the Alex Sirum setup anywhere. I could call him,
but the more public the data the better, I think.

And I know the Jim K Q-bag system has loyal fans, so please help me
differentiate it from the Harrison system quantitatively or qualitatively!

http://goo.gl/clBjC

--
1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
Savannah, GA
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128253 is a reply to message #128232] Wed, 01 June 2011 22:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Ken Rose took the original Harrison system and worked on developing
one that had a more comfortable ride, greater range of up and down
travel, and a non deforming frame.
We purchased that design and installed int cad and discovered few
things that neither realized and added the improvements.
Our unit goes on without a struggle, as it mounts in 2 pieces. No
spreading the legs.
Changing the bags is simplified.
The Bags are centered. Harrison and Roses were not. You'll see the jog
on the inner frame.
We have over 200 units out there and have not had any frame twisting
problems like the Harrison's.
Our unit raises and lowers the full travel, not like the other.
Our air bags are mounted slightly higher than the other to respond to movement.
Our mounting to the boggie pins are considerably more sophisticated
and can see that this unit use all the threads at the pin. The other
look like an afterthought as the nuts are only half on.
I do not have time to put down all the things that went into this at
this time, but comparing the two is not just as we had the advantage
of Jim Bounds past experience of the original and Ken Rose's talent
and willingness to sell the plans and our designer Rick Flanagan who
put in considerable time to improve the unit to where there is no
comparison.
Steve Ferguson was issued a Q Bag unit after his Harrison unit
twisted. He will tell you that he could not tell any difference in
handling between the two.
Our bags are stocked at more places in the USA than the other,
Coop, Sirum,Grandview,MGM,and Applied.The other is not stocked by any
of the GMC service centers.As common as they seem, they are no that
easy to locate .
Our units are available from them as well.
If you feel that I'm proud of our unit,yes.
Considerable amount has been put into this project and time from many
people lie Bill Brown and others that have done special projects for
us with no monetary gain


On Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 5:43 PM, Andrew <reynhout@quesera.com> wrote:
>
>
> Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 01 June 2011 17:52
>> To the rest of you silly buggers, you've had your laugh! Now how about doing
>> something constructive like going out and taking measurements to fill in
>> lines 10, 11, 12! ;)
>>
>> I've got the PowerLevel system on The Blue Streak dismantled but will start
>> putting it back together tomorrow. Once I get that done I can supply the
>> measurements for the Harrison system.
>
>
> Excellent, thanks! And please let me know what lines 10,11,12 (now lines 11,12,13) mean..! :) Did I rephrase them into lines 14,15 or are they something else?
>
> I've added some info sent via PM, and adjusted other parts to make it more readable. More feedback on all aspects welcome!
>
> I can't find any info on the Alex Sirum setup anywhere. I could call him, but the more public the data the better, I think.
>
> And I know the Jim K Q-bag system has loyal fans, so please help me differentiate it from the Harrison system quantitatively or qualitatively!
>
> http://goo.gl/clBjC
>
>
> --
> 1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
> Savannah, GA
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128268 is a reply to message #128253] Thu, 02 June 2011 06:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mschultz is currently offline  mschultz   United States
Messages: 113
Registered: September 2010
Location: Maple City, MI
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I may have missed it being mentioned, but of note is the fact that the two bag per side systems allow driving if a bag is lost. Big feasture over sitting beside the road or looking for a piece of firewood 13 1/2 inches long. I also believe that each bag is aired up independent to allow this feature. The Quad Bag system is definately on my wish list. Great to have a comparison.
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128294 is a reply to message #128268] Thu, 02 June 2011 09:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Michael,

Below you will find a message that I sent in some time back regarding the
"feature" you note that should be taken into consideration.

**************************************************************************

Reference GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7521A (issued 1974)

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded
weight of the vehicle.

26 foot GMC GVWR = 11,700 lbs

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that the axle can carry.

26 foot GMC GAWR

GAWR = 4,200 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 7,500 lbs Rear Wheels

Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the pressure required to
carry that load.

D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds

E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds

The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure
the GMC driver applied manually to the air bag supporting the remaining tire
or the Powerlevel/Electrolevel systems applied automatically. For arguments
sake lets say it is what the two tires supported as I believe that would be
the worst case scenario. Using the rear GAWR noted above the load on the
tire would double going from 1,875 pounds to 3,750 lbs. This is an overload
of 1,515 pounds (68%) on a D range tire at 65 psi and an overload of 1070
pounds (40%) on an E load range tire at 80 psi. If the tires are not
inflated to these pressures the overload would be even higher.

It should be noted that using the 11,700 GVWR noted in the manual is
actually a low number. Ken Burton posted the average weights on each of the
wheels of the coaches that were weighed at the DuQuoin GMCMI Convention. I
added them together and came up with a weight of 12,563 pounds. If you would
like to see the message in which Ken posted that information it is message
#101370 on the Forum.

The bottom line is that it is most likely that if you drive your GMC with
one tire removed you WILL be operating the GMC with the remaining rear tire
overloaded.

In one of the responses I sent in to this question I noted that if I was a
couple of miles out of town I'd probably do it. However, upon reflection I
don't think I would do it. The reason being I hadn't taken into
consideration that I could damage the remaining tire.

I am loathe to comment on the second part of your question regarding what
unseen damage these overloads would cause as it would be sheer speculation.
However, as someone may remind us, the original design included a
considerable safety factor -- which may well have been seriously compromised
over the past 30+ years.

**************************************************************************

I discussed this with a number of GMCer's while I was back in the USA and we
came to the consensus that the best thing to do would be to increase the air
pressure on the remaining bogie so that it supported the weight of the rear
and proceed at low speed to the nearest place where repairs can be made
safely.

Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Schultz
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 9:07 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison

I may have missed it being mentioned, but of note is the fact that the two
bag per side systems allow driving if a bag is lost. Big feasture over
sitting beside the road or looking for a piece of firewood 13 1/2 inches
long. I also believe that each bag is aired up independent to allow this
feature. The Quad Bag system is definately on my wish list. Great to have a
comparison.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear Suspension System Comparison [message #128312 is a reply to message #128253] Thu, 02 June 2011 10:40 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Andrew is currently offline  Andrew   United States
Messages: 213
Registered: April 2011
Location: Connecticut
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Jim, you absolutely should be proud. It's clear that you put a ton of engineering time and effort into your system, and as far as I've read, all user reports are very positive. I called it out specifically to solicit more data and comments, so that I can make sure those happy customers are reflected in the table. I will also find a way to incorporate your engineering story, because I think it's great and important.

The table is just to gather the data for easy reference. I started trying to compare the options a few months ago, and found it difficult. There are fragments of info across many threads, including some confusions and contradictions. As it stands right now, I've drawn data from at least 20 different pages all across the net.

I'm a "gather as much info as possible and make my best guess" kind of guy. Some people don't want to be overwhelmed with data and choices, so this table is not for them. They'll just ask their shop or friend or on the list for a recommendation, and go with whatever feels right. Hopefully this table will make it simpler for others like me.

Note that I've never driven any of these suspensions except a poorly-maintained OEM, and only for a few miles at that. This shouldn't put me at a disadvantage for collecting data, but I hope it's clear that I won't be making any recommendations!

If this table is helpful, great. If it's confusing or misleading, I want to make it better. That's all.

Jim, again: Thanks for the historical info. I'll find a way to add that. Also I'll make the corrections and add "Units installed" or some way to track adoption, because that's obviously important.

jimk wrote on Wed, 01 June 2011 22:09



If you feel that I'm proud of our unit,yes.
Considerable amount has been put into this project and time from many
people lie Bill Brown and others that have done special projects for
us with no monetary gain





1973 Sequoia 260 (since 2011)
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