Pete1122 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 I just installed some new Bilstein shocks in my 1989 Warrior, it helped the ride but I'm still looking to smooth out the bumps. Will installing airbags make a marked improvement in the ride? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skydancer2992 Posted January 13, 2014 Share Posted January 13, 2014 If you are bottoming out (axle hitting the rubber bumper) then anything that increases that gap will make a noticeable difference. I currently am using coiled helper springs on my 91 Warrior because they were cheap $25. However, I think that the airbags will provide a better response (logarithmic vice linear). I've seen some web debates on Timbrens but they seem to have a rougher ride. The advantage is no maintenance or adjustment. Also, a disadvantage, can't adjust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1122 Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 I like the looks of those Timbrens, has anyone actually installed them on a Toyota RV? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 My air bags leak so timbrens sound good. Dolphins come with air bags standard. Ive had dolphins with and without and would never go without again on a 21 footer. Just used to hit the back on the road. I think airbags are adaptable to your springs being a bit off and leveling perfectly more.... thats why they are morenpopular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob C Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 When I bought my 20' Escaper it did not have air bags. I was bottoming out on every bump in the road. I added a 3-t's (firestone) system because that is the only one that I could find at the time and it made a huge difference in the ride of the RV. I am really happy with the return on my expense. It cost about $300 and took about 45 minutes to install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdboltdude Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 no air bags ever on my 1987 Mini Cruiser they installed wheel casters to help on bottoming out their 6inch tall 2inch wide and do help a lot... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skydancer2992 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 One other item, the rubber bushings in my rear springs were worn out. The metal pin of the shackle was contacting the metal of the spring. Replacing the bushings with a Prothane kit ( I bought the kit for the entire vehicle) improved ride, raised the rear end an inch, and gave me another half inch between axle and bumper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1122 Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 I decided to buy some Load Lifter 5000 ultimate air bags, I will have them installed next week and report back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1122 Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 I just finished having my air bags installed, so far there is a huge difference in the height of the RV, the rear no longer sags. I am still messing around with the PSI but even with just 40 PSI the ride is much improved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Be advised that each time you adjust your ride height you'll be fooling the very simple/unsophisticated brake proportioning valve. Most advocate adjusting it all the way up or disconnecting it completely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 I think im at 90 but mine are firestone. One side leaks so im often lopsided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete1122 Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 A quick before and after picture, the first one is with stock shocks and no airbags, the second picture is with new Bilstein shocks and new airbags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stamar Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Let me take a pic of mine. I ve got mine set for monster trucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Hi slightly off topic (sorry everyone). i have air bags on my dolphin but no air lines for filling them. back end of my dolphin seems to be very high off the ground. i have a 7 leaf spring pack which does not feel stiff on the road. considering how to test air bags for leaks. each bag has its own air pipe for filling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 But you have some way to add air and check the pressures? I'm not quite sure what you've written above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Hi derek will check when storm lifts. air bags are bolted to leaf springs. since i have owned my dolphin have wire brushed and lubericated springs with a liquid grease. i now have more top of wheel to wheel arch. top of wheel arch is now level with top of tyre. gained about 1" in height. so think springs had stuck after being laid up for 12 months. weird but true. in paperwork with dolphin 3-mt? airbags where fitted. Emailed address and was told they where never fitted to motorhomes????? Judging by size they should be more than capable. would like to try and repair for testing to see the difference in behaviour on road. Before buying brand new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 These guys perhaps? http://www.3tsrv.com/Products/T-3.htm They buy their 'air springs' from Firestone (and maybe others) and make up kits with the installation brackets. There's no mention on their web site but I think they're still available. As far as I know, their kits came with smaller diameter air springs giving 2000lb of lift. I guess the demand is kind of low for 30 year old vehicles! Firestone also sell/sold kits though only listed for trucks (not MH). Probably work just as well. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4593 Air Lift also sells a kit with their own springs and actually list them for Motorhomes. Provide up to 5000lb of lift. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7242 Air Lift also sell a kit for pickups/Hilux. Provide up to 2000lb of lift. Notice their smaller spring diameter. This is what determines the amount of lift. http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7079 Do your air springs look like either of the Air Lift ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 ... in paperwork with dolphin 3-mt? airbags where fitted. Emailed address and was told they where never fitted to motorhomes????? What was the email address? If it was 3-T, I believe John/Waiter bought replacement air springs from them quite recently. As I recall the secret was to talk to the right person to get the good information and prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 In your position, I'd look to buy more locally rather than possibly paying shipping from the US. Not cheap as I'm sure you've discovered. Air springs aren't rocket science. They're just 'bags' full of air with a steel plate attached at each end to hold the bag between the axle and frame. Manufacturers don't produce a unique air spring for Toyota MH (for example). They'll select one of their 'standard' springs and make brackets. Even the brackets are 'universal'. Firestone had 1 kit sold for Toyota, Datsun, Mazda, Chevy and Dodge pickups. http://www.firestoneip.com/site-resources/ride-rite/installation/1130.pdf When the snow's gone and you can climb underneath to take some measurements and more than likely find a standard spring from the many air spring manufacturers stock. Like this EU supplier:- http://www.phoenix-airsprings.com/pages/katalog/katalog_en.html "The following competitors are included here: ContiTech, Taurus, Firestone, Goodyear, Dunlop UK (formerly Trelleborg), Springride and CF Gomma (formerly Pirelli). Furthermore, it is possible to search using the corresponding Phoenix name if you know it, or else you can use the OE parts number for your search." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 If you look here (pg 36):- http://www.firestoneip.com/site-resources/ride-rite/pdf/RR_2013Catalog.pdf IF your air spring kit was a Firestone 1130, the replacement air spring is a #6873. It would probably be easy for a local supplier to cross reference that to another make. http://www.lowriders.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FIP6873&gclid=CJycnM_0nrwCFWwV7AodxUwA8g Here's the Firestone #6781. The only difference is the mounting hole spacing (1.75" vs 2.75") http://www.lowriders.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FIP6781&gclid=CLfSuoX2nrwCFdHm7AodRTYA8w Wow! 4 posts in a row. Hope nobody mistakes me for Joel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Hi derek thanks for links none seem to match my air bags. i have approached european air bag suppliers and get yet again a US import cannot help. i give them the toyota pickup chassis (loads in uk alone) ask for 5000lb capaicity approx 2200kg in metric. as pound is gaining in exchange market thinking its easier to go to US supplier who knows what a dolphin motorhome is. cannot believe suppliers customer service in europe for US vehicles. as US servicemen sell there cars here before returning to US. thousands over here and two in a 10mile radius of me in the lowest population density in uk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Can you find a wrecking yard with a Toyota P/U about the same vintage as your Dolphin? That way you could get a VIN to give to the sales staff. You don't need the truck just its ID number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 27, 2014 Share Posted January 27, 2014 Well, I'm pretty sure you're still going to have to climb around underneath to figure out exactly what you've currently got installed. No matter have good the exchange rate is, buying something that's wrong won't be a bargain. Measure the mounting holes and it should be possible to find a replacement from Firestone. Look further through the catalog:- http://www.firestoneip.com/site-resources/ride-rite/pdf/RR_2013Catalog.pdf You'll see more info about dimensions plus things like height. The important one to look at is the 'Ride Height' (like 5.50"-6.50"). This is the range the springs SHOULD be when PROPERLY inflated for YOUR load. Put in too much air to achieve that 'Monster Truck' look and they could be operating overextended from what they're designed for. If you really want the 'Monster Truck' look then you can buy (or make) spacers. You'll see information about the spacers in there too. If you (or anyone else) wants to learn more, you can always read this:- http://www.firestoneip.com/site-resources/fsip/literature/pdf/AirideDG.pdf Some might need to read it 3 (or more) times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 if you want a cheap maybe fix we have in the U S a green concokuion cant spell called slime i live in a very hot summer dry desert area well populated with thorns you cant run a bike a barrow or a riding mower without it. good stuff some one on here was going to tri it in air springs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Hi thanks for tips i have located orginal document for air bags it 3-tm. says in leaflet designed for micro motorhomes. deffo NOT looking for monster truck look. Hoping it will work for adding stability when passing trucks,crosswinds and keeping dolphin level when i load up for a trip. avoiding back end sag. which i believe was why they were made in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 29, 2014 Share Posted January 29, 2014 Here's a link to Waiter's 3-T information:- http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5569&hl=%2Breplace+%2Bair+%2Bbags#entry38841 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Hi derek thanks for link will sort out when i get back to earning money as on sick pay at moment. should be an easy install as bags have already been fitted. cp blaster on nuts for a couple of weeks should help with removing nuts. :-) :-) :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 i have air bags on my dolphin but no air lines for filling them. back end of my dolphin seems to be very high off the ground. i have a 7 leaf spring pack which does not feel stiff on the road. considering how to test air bags for leaks. each bag has its own air pipe for filling. But have you managed to leak-check what's already there? Sometimes (no statistics available) it's not the air spring but the line, fittings or valve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Hi no lines fitted at present. fill valves on side are still there. need to check fittings on top of airbag and see if i do a leak test using an air pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 I can't be certain, but it's POSSIBLE your 3-T kit might use these replacement air springs. Maybe John will comment. http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Reversible-Sleeve-Air-Spring---70MM-Style__FIR7076.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 He has no lines in place. Air bags currently have no seal. Doesn't it make sense to install some lines first and see if the existing bags will hold air. I don't remember if he said they looked ripped up or not. I might have missed somthing Linda S Just in case here are some Firestone air suspension ( called Driverite there) dealers in Scotland http://www.shopinverclyde.com/cabervans http://www.capitalmotorcaravans.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted January 30, 2014 Share Posted January 30, 2014 Try contacting these guys. They USED to supply a Firestone Kit #MLAS01130. http://www.marcleleisure.co.uk/store/firestoneappslist.php The number might sound familiar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chefdave Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 When i can get underneath will take photos and measure them. thanks for all your help its miles better than uk customer service for motorhome airbags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.