| [GMCnet] Propane airbags [message #267950] |
Sat, 20 December 2014 20:57  |
glwgmc
Messages: 1014
Registered: June 2004
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One thing to keep in mind when considering the wireless air vs stock system is the ride height control units themselves when new kept ride to within +- 3/8". The ride height spec listed was +- 1/4" so even if the stock system ride height control unit works perfectly after nearly 40 years (doubtful) it still has a wider band around the actual ride height than the ride height spec itself. So, if staying right at the actual "correct" ride height is essential to you, best use some non-stock ride height control unit with a closer tolerance than the one the factory used.
What most seem to be looking for is a control system that will keep ride height at the preferred level independent of weight load. On most coaches there is enough hysteresis in the rear suspension that it takes quite a weight change to effect ride height much at a given inflation pressure in the air bags. Easy to test. Fill your bags to the pressure required to reach and maintain the desired ride height after you drive for a mile or two and park on a level spot. Now put a person of a known weight as far back as you can inside your coach and drive a mile or two returning to park on the same level spot. Re-measure ride height and note the change if any. Add 5 PSI to the air bags on each side and repeat the drive two miles, stop on the same level spot and re-measure ride height. Now you know quite a bit about how your particular coach responds to weight and air pressure in the bags. From that info it is easy to calculate the change in air pressure required to compensate
for a given change in weight (assuming that is a linear function within a normal weight change range).
One of our coaches has the wireless air system (the Royale) and the other (Clasco) has the first generation of the solenoid operated air valve system with stock ride heigh controllers and a modern compressor. Both have the stock one air bag on each side. The Royale maintains ride height over a wider range of weight change than does the Clasco. It also leaks down less than the Clasco. Both work. When I get in the Clasco I know the compressor will have to run several minutes to overcome the overnight leak down. When I get in the Royale and activate the wireless air system it usually is good to go or only needs a small amount of run time on the compressor to get both bags back to the set air pressure. Is one better than the other? Do I like one better than the other? No is my answer to the first question and yes is my answer to the second question. I am having that stock system in the Clasco changed out in favor of the wireless air system so I no longer have to overcom
e the leaks that seem to pop up after every time I chase a previous leak.
Jerry
Jerry Work
The Dovetail Joint
Fine furniture designed and hand crafted in the 1907 former Masonic Temple building in historic Kerby, OR
Visitors always welcome!
glwork@mac.com
http://jerrywork.com
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Jerry & Sharon Work
78 Royale
Kerby, OR
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