Air lift bags on a side conversion

[cushers]

Bags have arrived. Any advice on fitting?
Pressures?

Graeme

[g8dhe]

I got the garage to fit them
Run about 15psi in them, started much higher, and slowly let them down, until the thumping came back then put them back up again.

[cushers]

Hi Geoff
Thanks again. No bumping in this case. Just planning on reducing body roll.

Graeme

[Propnut]

Bags have arrived. Any advice on fitting?
Pressures?

Graeme

Fitted mine myself. Don't believe the instructions that tell you to roll them up and insert them in through the side of the spring. I removed the lower shock absorber bolt to allow the track arm to move lower then used Spring compressors to remove the spring and inserted the bag from the end. I secured the pipe work to the brake pipe above the axle and installed both valves at the rear end of the side door step. I run 25 psi both sides when towing.

Great advice and pictures here:- http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... ft#p620887

[cushers]

Thank you Propnut.

Have seen that thread but wondered if thinking had changed. Will invest in a spring compressor.

Graeme

[Simon Jones]

Screwfix do spring compressors for about £18 and are essential to get the bags in without risking damage. The pipes should go downwards and along to wherever you decide to put the valve(s). I used a T-piece and fitted the valve inside the wheelarch but tucked out the way of all the mud and water.

[Jillygumbo]

Since carrying two adults in the back of Tonto since conversion, I have decided that air assisters should be considered. Jon and Gema had a very ride to Stratford and back!

I've looked on the net and can find Air Lift at £83.33 exc VAT (and delivery presumably) and MAD-Suspension for £217.56.

Other than cost, what is the difference between these 2 please? Anyone know?

[cushers]

Jillygumbo, The Mad suspension set looks very similar to my kit that cost approx £100 from a different supplier. I have not however any experience of using them so there could be something that makes them a further £100 better.

Good luck and Im sure someone will be along who can provide more clarity

Graeme

[cushers]

So,
I am all prepped for bag fitting (Spring compressors, axel stand).

Final call for suggestions.. Bearing in mind it's a side conversion (fridge, 2 ring gas burner, EHU fitments, cupboards, Gas cylinder and RnR bed)

Options
- linked via the T piece OR independent inflation valves

TIA
Graeme

[Propnut]

Mine is like yours with the full side conversion, water tank, fridge, etc etc. I also use it for towing so added the airbags about a year ago, to help the back end a bit. I ran separate lines just to give me options as with a side conversion most of the weight is on the drivers side. I mounted the valves in the rear face of the rear side step inside the van. Out of the way of road muck and easy to get to.

Good luck, it's not a difficult job to do just be careful where you run the pipe work, watch out for potential pinches and chafes.

[cushers]

Thanks again Propnut.
Did you have any chafing issues as you went through the rear arch rubber Bing and hole covered by tape in the step?
Did the airlines fit side by side ok?

Graeme

[Bob]

Got mine in the garage, just need to fit them.

[Propnut]

Thanks again Propnut.
Did you have any chafing issues as you went through the rear arch rubber Bing and hole covered by tape in the step?
Did the airlines fit side by side ok?

Graeme

I ran the pipes along the radius arms leaving a good free loop as it ran off the end to allow for movement of the arm. I also used a piece of plastic edge trim as protection on the flange of the radius arm pivot bracket where the pipes passed close by. I removed the plastic step trim panel and drilled a hole at the back of the opening to pass the pipes through I used a rubber grommet to protect from the edge. The valves are mounted in the plastic step trim panel one above the other. I'll try to post some pictures later.

[cushers]

Thank you all for the help.

Invade anyone else can use this thread

I have just fitted the air lift set to my side conversion this afternoon. I'm no mechanic and took about 90min / side. I have rigged them to be independent of each other.

Seriously consider getting a set of Spring compressors. Easy DIY job.

Graeme

[Propnut]

Glad to hear it went well, sounds like you're pleased with the results. I have been having trouble posting a pic of my install so its good that you managed without it.

Just a word of caution to anyone else about to do this job. It's well within the capabilities of most however the most dangerous part is handling the spring with the compressors on. Take great care as it's not unknown for them to slip resulting in the spring exploding from their grasp. Don't let this put you off just handle the compressed spring gently with great care and try to keep hands out of the way as much as possible.