stripit
Prescott
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Joined: 02/24/2004
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My unit has a set of air bags from the factory that I didn't know were there. I purchased it used and also thought it rode roughish over some roads. I found the air valves one day in the cabinet on the drivers side in front of the wheels stuck in a corner that was hard to see. I put a air gauge on them and found zero reading. Put 40 lbs of air in and went for a ride, what a difference. Added another 5 lbs and drove it again, even better. So since your unit has no air i would suggest a set of air shocks to soften the ride.
Stacey Frank
2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40AP
2019 Tesla Model X
2015 Cadillac SRX we Tow
1991 Avanti Convertible
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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I think it's possible the E450 uses rear springs that are arched opposite of what we usually think. Somebody here may be able to explain that. I mention it now because I am not sure that an E450 spring that is not bowed DOWN has collapsed. Till you have an understanding, don't replace springs on their appearance alone.
If God's Your Co-Pilot Move Over, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100 218" WB
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rbreak
Fl
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Thanks again for all the responses. J-d, I also had read somewhere (can't find it now) that the E-450 leaf pack was an inverse arch design. Seems like a strange concept, I will continue looking for more info on it.
2008 Winnebago Access 29T
Class C w/Ford Chassis
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Magiccat1
Michigan
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I put air lifts on my 24' class C to raise the rear end so my hitch would clear my drive way.
Did not notice much in the way of improving the harsh ride but maybe I am looking at this wrong. Should I have a higher pressure in the lifts for a less bumpy ride or less? I thought less would help but what do I know. As usual I am confused. Talked to the "tech" people at the air lift company but they were vague. Will be crawling under to look at how the leafs look at stand still......Thanks for any insight.
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rbreak
Fl
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From what I have read there is an air pressure range with the air bags that helps the ride but you have to experiment with pressure to find what helps each particular coach. Too much pressure will give a harsh ride and too little doesn't really change anything, but the right amount improves the ride some (again, going from what others have posted, I have no experience myself).
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rbreak
Fl
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http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/20572936/print/true.cfm
Interesting thread with info on the inverse leaf springs, doesn't really clear anything up, but sounds like it "might" be designed that way from ford.
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ol' yeller
Redmond, WA
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Joined: 01/09/2003
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I have a 2008 Aspect 26A and it has airbags in the rear. Are you sure yours doesn't have them? My ride is excellent for a heavy rig but it is a big heavy rig and won't ride like your car. I run 80# in the rear bags.
I am NOT a mechanic although I do play one in my garage!
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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.double post
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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j-d wrote:I think it's possible the E450 uses rear springs that are arched opposite of what we usually think. Somebody here may be able to explain that. I mention it now because I am not sure that an E450 spring that is not bowed DOWN has collapsed. Till you have an understanding, don't replace springs on their appearance alone.
X2
That's why I take it to a frame shop they have the trained eyes for that AND they've got these incredible mathematical calculations they work with. When I looked at the leafs they looked fine but they were not to someone who knows that stuff.
They started asking me all what I wanted and spewing all these mathematical figures related to metal at me! I told them to do what they thought was best. When all was said and done the ride as I mention was just unbelievable and as an added bonus it lifted that long rear end up too!
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rbreak
Fl
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My coach definitely does not have air bags. When I was looking to buy, it seemed pretty random if they came on a coach from the factory or not. The nearest frame shop is a couple of hours away from me, if I can't improve it with the normal air bag and shocks approach, I may look into that.
Thanks again for the responses.
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