Front Air Shocks blown

[AccessMaster]

Both of the bags are blown on the Classic 345 front shocks or springs. I do not know how much diffence it would make to have them replaced. It rides pretty nice now. I am looking for opinions regarding my options.

[PeterH-350LE]

The front end alignment was done with the air bags at 55 psi.

[ALANSD]

You will find they are not too hard to replace, and not very expensive either. There are numerous sites with some do it yourself info on this. Search within this site also and you will find some.
Most wrap the uninflated bag, lube it with soapy water and stuff it in where it goes. If it is manually inflated no compressor is required, unless you want that option.
The ride is way better with the right air pressure.

[ViewRVs]

Re: You will find they are not too hard to replace

Alan,

Have you replaced yours? It is easy in a technical sense but a bear to remove and re-install. Maybe there is some secret that I missed. I tried the Air lift instructions by squishing them and using soapy water. There still must be an easier way. My shoulders were sore for three days.

[wb13798]

dont take much to make us ole guys sore. there isnt an easy way
just brute force. lol
al

[ViewRVs]

I drove mine today for the first time and it did drive much better. I am glad I replaced them. A definite improvement on a rough road.

[AccessMaster]

So where is a good source for the air bags?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Any Airstream dealer, if their interested in helping you.

Andy
inlandrv.com

[wb13798]

camping world and they install...lol
al

[ViewRVs]

I bought the Air Lift bags from Camping World. $60 and some change. Installation is another $60 and change if you want.

[George]

I found it helpful to pull a vacuum on the bags prior to installing them( I used my ac vacuum pump) it made them easier to put up into that little small hole.It also helps to twist them like wringing a rag out but it still makes your hands sore.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Fred.

$60.00 each or for a pair?
You didn't say.

Andy
inlandrv.com

[ViewRVs]

Camping World has the Air Lift 1000 replacement bags for $62.99 (member price). It is a pair. Item # 4961

The catalog lists installation at $69.00.

[AccessMaster]

I finally installed the front airbags this weekend.
What a job but what an improvement in the ride.
I wish I had a vacuum pump to squish those fellows flat. Seems like there must be a trick to getting the bag small enough to get thru the 2" hole.
I did not realize how much bouncing around I was doing without them.
Any comments on the correct pressure to run?

[ViewRVs]

55 psi at all times.

Camping World also sells an electric pump designed to keep them inflated at 60 psi but it can be adjusted.

Automatic Pressure Maintenance System

[Inland RV Center, In]

There are 2 different "front air bags" available,

The cheap one can be force into place after a effort, even after it's been evacuated. They run about $65.00 per pair.

The better long lasting bags cost double that, and can only be installed after they have been evacuated, AND, a spring spreader is used.

Air pressure must be 55 psi at all times, no more and no less, as per Airstream engineers. Needless to say, good shocks are important as well, as the air bags do not replace the purpose or function of the front shocks.

Andy

[SebastianD]

I did mine, and what a pain even for a youngster... I would pay to have it done next time. I'm waiting for good weather to do the rear air bags!
Sebastian

[thenewkid64]

The rears are easy. I did mine and it took me longer to jack and brace the suspension and frame for the R&R than it took to change the bags Since you did the fronts the hard ones are done.