2004 Georgetown 303 - Issue Installing Air Bags.

[kick]

I purchased the Firestone 2170 air bags for my 2004 Georgetown (2003) F-53 chassis and had some problems installing them. The coaches steel frame was welded right in the place the air bags were suppose to be installed. The frame also did not have the two pre-drilled holes per the instructions.

I ended up flipping them to the back side of the rearend centerline and bolting 3 of the 4 bolts in the frame, with 5 1/2" of installed height. I fabricated a bracket on the top of the frame for the 4th bolt.

Sound OK?

Thanks, Jim

[nemo45]

Originally Posted by kick

I purchased the Firestone 2170 air bags for my 2004 Georgetown (2003) F-53 chassis and had some problems installing them. The coaches steel frame was welded right in the place the air bags were suppose to be installed. The frame also did not have the two pre-drilled holes per the instructions.

I ended up flipping them to the back side of the rearend centerline and bolting 3 of the 4 bolts in the frame, with 5 1/2" of installed height. I fabricated a bracket on the top of the frame for the 4th bolt.

Sound OK?

Thanks, Jim

How about a picture?

[kick]

I'll snap a shot next week. We only got one side done over the weekend and plan to do the other side this week. It should be ok, the bag plates are parallel and should travel inline with the bag. I was more worried about the setup height at 5 1/2”. There wasn’t anything in the instructions that referenced the minimum bag height.

The right two rear tires also had nails in them, so we'll be planning a road trip for those repairs too.

Update, I found some info online for the bag itself, I found two different specs. I guess I'm OK at 5 1/2", but if I set it up at 4 1/2", I can get all 4 bolts in the frame:

6781 Double C onvoluted 267C 1.5 4-1/2" - 6-1/2" 5 / 100 psi 4800 lbs


6781 Double C onvoluted 267C 1.5 5-1/2" - 6-1/2" 5 / 100 psi 4800 lbs

[jsutherl]

I'd love to see a picture also. Nice work!

What made you go with air bags instead of sumo springs?

[kick]

Ok, I'll try posting a pic. May need to resize it.

[kick]

That air bag was mounted on the backside of the axle instead of the front because of coach brackets in the way. This Pic is where the air lines come together and I have a pressure gauge and fitting right next to the compressor. There's 120V just above the compressor.

[jsutherl]

Nice work, those look great. Nice little compressor too. I carry a small one also and it's really nice to have,

[Iggy]

Jim
Now that you have had the air bags installed what is your overall satisfaction.
Does it drive better and straighter?
Does it reduce front end steering wandering?

I'm considering a set for my 2012 37.5 ft Georgetown.
It seems that the rear end needs a little support as it will help the front end drivability. My front end is too light and with air bags in the rear will help put more weight forward onto the front tires.

Let me know

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by kick

That air bag was mounted on the backside of the axle instead of the front because of coach brackets in the way. This Pic is where the air lines come together and I have a pressure gauge and fitting right next to the compressor. There's 120V just above the compressor.

Where did you get your air compressor?
What is the manufacturer?
Thanks

[kick]

Hi, I got the compressor at Sears on sale. To tell you the truth I don't see much difference in 20# or 90# in the air shocks while pulling the 6-7K trailer. It rides good with both pressures. I have the F53 Ford chassis with the V10 and I did the sway bar fix at the same time. I'm very happy with the ride!!! In the end, probably didn't need the air shocks.

[hazbunch]

Has anyone installed the Firestone air bag(2170) to a newer F53? On my 2011 Georgetown 360, the left rear has a large plate blocking where the bracket should go. Is there a way around this and is it worth it? I was trying to get more rear end clearance so I don't drag on everything.

[kick]

I think the picture is still in post #5.. I just moved the bracket to the rear of the axle keeping the bracket parallel and I added a 3" angle iron piece of steel for the top bolt. I drilled down into the frame to support the steel.

I might add, that the RV really didn't need the air bags. It towed the heavy trailer just fine with 20lbs or maxed out.

[VinceU]

If front bags only were installed, would they extend enough while stationary to level the coach 4-6" lift? Thanks...

[Newellri]

I just put rear air bags on my 350. I put front ones on last spring in TX not Tim to put on rears. They would not fit on front side of axel, interference with break. I called factory and they ok a rear mount. It required a little mod on the mount but went ok. I still have a couple of bolts to tighten but just about done.

[Newellri]

As to the question of the plate on drivers side I used a four inch grinder and a cut off wheel. It is hard to a even line but it comes out easy. I think it is to keep mudd out of hoses and ect. I just removed the bottom 1and 1/2 inches.

[Newellri]

I had it increase the notch 7/8 inch, because the rear spring hanger is higher.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Newellri

I had it increase the notch 7/8 inch, because the rear spring hanger is higher.

I know a few of you georgetown owners out there have put on air bags but i have to heard back if they are wearth the time and money. Would be great to hear back from a few of you.
Thanks

[Newellri]

I had them on my last MH and the made a big difference. It was a Ford with the 18000 lbs frame. This is the 22,000 frame with the 22.5 wheels, it drove good from factory. I had the fronts on comming back from TX this spring 1250 mi. It helps in a cross wind and off ramps, prob about like CHF. I think it removes some of the preload on springs and that lets you ride on air for small road imperfections, big bumps are still a jar. I will report in january when I go to TX, too cold to camp in IA.