Land Yacht 30 Air Bag Pressure?

[RAG]

Hi Folks,

I've been running 80 psi in the front bags of my '04 and it seem harsh; the manual says 90 psi.

What's everyone running in their 2001 to 2005 Land Yacht 30? I'd appreciate your experience with it; both good and bad.

Best regards and safe travel to all…

Randy

[Michigander]

I used to run 50 psi because that's what I read to do here on the forums. I don't remember what the manual says, but lately, I've been running with 80 psi in the bags. I honestly cannot tell if it makes much difference.

The bags seem to lose their pressure easily, so they often sink back down to the 50's. They are a bit of a hassle to check and refill, so I fill them to the 80's and hope they stay above 60.

I do feel that they do something to smooth out the front end ride, so I like to keep them up there if I think of it.

[Airstream12557]

I run mine at 60 PSIG. They have remote fills that are approximately over the top of the radiator and in direct line of sight when the hood is open. I had problems with my original bags not holding pressure, so I had both changed out. They now hold pressure for at least a month without any noticible loss. I used Air Lift bags.

Sam

[RAG]

Bob & Sam:

Thanks for your input…

Due to a 100% failure of one of the front air bags on my rig, I had both replaced back in March of this year. Originally set at 55 psi, and then raised to 80 psi, because of learning that there’s supposedly a difference between pre-2001 and ’01 to ‘05, I’ve not lost pressure; knock on wood. Set at 80 psi 2000 miles ago, it still reads in the same immediate area today; although on a reasonably “inaccurate" slide style pressure gauge. If I were to use a digital gauge, I’m sure there’d be a small difference.

I guess, and your input bears it out, maybe 90 is too harsh and 60 might be a better way to go; or in Michigander’s case, the coach *wants* to go there.

I wonder though, was there a structural reason why Airstream upgraded the pressure recommendation from 55 psi to 90 psi in 2001; after all, it’s still an 18,000 lb. P32 chassis. I can’t believe a 454 to 496 engine would require a suspension change.

Maybe some more folks will weigh-in on the subject.

Best regards and safe travel to all…

Randy

[Airstream12557]

As an aside, from time to time, I see ads for new front coil springs that eliminate the need for the air bags. Any comments? With my new bags reliably holding pressure, I don't see the need for the revised spring.

Sam

[JMSx2]

We run ours at 70. Have not tried a higher amount, at 55 we could feel the difference in the handling. Ours does leak but as long as the pressure is checked along with the tires before we head out not looking at replacement.

[gloran]

Originally Posted by Airstream12557

As an aside, from time to time, I see ads for new front coil springs that eliminate the need for the air bags. Any comments? With my new bags reliably holding pressure, I don't see the need for the revised spring.

Sam

When GM manufactured their P30/32 chassis, they did not know how much weight the motor home coach builder through their design were going to be putting on the front of the MH. That is why they use springs with air bags that are supposed to be inflated to match the finish weight of the coach. The problem is the air bag style springs don't match the exact finish weight, and therefore, contribute to bottoming out, swaying, poor handling and poor tire life. Coil springs are manufactured to fit the exact weight of your MH, thereby preventing these problems. This is what SuperSteer Coil Springs claims their coil springs do to improve handling, and eliminate weak springs and troublesome air bags inside coil springs. www.supersteersuperstop.com I put them on my coach and have been very satisfied with ride and not always having to check front end bags.

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by RAG

Bob & Sam:


I wonder though, was there a structural reason why Airstream upgraded the pressure recommendation from 55 psi to 90 psi in 2001; after all, it’s still an 18,000 lb. P32 chassis. I can’t believe a 454 to 496 engine would require a suspension change.

Maybe some more folks will weigh-in on the subject.

Best regards and safe travel to all…

Randy

Randy the older and smaller coaches were lighter. My '82 280 has a P-30 chassis rated at 14,500 lb. My book calls for 55 psi. in the bags

Cheers, Dan

[TerraYacht]

My workhorse book says 90 psi, and that'w waht I target, but we have only been able to get out every 2-3 months this year. It bleeds down over that time, but I don't remember how far, and I carry a small 12v compressor just in case.

[Michigander]

Went out camping last Saturday, checked my airbags before pushing off and found the right one to be holding pressure well, but the left one has a leak right from the center of it. (I used soapy water to find the leak.) So we drove north 175 miles and it felt just fine.

On the way home, I totally deflated the right one and drove with essentially no airbags. Still felt just fine.

So what do I do now? Get a new left airbag? Get new appropriately sized springs? How would I decide what size springs?

For now I think I'll wait till I have to drive in a really annoying cross wind to see if I really do need airbags.

[is.chowa]

Hi All
I had a leak on right bag. It was a PITA to check everyday. Finally got coach weighed and replaced the bags and springs with Henderson's SS springs and an alignment. Had to also replace front tires as the old were feathering due to bad geometry of front end with the one soft bag. Handling was a problem with the bags. YL would not drive it. Original spec for pressure was 50-55psi

Best move I could make, ASLY2000 now sails like a dream.

Regards,
Steve

[RAG]

If I knew back in March, when I replaced the front air bags, what I know today, the dollars would have been better spent in springs rather than new bags. And for what the bags & installation cost, the decision for springs over bags, would have been easy to justify.

We're hoping to head to Maine for a few weeks at the end of the month; I think I'll drop to 60 psi for starters and see how it feels. I carry a 110v air compressor on-board, so engaging the front jacks to lift her and running up the pressure is simple.

Good to hear from all of you.

Best regards and safe travel…..

Randy

[glasair]

I removed My bags and had the frontend realigned. It rides much better and handles much better. I think because the front is about 1.5 inches lower and feels more stable. My 2 cents.
Joe

[RAG]

Originally Posted by glasair

I removed My bags and had the frontend realigned. It rides much better and handles much better. I think because the front is about 1.5 inches lower and feels more stable. My 2 cents.
Joe

Welcome aboard glasair! What's your rig? Photos always appreciated...

[Michigander]

Originally Posted by glasair

I removed My bags and had the frontend realigned. It rides much better and handles much better. I think because the front is about 1.5 inches lower and feels more stable. My 2 cents.
Joe

Hello Joe, please tell us what you're riding. Did you simply deflate the bags? or actually have them removed. Can I just take a knife and cut 'me out? I'm tempted to leave them deflated and not replace them either.

If I do this do I really have to get another alignment?

[Michigander]

Just returned from a 470 mile round trip for the weekend. I left the airbags deflated and it drove like a champ. Maybe the springs they put on the '05's are stiff enough without airbags.

[Michigander]

[QUOTE=Airstream12557;1186818]As an aside, from time to time, I see ads for new front coil springs that eliminate the need for the air bags. Any comments? With my new bags reliably holding pressure, I don't see the need for the revised spring.

Sam[Quote]

Just received my new Super Steer springs this week. Will have them installed next week. I hope they are worth it.

Also bought new bell cranks because the steering wheel moves a lot from side to side without any wheel movement. Looked underneath while the DW rocked the steering wheel back and forth and saw a LOT of play in the stock bell cranks. Hope this helps.

[is.chowa]

I replaced my airbags with the Hendersons super steer springs, new bell cranks other bits n pieces in the front end new tires and alignment. The front end was sloppy and due to the (mostly) flat airbag, had to replace steerers (feathering). The YL could not drive ASLY as was, now she handles real nice, best move could have made.
Goto Hendersonslineup, has lots of good info. Leaving bags in deflated might cause chafe and will need to be replaced/removed.
Am very happy getting rid of the bags.

Steve

[Michigander]

Can't wait to have the springs and bell cranks installed. Also bought new Super Steer idler arms and drag link. Will report back after they're installed.

[gloran]

You won't regret it. You will notice the difference right away.