Front suspension airbags

[timcutter]

Are the air bags for the front suspension absolutely necessary for my 1977 Airstream Argosy 28' Motorcoach? Mine appears to have the originals, and they have been blown for quite some time. Previous owner never changed never replaced them. Just wondering it I can go with a heavier duty coil and not have to mess with them. My concern is that if I bypass the air bags, I may have a problem with the front and back suspension leveling. Any input is appreciated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by timcutter

Are the air bags for the front suspension absolutely necessary for my 1977 Airstream Argosy 28' Motorcoach? Mine appears to have the originals, and they have been blown for quite some time. Previous owner never changed never replaced them. Just wondering it I can go with a heavier duty coil and not have to mess with them. My concern is that if I bypass the air bags, I may have a problem with the front and back suspension leveling. Any input is appreciated.

Airstream engineers say those bags are an ABSOLUTE MUST.

They help with the front end bounce, and leveling along with other things.

Andy

[Waipio Rim]

Our 310 has no front air bags, don't know why. It handles like the old, top heavy truck that it is.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Waipio Rim

Our 310 has no front air bags, don't know why. It handles like the old, top heavy truck that it is.

A previous owner removed the front bags.

They are an absolute MUST as per the Airstream engineers.

Every Airstream and Argosy motorhome was equipped in production with front air bags.

Those bags greatly improve the handling and ride.

Andy

[mayco]

The front airbag replacement is just not that difficult of a DIY not to do. Its not any fun mind you but you dont need to have a great deal of mechanical experience or knowledge to do it, especially when compared to the cost and labor involved in replacing the coil springs. There are a ton of threads and posts on the forum to guide you through it. Good luck with your rig!

[choctawmel]

Andy, I agree. Those things need all the stiffness you can get in front.

My 345 book even shows shock over springs, which must have been lost by the OP.

I got tired of it bottoming out and blown air bags, so put new bigger springs and new bags. I might add, I haven't had a bag go bad with the new heavier springs. It raised the front 1 1/2" too. Takes a very big hole/bump to bottom out now.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by choctawmel

Andy, I agree. Those things need all the stiffness you can get in front.

My 345 book even shows shock over springs, which must have been lost by the OP.

I got tired of it bottoming out and blown air bags, so put new bigger springs and new bags. I might add, I haven't had a bag go bad with the new heavier springs. It raised the front 1 1/2" too. Takes a very big hole/bump to bottom out now.

Manufacturers have a reputation of usually not being stupid.

Andy