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air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 08:43 Go to next message
rjw   United States
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I installed a Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System a while ago. Last year I installed a new air compressor and air tank. The install included a 90-120 PSI Pressure Switch to control the compressor. Has anyone gone with a higher switch setting, say 120-150PSI? It seems that I am not able to get the coach up as high as the single bag system did when camping and wonder if the higher pressure would help.


Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238954 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 09:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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rjw wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 08:43

I installed a Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System a while ago. Last year I installed a new air compressor and air tank. The install included a 90-120 PSI Pressure Switch to control the compressor. Has anyone gone with a higher switch setting, say 120-150PSI? It seems that I am not able to get the coach up as high as the single bag system did when camping and wonder if the higher pressure would help.


Yes, I have. Works fine for me. Put it on when I installed the new alum tank last year. 120 was not enough for me every time.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238959 is a reply to message #238954] Thu, 06 February 2014 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mikethebike is currently offline  mikethebike   United States
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Question concerning the 4 bag systems...does that system not put huge stress on the mounting bolts, center bracket and chassis? It seems it would be constantly applying leveraged force to that area and eventually fatigue the metal.
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238964 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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rjw wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 07:43

I installed a Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System a while ago. Last year I installed a new air compressor and air tank. The install included a 90-120 PSI Pressure Switch to control the compressor. Has anyone gone with a higher switch setting, say 120-150PSI? It seems that I am not able to get the coach up as high as the single bag system did when camping and wonder if the higher pressure would help.



Shortly after I got my coach, I was tracking down air system leaks and one of the leaks was from the air pressure switch. I talked to Jim Bounds about it and ordered an electric switch from him. IIRC, the pressures are 110 on, and 140 off. It has worked well with my Viair compressor and stock air bags. It should work even better with Quadrabags


Carl Stouffer '75 ex Palm Beach Tucson, AZ. Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238965 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
zhagrieb is currently offline  zhagrieb   United States
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Mike Foster,


At a recent convention I asked the same question of several who'd had a quad system for some time, including guru Dave Lenzi, and they'd had no issue and didn't expect any.

Glenn


Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG '73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238967 is a reply to message #238964] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Carl S. wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 10:17

rjw wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 07:43

I installed a Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System a while ago. Last year I installed a new air compressor and air tank. The install included a 90-120 PSI Pressure Switch to control the compressor. Has anyone gone with a higher switch setting, say 120-150PSI? It seems that I am not able to get the coach up as high as the single bag system did when camping and wonder if the higher pressure would help.



Shortly after I got my coach, I was tracking down air system leaks and one of the leaks was from the air pressure switch. I talked to Jim Bounds about it and ordered an electric switch from him. IIRC, the pressures are 110 on, and 140 off. It has worked well with my Viair compressor and stock air bags. It should work even better with Quadrabags



110-140 is what I run, not 150. Use the large stainless tank from Applied. We have lots of air pump. Love watching the back end rise fast.
Da


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238968 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SeanKidd is currently offline  SeanKidd   United States
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I have the Viair model number 90111...110 on 150 off, I regulate the the discharge from the reservoir at 120 psi. I use the Viair 350C, cockpit pressure gauge, and new 1 gallon tank, recovery is fast but a little loud, could use better vibration mounting pads...huge improvement over PO installed Campbell Hausfield 12v compressor with a clamp on Schrader valve taped to the air line with the switch behind the glove box.

What is the maximum air pressure for a quad bag?


Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238970 is a reply to message #238968] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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SeanKidd wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 10:43

I have the Viair model number 90111...

What is the maximum air pressure for a quad bag?



I don't know, others will answer that. I rarely air mine up over 105 when leveling.
The new pumps are head and shoulders above the old original pump. I got so tired waiting on the original and listening to it. Sounded like it was going to throw a rod at any minute. Big pumps draw lots more current but run much shorter periods. I upped the pressure switch when I got rid of the old original pump.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238971 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SeanKidd is currently offline  SeanKidd   United States
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Dan, I agree with you on the current draw. I bought the Viair install kit with either 8 or 6 AWG feed. Just need to remember to drain the water separator more often Embarassed (winterize) I may use a desiccant drier in the future.

Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238972 is a reply to message #238968] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rjw   United States
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SeanKidd wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 11:43

I have the Viair model number 90111...110 on 150 off, I regulate the the discharge from the reservoir at 120 psi. I use the Viair 350C, cockpit pressure gauge, and new 1 gallon tank, recovery is fast but a little loud, could use better vibration mounting pads...huge improvement over PO installed Campbell Hausfield 12v compressor with a clamp on Schrader valve taped to the air line with the switch behind the glove box.

What is the maximum air pressure for a quad bag?


How do you regulate the discharge from the reservoir to 120 psi? I have a 120 on and 150 PSI off switch that I might install. I have a new stainless steel tank I installed (had been in my attic for over 10 years waiting on me).

By the way, the info I have from HOTROCKS (Firestone) seems to indicate the "Recommended Design Position Static Pressure 0-100 psi" for the air spring used by the Quadra Bag.

Some truck spring places I've seen also spec the WO1-358-7375 air springs as 100 psi max, so are we are going over the spec even at 120 psi?


Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: [GMCnet] air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238974 is a reply to message #238968] Thu, 06 February 2014 10:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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I have installed a bunch of QUADRA BAG systems. Some with reaction arms and
disc brakes with sway bars. I have only encountered one system, that I did
not install, that required more than 100 pounds air pressure. At that
point, the shocks are fully extended and additional air pressure is
unnecessary. That would lead me to think about incorrect FRONT ride height.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403
On Feb 6, 2014 8:43 AM, "Sean Kidd" <fiatkidd@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> I have the Viair model number 90111...110 on 150 off, I regulate the the
> discharge from the reservoir at 120 psi. I use the Viair 350C, cockpit
> pressure gauge, and new 1 gallon tank, recovery is fast but a little loud,
> could use better vibration mounting pads...huge improvement over PO
> installed Campbell Hausfield 12v compressor with a clamp on Schrader valve
> taped to the air line with the switch behind the glove box.
>
> What is the maximum air pressure for a quad bag?
> --
> Sean and Stephanie
> 73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
> Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms,
> Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World, New Jersey
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238975 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 11:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SeanKidd is currently offline  SeanKidd   United States
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rJw, I use an adjustable regulator on the reservoir discharge...this way I can also isolate the air bags (valve) and use my quick disconnect fitting to air up tires or blow out my water lines simply by adjusting the regulator.

Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238979 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 11:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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I don't think I would ever travel with 100 pounds in a bag, no need for that. Mine normally are running 65-75 pounds for proper ride hight. Only air them higher for leveling the coach.
I need to get under my refer and drain the tank. Thanks for the reminder.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238980 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 12:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
SeanKidd is currently offline  SeanKidd   United States
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Isn't pressure relative to volume, temperature, and vehicle weight. In travel mode an average motorhome may have quad bags at 50% volume to maintain that height, wether this is attainable with 60 psi or 70 psi will vary, if I supply 100 psi during travel, there is a constant volume change...over a big bump I'm sure those bags see a lot more pressure. It doesn't mean there is 100 psi in the bag... I guess the only max pressure would be when maximum height is achieved despite your controls in "raise" and supplying more than 100 psi...Considering this, I will lower my output to whatever pressure is required to raise the rear to max height, then back off a few psi for thermal expansion.

Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238981 is a reply to message #238979] Thu, 06 February 2014 12:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rjw   United States
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WD0AFQ wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 12:56

I don't think I would ever travel with 100 pounds in a bag, no need for that. Mine normally are running 65-75 pounds for proper ride hight. Only air them higher for leveling the coach.
I need to get under my refer and drain the tank. Thanks for the reminder.
Dan


What I find annoying with my current setup (90PSI ON 120 PSI OFF) is when I try to raise the coach above ride height. If the system goes down to slightly more than 90 PSI (tank and bags) I can't get maximum up because the pump won't start. To get it to start I have to bleed air pressure off by lowering and then raising the coach in order to get below the 90PSI ON point. Once it starts then I can get maximum up.

Maybe if I install the 120PSI ON and 150 PSI OFF switch I have and also install a regulator set to 110 PSI or so to the bags I won't have to bleed off pressure to get the pump to start because tank pressure will always be over 120 PSI.


Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238989 is a reply to message #238981] Thu, 06 February 2014 14:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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rjw wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 12:34

WD0AFQ wrote on Thu, 06 February 2014 12:56

I don't think I would ever travel with 100 pounds in a bag, no need for that. Mine normally are running 65-75 pounds for proper ride hight. Only air them higher for leveling the coach.
I need to get under my refer and drain the tank. Thanks for the reminder.
Dan


What I find annoying with my current setup (90PSI ON 120 PSI OFF) is when I try to raise the coach above ride height. If the system goes down to slightly more than 90 PSI (tank and bags) I can't get maximum up because the pump won't start. To get it to start I have to bleed air pressure off by lowering and then raising the coach in order to get below the 90PSI ON point. Once it starts then I can get maximum up.

Maybe if I install the 120PSI ON and 150 PSI OFF switch I have and also install a regulator set to 110 PSI or so to the bags I won't have to bleed off pressure to get the pump to start because tank pressure will always be over 120 PSI.



Exact same reason I did it Richard.

Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238991 is a reply to message #238953] Thu, 06 February 2014 15:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Richard,

I do NOT have a Q-Bag system on either one of my GMC's; Double Trouble has the OEM system and The Blue Streak has the Harrison 4 bag
system. When you installed the Q-Bag system you installed a "bracket" on the vertical bogie arms that extended them raising the
mounting points of the air bags higher than the OEM or Harrison 4 bag system. This does two things:

a) Lowers the pressure required to raise the coach (longer lever arm)

b) Changes the amount the vertical bogie arms will move towards and away from each other. I do not know if they will travel the same
distance as to OEM system. It is possible that they will not come as close together to lower the rear end or as far apart to raise
the coach. There is a comparison floating around that I believe lists the min / max coach height with this system; unfortunately I
can't find it! The travel of the rear suspension up and down is ultimately limited by the shock absorbers.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: RJW

I installed a Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System a while ago. Last year I installed a new air compressor and air tank. The install
included a 90-120 PSI Pressure Switch to control the compressor. Has anyone gone with a higher switch setting, say 120-150PSI? It
seems that I am not able to get the coach up as high as the single bag system did when camping and wonder if the higher pressure
would help.

Richard

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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] air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238992 is a reply to message #238959] Thu, 06 February 2014 15:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Mike,

The stress on the parts is not really any different from the OEM system as the vertical bogie arms still push against each other.
Instead of having a single bag between them with the 4 bag systems you have two bags and vertical mounting brackets. There have been
problems on the Harrison system with the forward facing bag bending its mounting bracket. Here's a simple fix for that problem:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showfull.php?photo=39176

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showfull.php?photo=39175

To fit them you have to remove the bags and turn the air fittings on both bags so they're facing straight down. You will need more
1/4" air line probably to reach the repositioned fittings.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: mike foster

Question concerning the 4 bag systems...does that system not put huge stress on the mounting bolts, center bracket and chassis? It
seems it would be constantly applying leveraged force to that area and eventually fatigue the metal.

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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] air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238994 is a reply to message #238965] Thu, 06 February 2014 15:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Glenn,

For the record Dave Lenzi runs the Harrison system on his coach and has replaced one of the bags it comes with (Firestone P/N
W01-358-3400 with Firestone P/N W01-358-7350) The 7350 is the bag used on the Q-Bag system. The 7350 is a larger OD bellows (7.44")
vs the 3400 bellows (7.25"). He did that to reduce the amount of pressure required to get his Coachman Royale to ride height.
Anticipating the next question; according to Dave you cannot run two 7350's on the Harrison system.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Giere

Mike Foster,

At a recent convention I asked the same question of several who'd had a quad system for some time, including guru Dave Lenzi, and
they'd had no issue and didn't expect any.

Glenn

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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] air pressure for Quadra Bag Rear Suspension System [message #238996 is a reply to message #238974] Thu, 06 February 2014 15:40 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Jim,

I'm confused!

When I look at the photo of the Q-Bag system it looks like the shocks get compressed when the bags expand?

Have I got that backwards?

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

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

-----Original Message-----
From: James Hupy

I have installed a bunch of QUADRA BAG systems. Some with reaction arms and
disc brakes with sway bars. I have only encountered one system, that I did
not install, that required more than 100 pounds air pressure. At that
point, the shocks are fully extended and additional air pressure is
unnecessary. That would lead me to think about incorrect FRONT ride height.
Jim Hupy

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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
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