Class A Suspension Tune Up - Airbags & Tire Pressure on the Fleetwood Bounder Suspension Improvement
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2020
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I've made adjustments on the suspension of my class A motorhome. The airbags and tire pressure to start. I will be making more suspension improvements and upgrades on my Fleetwood Bounder as more parts come in.
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My name is Dave and I travel with my dog Bella in a 1990 Fleetwood Bounder Class A Motorhome. This is our tour across America. So join us if you’re open to travel, fun, excitement, hiking & exploring. Wish us luck on this adventure! Maybe we’ll see you down the road sometime. Happy trails!
My channel is about full time RV Living in an older RV while keeping the wheels rolling on a budget. I do the repairs, updates and upgrades myself. I’ve become my own RV Mechanic/Medic! I seek boondocking opportunities every chance I can and power the RV with 500 watts of solar and approximately 500 amp hours of batteries. RV Resorts are just not our style!
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Flag is at half staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day. Love the way you demonstrate what you are doing. You would be a good teacher, Dave. I don't mind that you aren't traveling. You manage to keep it interesting.
Dave you’re a man’s man. I could talk tools and listen to you all day. Stay safe bro. Cheers!!!
Thanks, you too!
Glad to see that you’re getting the Bounders routine maintenance so that you and Bella can once again hit the road and seeing what exciting adventures await you and Bella on the road ahead . It’s good that you’re able to do some of the work on your own which saves you a lot of money. Take care and much love ❤️ to you Bella!!! Wishing you safe travels Dave,Bella ,and the Bounder 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍👍👍
I think the way to install the airbags is
To twist them and shove em in thru the bottom of the spring. I think you might need new springs as those are collapsed.
🧑🏻🔧 Dave, I sure would appreciate a friend
like you as a paid mechanic for all those maintenance items that are beyond my capability. You explain what all you’re doing making it easier for us older gals to understand. Plus it saves on the inconvenience of waiting to get into a shop etc. Maybe that would be a good on-the-road part time 💰 maker for you. 🤷🏻♀️
Love the details. I just bought a 1989 Bounder. Needs tires so that was very helpful to hear about tire pressure and GVW.
Bella Bella looks like she is doing great. Her meds must be working
Stay safe
I had air bags on my Winnebago Brave...constantly having to add more air to them...what a PITA. Had them removed and used springs instead. Much smoother ride and better handling...JMO.
Bella say's she don't give a dog gone about no airbags, let's just get on the road and go find somewhere to run and play ! Good info Dave.
Betty will be so happy when you get her all fixed up. I have been working on my camper put in led lights and new tv and DVD player and getting new wall tile.
Awesome discovery, Thank you I will look for mine on my 1985 RV 😊
On my Bounder I run 50psi in bags, 90psi tires. Smooth.
Thanks for the information, Dave! Great video.
Glad it was helpful!
Being a machinist and mechanic myself, and even though I don't RV full time, I still love travel. I've alreadyy been dealing with air bag and ride issues on my van and will be addressing shocks as well. Your efforts on the tire pressure and weight problems are appreciated. Will be watching for updates on this issue in the future! Thank you!
I am on my third set of air bags. This time I ordered from SD Springs a set of replacement springs. Just have to replace the old factory springs now. TH-camr ClassA Living did it on his Winni Cheff.
Thanks for sharing !
Sure thing!
Afternoon Dave great video learning lesson for everybody it’s not just about jumping in and taking off everybody’s got to maintain what they’re travelling in one way or another have a great day my friend ( Kev c )
Thanks 👍
Hey Dave, I know this is a old video, but I might have a solution to the tire air pressure problem.
I drove and owned semi-trucks for 35 years and this is our solution. Take your loaded rig of any type, car, truck, camper, semi trailer. It works for all of them.
On a fairly level spot, drive onto a very flat smooth surface. Like a 12 inch square piece of wood or metal. Take a flat card, like plastic credit card or similar and slide it in and under the edge of the side wall until it touches the tire, where it meets the road. If it goes more than a quarter inch, you have to much air. Remove air and re-measure, until it's at a quarter inch. Check the tire pressure and that's what you want to run in that tire position.
Front and rear will be different air pressures. But, run the same on each opposite sides. You only have to do this once, unless you change your load or rearrange your weight.
Hope this helps out. See ya.
For a second there I thought you were talking about me.." Bags, Heavy in the rear Lighter in the front", but I knew you couldn't be, because I am the opposite.. "Heavy in the front, and Lighter in the rear".. :^)
lol....
Great video Dave, enjoy the way you explain things. Thank you. 🦋💕
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video Dave
Thanks 👍
I am so surprised to see that you have airbags on a Gas engine Fleetwood Bounder. I had a 36’ 2000 Bounder from 2005 to 2019 but mine was a Ford V-10 gas engine on an F-53 truck chassis with leaf springs. At one point I had some improvement made to the leaf springs which had flattened. I tried to put the Firestone small airbags on but they would not fit.
There were no airbags as they are usually found on Diesel motorhomes.
Later I wanted to add Sumo Springs but never did it.
It did have good stabilizer bars, Bilstein shocks and a Safe T Steer front end damper which was already installed when I got it. I think these are essential suspension add ons.
Those Bounders are well built and seem to last forever. I downsized to a 27’ Class A but miss my Bounder for its livability.
excellent Dave See I learned something thanks man
Glad to help!
Awesome, my original Dave and Bella sticker will become a collector edition, sweet. Going to have to get one of your new ones as soon as there ready.
Please do!
Another great video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Dave you sound like a rv tech , good detective work . I went with Bilstein shocks and a heavier rear swaybar and Sumitomo tires at 90psi . It rode good for a gas motorhome . hopes this helps , enjoying your videos .
Keep going Dave... i think your doing great!!
I appreciate that!
@@DavesRVLife your welcome... your my kind of guy... ill keep watching.
Very informative. Not many people that own an RV know the importance of this video. I didn't. It's funny that no one that sells RV's takes the time to explain the importance of proper tire pressure when you purchase a new or used motorhome. I am sure quite a few lives could be saved if they had of.
Dave... the way that you weighed the Bounder... it was exactly the correct way to weigh.... load it like you use it, then weigh. The same goes for alignment, load it like you use it then align the vehicle.
30+ years experience as a truck driver
Thanks!
Good thing you are a mechanic! Look at the money your saving. Have a nice day Dave & Bella!
Thanks, you too!
Dave, if I had even half your knowledge about vehicle maintenance and repair, my life would be substantially easier. Thanks for this type of video! Bella Bella Bella - hugs and kissies Bella.
Glad to help!
I used to go to that TA with my aunt to do laundry. Ate at that McDonalds more times than I'll ever admit!
🌼 Knowledge... you'll get it all figured out before ya know it! Stay safe you two!!!
We will!
I Need to weigh my class c. Very important info. Air bags within springs. Huh. I learn something new. Thank you. Safe travels.
Glad it was helpful!
Brookville is one of my old stomping grounds. Air bags can be a nuisance at times. I enjoyed the tour down under with all of the dirt and grease. Take care
Bella. Bella. I love dogs.
The bags were installed by Fleetwood to make up for the Added weight of the RV on the Chassis. They basically stiffen the coil and change the rate. You load the vehicle like your going to travel and then add the air.
I have to get my boat trailer weight and you showed me what I have to do, Thanks 👍 I'm sure you checked the shocks on the BOUNDER, IT seems she was well taken care of.
It will be getting front shocks for sure. The rear shocks don't appear to have leaked at all.
You're right on. I believe the maximum pressure indicated on the tire is highest safe reading somewhat above which the tire might come off the rim. The actual pressure in the tire should be lower than the maximum. How low depends on how much of a soft ride you want. While driving on sand or other soft surfaces, I let air out of the drive tires to increase traction and add it back when on firmer ground.
Please look in to Sumo springs. A lot of people I recommend them to love them
Thirty plus years ago these rigs came with 'bias' rated tires. Roll forward we now have 'radial' tires. Bias tires required lower pressure than radial.
Interesting to see what ride you end up with tuned to the staples stocked, bike, water and propane. Be safe.
I’m sure when you get your suspension tuneup done you will find a much better drive and ride rig.. be safe out there. 👍☕️🍩🍀
Thanks 👍
The maximum weight rating of the tire is at Max PSI on the tire
Hey Dave I’m also replacing my dry rotted front airbags! They were installed by previous owner they will be an easy install they should be on yours is mine mines only three years difference than yours on the bounder you go up through the bottom through the middle of the spring just push it through the hole hook up airlines and Shabam done !!
I have a 1993 Georgie boy 2995 30' Chevy chassis. Put all new shocks. It came with no rear air bags and the front bags are shot.. it rides mostly well.
Great info Dave, my 27’ Aspect class c has rear air bags, they slowly leak a little. Oh, why was flag at half staff?
Peace Officers Memorial Day.
👍👍👍
Enjoyed the video , very useful information. My wife and got a 1991 33ft Fleetwood bounder as a COVID project and we just brought on our first trip. Any suggestions on how to go up hill faster than 40MPH??
With large heavy vehicles, sometime you get to go at your pace, and sometimes you go at their pace. There is really no way to cheat that! ..lol
i replaced my front air bags and made a video but it is not a fun job, might be better to remove the springs.
What wouod you suggest on a max 120 psi 16ply tire i have a 32ft gas a class fleetwood door tag calls for 85psi i run 95 front right no 90 rear
Looking at your control arms they have not been greased in a long time. It is common for mechanics to miss them.
It might now show on the camera, but I grease those and everything else every other oil change.
Have you ever wondered what our dogs think when we are alone with them ,and we talk to our phones or cameras, and not them?
Yes...lol
Hello, I'm looking for photos for the connections of the different switches on the dashboard and the speedometer and lap count because I unplugged the wires without noticing anything. I live in France and there is no such RV. Perhaps you could help me because you have the same model as mine. Thank you Stephane
Hi Dave, good content. I have a 1992 fleetwood bounder and absolutely love it. Question tho, how do you find and get to the power steering fill? She squeals till shes warm, don't know if I need a belt or low on fluid.
I haven't had to add any fluid in a long time, but I'm sure it's under the dog box from inside. A squeal is probably a need for new belts or at least adjustment of them.
Thanks Dave appreciate it, and you
Hi Dave, while giving the suspension the TLC it deserves you may want to look at those shocks. They look pretty old and could be wore out, new shocks make a world of difference.
I'm going to replace the fronts for sure, maybe the rears too. :)
👍👍👍😀
Wish I could do things myself, cost me $3000 for sumo back rear differential and dump station retro fit to make it easier to dump.
Hi Dave I hope those new airbags come with some new wiring? I don't know if i would put the new airbags on the wiring thats there . Do you have a Air tank on board? Good video Dave
The new bags come as a complete kit with all new air lines and valves.
Mine did not have rear air bags.2003 Work horse.
Dave got a 91 Winnebago 32 ft. MIne weighed 4100 front and 8000 something rear. Your water weighs almost 1000 pounds. Geez only put 20 gallons . I replaced those stupid front bags. Good luck squeezing them in the bottom hole. It sucks. This winter I will probably put on new coil springs.
good luck to you
👍🐢
Hi Dave I hope Bella is doing better . Are you giving her any Cosequin Joint Health Supplements?
Dave, when you first started your video, the flag was flying at half staff. Any ideas as to why? Hugs to Bella. So glad she’s feeling like her ole self. Safe travels, Dave.
Just reading comments b4 I leave a message and saw that you’ve asked exactly what I had curiously noticed. Good 👁
Wondered the same thing?
Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Dave's RV Life Thanks, Dave.
Are airbags easier than sumo springs? Our Ms Betty needs some help
I would say yes, and these were designed to have both, not one or the other.
Love the info - green wondering how those things work. We have a 1984 Pace Arrow. 👍
BTW, did you go back and pick up Bella's poo? (Sorry, it's a sore subject right now - just got back from the dog park where I picked up all the poop everyone else left behind, because a poor lady stepped in it. 😫) 🤦♀️
She did not "poo" until later at my cousin's property.
@@DavesRVLife 👍🤣🤣
What sort of a power train do you have in your 1990 Bounder? I assume it's sitting on a Chevrolet P30 chassis, correct? 454 gas, with carb or inject? TH400 transmission? 3.73 rear end ratio?
P30, 454 with TBI. I don't know for sure which transmission and gear ratio.
@@DavesRVLife does it have a 3 speed or 4 speed auto transmission? What sort of gas mileage do you average?
@@Dadcam_Can It's a 3 speed, so I guess that makes it the TH400. Sometimes it gets as much as 7-1/2 mpg! lol
@@DavesRVLife I would agree it's a TH400. I believe the 4L80e 4 spd transmissions were available in 1993 onward. I have a 1984 Fleetwood Pace Arrow on a P30 chassis with TH400 and 4.10 rear end but with a factory 6.2 diesel. I can get upwards of 12-13 MPG under ideal conditions. These old motorhomes are a lot easier to self maintain than most of the newer builds.
How many miles to a gallon you get ..?? I have a 460 Ford 1990
6-7 on a highway trip.
You finally have come back to the dark side. The rear airbags give my RV two and a half more inches clearance.
I got back to the garage today to a pile of delivered boxes of goodies! :)
No results of suspension changes...?
The OEM bags did not have air lines, the bags just filled at the bottom of the air bags.
How do I get stickers. I don't have PayPal🤔
Go to paypal.com and sign up. :)
: )
8 dollars a day ? where - oh Kansas
?
My 24 ft C Class has no airbags.
I've never seen them on a C
Mine has rear airbags 06 coachmen concord 23so 24'
Jesse we need to cook
lol...
HOW ABOUT THE SHOCKS ?
On the way..
Hello Dave
The last Owners, Mad Attempt to Replace system.
Besides Air Bags.
Looks like wore out sway bar bushings.
I'd replace Front Springs , they look collapsed & New Shocks would be nice.
Your bump stop, has been hitting.Leaving a mark . Good Luck , water weighs 8 lbs a gallon . Anything past rear axle triples weight. (cycle)
Call Tirerack.com for pressure info .
Thank you for sharing. Drive Safe
IT'S JUST INFLATION lol
not real good having a 300 pound motorcycle 10 feet away from the rear axle. That exerts 3000 lbs down force 300 lbsX10ft on the rear frame from the axle back. That's why it is tail heavy. It's too bad you can't mount the bikes on the front but it would get in the way of the headlights.
The weight also including the motorcycle rack is almost 400 lbs. This should be done using second class lever calculations. With the front axle being the fulcrum and the force of effort (400lbs) distance being 31' and the point of resistance distance being 17' (rear axle), that is a mechanical advantage of 1.824. 400lbs * 1.824 = 729.6 lbs on the point of resistance (rear axle). :)
@@DavesRVLife The rear axle (rear spring mount) is the fulcrum in this case and that is the force exerting down or CCW in opposition to the opposing force of the spring. That isn't the sum of all the forces, just that one. I would keep an eye on the part of the frame right around that area for over stressing especially after running over some rough bumps. It might need some strengthening.