Bulges in hydraulic hoses

[slycub]

Yes, I do have an extended warranty but I am still covered by the mfgwarranty as I purchased my unit in June of 2011.

As far as the air bags, it's tough to say at this point as I only drove it back from the shop. I was able to feel less side movements especially in turns and when I left the parking lot. I can't wait to see what would be the effect with cross winds.

I used to own a Class C and when I was going on the roof, the unit was quite stable. The first time I went on the roof of my 378, I had quite a shock when I saw how much side to side movement I was creating but just walking on the roof. I didn't go back on the roof yet but I am sure I would be able to tell the difference as soon as I do it.

BTW, I had 2 kits of air bags installed (front and rear).

[SEAYALL]

Thanks, please let me an all of us know how the air bags work for you, yep, she's a rock an roller for sure, as a retired over the road truck driver i've driven many air ride rigs .. so i'd be real interested if it stops the pounding in the back end ... what brand name air ride did you purchase ? How long did it take shop to install ? just any info would be appreciated ... so these are like donuts with no air compressor or other wise ? Is there a web site for them ? thanks

[slycub]

What I got is the Firestone Ride Rite system.

You could follow this link to have a better idea of what it is:

Firestone Ride Rite

It took 2 hours in total to install the front and the back kits.

I didn't take the compressor and tank option to inflate the air bags from inside the motorhome. If needed, I could inflate them with a small compressor. I have one valve installed on the hood hinge bracket for the front bags (only one valve for the two bags). In the back I have 2 different valves to inflate the bags individually (depending on the weight distribution, you may need to inflate the back bags to 2 different pressures.)

I will let you all know how it rides once I'm back from my first camping weekend in early May.

Slycub

[slycub]

Just got news from my dealer.

FR approved repair under warranty. They will ship new hoses to my dealer for replacement.

[SEAYALL]

[QUOTE=slycub;180816]What I got is the Firestone Ride Rite system.

You could follow this link to have a better idea of what it is:

Firestone Ride Rite

It took 2 hours in total to install the front and the back kits.

I didn't take the compressor and tank option to inflate the air bags from inside the motorhome. If needed, I could inflate them with a small compressor. I have one valve installed on the hood hinge bracket for the front bags (only one valve for the two bags). In the back I have 2 different valves to inflate the bags individually (depending on the weight distribution, you may need to inflate the back bags to 2 different pressures.)

I will let you all know how it rides once I'm back from my first camping weekend in early May.

Slycub[/QUOTe

ok thanks , so whats wondering in my mind is, when you put your levers down will you deflate your bags first, on diesel rigs they drop there air first ? just curious . motor safely ..

[slycub]

No..You don't need to deflate the bags to put your levelers down.

Other than adjusting them from time to time depending on your load or weather conditions (strong winds), the only time you need to do anything is if you put your motorhome in storage. It is suggested to inflate the bags to 80-90 lbs to give a relief to your leaf springs.

[cfsoistman]

Ive had the Firestone Air Springs [bags] for over 4 years on my Georgetown. Immediately I noticed a considerable difference in the rocking of the coach during travel. I especially feel the difference when a large truck goes by, there's less of the feel of getting sucked over and pushed away as they go be. Crosswinds aren't quiet so bad but it depends on how strong they are. Remember it is a big box on a chassis. From the side it's about as aerodynamic as the face of a billboard.

[ronhanson]

Forest River just replaced my 7 orange hydraulic hoses which had buldges under warranty even though Im well out of warranty. Mike Burns had never returned my emails or calls but John Armstrong came through for me.

[polkatronron]

Mike Burns never replied because he does not work at FR anymore.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by slycub

No..You don't need to deflate the bags to put your levelers down.

Other than adjusting them from time to time depending on your load or weather conditions (strong winds), the only time you need to do anything is if you put your motorhome in storage. It is suggested to inflate the bags to 80-90 lbs to give a relief to your leaf springs.

If the bags have a leveling valve you need to let the air out before leveling.

[ronhanson]

I first tried in August :/

Originally Posted by polkatronron

Mike Burns never replied because he does not work at FR anymore.

[ohiobill]

Looks like our 2011 378 has been bitten by the bulging orange hose bug. I've been checking periodically since I first heard of this problem and everything has looked fine up until now. We just returned from Florida and I was checking the batteries when I nopticed the bulges now showing. The orange lines are marked Eaton Synflex. Have call in to the dealer.

[SEAYALL]

shi.............. sounds like it takes a year or better for this to show up, we'll keep an eye out for sure, thanks for the update

[ronhanson]

Mine didnt show any problems for 2+ years. Eaton Synflex was the brand. The replacements are branded by the slide/jack manufactuer "Lippert"

[SEAYALL]

thank you, please let us know how FR handles your case ...

[Iggy]

Look at mine todat and they are not buldging but it does have a big hole.

[ronhanson]

It looks like that was damaged when they crimped the fitting on

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by ronhanson

It looks like that was damaged when they crimped the fitting on

I agree.

[lochsa]

Just inspected all of my orange hoses and thankfully, no noticeably bulges on my 2010 330ts.

[tonto]

Bought out RV in August 2011, orange hoses all had to be replaced because of bulging and leakage. While Forest River made good on replacement , we have been without our RV for two months and still waiting to get it back. Frustrating for first time RV buyer, and very glad we were not on the road when the problem was found. Approvals for warrantee work take way too long. You may want to look under your unit before you take any long trips. Work being done at Orlando RV and it is really a major repair job. Also had to have panel seal on bedroom slide out repaired because of stripped screws when installed, and repair to furnace, it was never secured properly to RV compartment. Black hoses are fine. Understand now there is a Ford engine recall we will need to deal with.

Taken two trips and less than 3000 miles of use, mileage at around 8.2 mpg
Mike and Karla Johnson