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Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution [message #118313] Thu, 10 March 2011 10:20 Go to next message
Gary Casey is currently offline  Gary Casey   United States
Messages: 448
Registered: September 2009
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Excellent post from Rob. A few comments: He said "The max load a tire can
carry and the max pressure." More correctly it would read that it is the "max
load a tire can carry AT the max RATED pressure." So if you run a load range E
tire at 65 psi it has the same load "rating" as a load range D tire. For that
reason I see no incentive to go out of one's way to get a E-rated tire unless
the load was such that the pressure had to increased above 65.

Another thing - the "load rating" of a tire is the load that can be carried
resulting in the normal life and reliability of the tire. Overloads from
cornering, braking, etc. are already taken into account. Therefore, overloading
the tire for a brief period at modest speeds should not be a cause for
particular concern. However, loading it to 68% overload is a bit extreme. If I
needed to get to town and it wasn't more than maybe 20 miles away, and I could
keep my speed down and the road wasn't too rough, I suppose I would do it. Then
there is the stress on the suspension arm - that's a different question, but I
think the answer is the same. A 50% overload is likely tolerable, but all it
takes is one chuckhole with that load to perhaps bend the arm - it's not a
matter of durability. Handbrake turns not allowed.

I still don't know how the system physically carries the load. The air pressure
is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal operation - how do
you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to carry the load? The
only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max height, fill the bag
with the max pressure and then let it down. Is that the way it's done? If so,
the jack you presumably don't need because of the Q-bag is still required to
lift the coach.

And then there is the question of which tire is flat: If it is the rear, the
middle tire will carry considerably more than if were the middle that is flat.

I guess I'll stick to the factory bags at least for now and just keep the
insurance policy paid up. :)
Gary Casey
'74 23' lightweight


Fred,

I posted this data awhile back and no one commented.

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 max pressure.

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. Using the rear GAWR noted
above the load on the tire would double going from 1,875 pounds to 3,750
lbs.

The overload would be 1,515 pounds (68%) on a D range tire at 65 psi.

The overload would be 1,070 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 if you drive your GMC with one tire removed (or one
air bag blown) you WILL be operating the GMC with the remaining rear tire
overloaded.

I am of the opinion that it is not safe to do that.

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 would proceed at
slow speed to the closest spot where I could effect repairs.


Regards,
Rob M.



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Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution [message #118347 is a reply to message #118313] Thu, 10 March 2011 16:53 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
Gary,

Thanks, your explanation is mo betta!

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 Gary Casey
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 3:20 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution

Excellent post from Rob. A few comments: He said "The max load a tire can
carry and the max pressure." More correctly it would read that it is the
"max load a tire can carry AT the max RATED pressure." So if you run a load
range E tire at 65 psi it has the same load "rating" as a load range D tire.
For that reason I see no incentive to go out of one's way to get a E-rated
tire unless the load was such that the pressure had to increased above 65.

Another thing - the "load rating" of a tire is the load that can be carried
resulting in the normal life and reliability of the tire. Overloads from
cornering, braking, etc. are already taken into account. Therefore,
overloading the tire for a brief period at modest speeds should not be a
cause for particular concern. However, loading it to 68% overload is a bit
extreme. If I needed to get to town and it wasn't more than maybe 20 miles
away, and I could keep my speed down and the road wasn't too rough, I
suppose I would do it. Then there is the stress on the suspension arm -
that's a different question, but I think the answer is the same. A 50%
overload is likely tolerable, but all it takes is one chuckhole with that
load to perhaps bend the arm - it's not a matter of durability. Handbrake
turns not allowed.

I still don't know how the system physically carries the load. The air
pressure is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal
operation - how do you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to
carry the load? The only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max
height, fill the bag with the max pressure and then let it down. Is that
the way it's done? If so, the jack you presumably don't need because of the
Q-bag is still required to lift the coach.

And then there is the question of which tire is flat: If it is the rear,
the middle tire will carry considerably more than if were the middle that is
flat.

I guess I'll stick to the factory bags at least for now and just keep the
insurance policy paid up. :)
Gary Casey
'74 23' lightweight

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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] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution [message #118429 is a reply to message #118313] Fri, 11 March 2011 12:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Marsha is currently offline  Marsha   United States
Messages: 144
Registered: February 2011
Karma: 0
Senior Member
How do I bypass the air pump so I can pump up the air bags with a stand alone air compressor?
Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr

--- On Thu, 3/10/11, Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 10:20 AM

Excellent post from Rob.  A few comments:  He said "The max load a tire can
carry and the max pressure."  More correctly it would read that it is the "max
load a tire can carry AT the max RATED pressure."  So if you run a load range E
tire at 65 psi it has the same load "rating" as a load range D tire.  For that
reason I see no incentive to go out of one's way to get a E-rated tire unless
the load was such that the pressure had to increased above 65.

Another thing - the "load rating" of a tire is the load that can be carried
resulting in the normal life and reliability of the tire.  Overloads from
cornering, braking, etc. are already taken into account.  Therefore, overloading
the tire for a brief period at modest speeds should not be a cause for
particular concern.  However, loading it to 68% overload is a bit extreme.  If I
needed to get to town and it wasn't more than maybe 20 miles away, and I could
keep my speed down and the road wasn't too rough, I suppose I would do it.  Then
there is the stress on the suspension arm - that's a different question, but I
think the answer is the same.  A 50% overload is likely tolerable, but all it
takes is one chuckhole with that load to perhaps bend the arm - it's not a
matter of durability.  Handbrake turns not allowed.

I still don't know how the system physically carries the load.  The air pressure
is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal operation - how do
you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to carry the load?  The
only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max height, fill the bag
with the max pressure and then let it down.  Is that the way it's done?  If so,
the jack you presumably don't need because of the Q-bag is still required to
lift the coach.

And then there is the question of which tire is flat:  If it is the rear, the
middle tire will carry considerably more  than if were the middle that is flat.

I guess I'll stick to the factory bags at least for now and just keep the
insurance policy paid up. :) 
Gary Casey
'74 23' lightweight


Fred,

I posted this data awhile back and no one commented.

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 max pressure.

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. Using the rear GAWR noted
above the load on the tire would double going from 1,875 pounds to 3,750
lbs.

The overload would be 1,515 pounds (68%) on a D range tire at 65 psi.

The overload would be 1,070 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 if you drive your GMC with one tire removed (or one
air bag blown) you WILL be operating the GMC with the remaining rear tire
overloaded.

I am of the opinion that it is not safe to do that.

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 would proceed at
slow speed to the closest spot where I could effect repairs.


Regards,
Rob M.


     
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Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution [message #118432 is a reply to message #118429] Fri, 11 March 2011 12:42 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
here is some info
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5047

and think while you head is in there with the bag filling, how much damage
is done when the bag explodes...

gene



On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM, Marsha <makeminetea@yahoo.com> wrote:

> How do I bypass the air pump so I can pump up the air bags with a stand
> alone air compressor?
> Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr
>
> --- On Thu, 3/10/11, Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> From: Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 10:20 AM
>
> Excellent post from Rob. A few comments: He said "The max load a tire can
> carry and the max pressure." More correctly it would read that it is the
> "max
> load a tire can carry AT the max RATED pressure." So if you run a load
> range E
> tire at 65 psi it has the same load "rating" as a load range D tire. For
> that
> reason I see no incentive to go out of one's way to get a E-rated tire
> unless
> the load was such that the pressure had to increased above 65.
>
> Another thing - the "load rating" of a tire is the load that can be carried
> resulting in the normal life and reliability of the tire. Overloads from
> cornering, braking, etc. are already taken into account. Therefore,
> overloading
> the tire for a brief period at modest speeds should not be a cause for
> particular concern. However, loading it to 68% overload is a bit extreme.
> If I
> needed to get to town and it wasn't more than maybe 20 miles away, and I
> could
> keep my speed down and the road wasn't too rough, I suppose I would do it.
> Then
> there is the stress on the suspension arm - that's a different question,
> but I
> think the answer is the same. A 50% overload is likely tolerable, but all
> it
> takes is one chuckhole with that load to perhaps bend the arm - it's not a
> matter of durability. Handbrake turns not allowed.
>
> I still don't know how the system physically carries the load. The air
> pressure
> is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal operation - how
> do
> you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to carry the load?
> The
> only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max height, fill the
> bag
> with the max pressure and then let it down. Is that the way it's done? If
> so,
> the jack you presumably don't need because of the Q-bag is still required
> to
> lift the coach.
>
> And then there is the question of which tire is flat: If it is the rear,
> the
> middle tire will carry considerably more than if were the middle that is
> flat.
>
> I guess I'll stick to the factory bags at least for now and just keep the
> insurance policy paid up. :)
> Gary Casey
> '74 23' lightweight
>
>
> Fred,
>
> I posted this data awhile back and no one commented.
>
> 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 max pressure.
>
> 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. Using the rear GAWR noted
> above the load on the tire would double going from 1,875 pounds to 3,750
> lbs.
>
> The overload would be 1,515 pounds (68%) on a D range tire at 65 psi.
>
> The overload would be 1,070 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 if you drive your GMC with one tire removed (or one
> air bag blown) you WILL be operating the GMC with the remaining rear tire
> overloaded.
>
> I am of the opinion that it is not safe to do that.
>
> 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 would proceed at
> slow speed to the closest spot where I could effect repairs.
>
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution [message #118456 is a reply to message #118429] Fri, 11 March 2011 17:05 Go to previous message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Marsha,

Here's a kit offered by Jim K.

http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/690

Here's a kit sold by Dave Lenzi:

http://www.bdub.net/lenzi/index.html#AirManifold

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 Marsha
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 5:32 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution

How do I bypass the air pump so I can pump up the air bags with a stand
alone air compressor?
Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr



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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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