Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Replacing air bag system
| Replacing air bag system [message #247891] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 13:08  |
Lane Burrow
Messages: 29
Registered: October 2013
Location: Western NC
Karma: 0
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We are totally remodeling our 73 Canyonlands and which came without an air compressor or tank plus the lines have been disconnected. The leveling switches for the bags are frozen and I am sure the panel control will not work. I need to replace both bags due to excessive cracking. My question is this: Is having the self-leveling bag system worth the expense and effort of replacing the entire system or should I just replace the bags and fill them with an on board air compressor at the bags as needed? Thanks for your help I don't know what I would do without this forum to help me in this restoration.
Lane & Nancy Burrow
73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
Columbus, NC
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247892 is a reply to message #247891] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 13:52  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
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I think that Jim Bounds or Jim Kanamota have been working on some leveling system that doesn't use the leveling arms. It is nice to have the ability to use automatic leveling to compensate for different coach weights and still keep the proper ride height (as well as easier leveling at uneven camp sites). Perhaps you could start with replacing the bags with new ones, then work your way to an automatic as time and budget allow.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247894 is a reply to message #247891] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 14:03 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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| Lane Burrow wrote on Sat, 19 April 2014 13:08 |
Is having the self-leveling bag system worth the expense and effort of replacing the entire system or should I just replace the bags and fill them with an on board air compressor at the bags as needed?
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Lane,
What is your budget? People have different values for expensive, and a lot of times it depends on how far along they are in their budget for the coach. If you have not been through the engine and transmission yet, I'd air up some fresh bags from outside and save your sheckles.
For what it is worth, for me, it sure is handy to be able to adjust the level from inside the coach, without dragging out any equipment.
My .02
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247895 is a reply to message #247894] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 14:10 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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By the way, how is the interior coming along?
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247899 is a reply to message #247895] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 15:38 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
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I would replace the bags with Sully's system, which I just installed and love, and for now just put schrader valves (tire style valves at about $2 each) in the bags and air them up from the outside. This will get you off the ground and down the road, and is fully compatible with whatever compressor system you decide to go with later.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247901 is a reply to message #247899] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 15:47 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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This is an excellent suggestion that gives a route to upgrade. I betcha this would work well with the low cost pressure sensing load leveling systems available.
| Otterwan wrote on Sat, 19 April 2014 13:38 |
I would replace the bags with Sully's system, which I just installed and love, and for now just put schrader valves (tire style valves at about $2 each) in the bags and air them up from the outside. This will get you off the ground and down the road, and is fully compatible with whatever compressor system you decide to go with later.
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-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247907 is a reply to message #247895] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 16:02 |
Lane Burrow
Messages: 29
Registered: October 2013
Location: Western NC
Karma: 0
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Thanks for all the info. I have been leaning towards replacing the bags with the Sully system. I believe that for the time being I am going to just use the strader valves on the bags but I am planning on installing a 12 volt air compressor and tank where the lp tank was. My engine and trans have less than 1000 miles on them so I hope they will be okay. This has become a major project. I thought I could just fluff up the interior but we have had to replace all of the floor due to rot that was covered up when the unit was fixed up to sell.(let the buyer beware) The good news is that when we are finished we will have a new coach inside with a full size shower and a new electrical system. Again thanks for the info I'm sure I will have more questions later.
Lane & Nancy Burrow
73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
Columbus, NC
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| Re: Replacing air bag system [message #247925 is a reply to message #247891] |
Sat, 19 April 2014 18:41 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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| Lane Burrow wrote on Sat, 19 April 2014 13:08 |
... Is having the self-leveling bag system worth the expense and effort...
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Lane, imo, the answer to your question is definitely! It's really nice to just throw the 'auto' switch for a few miles, then flip to hold, and know it's right. Doesn't matter how much you're loaded or unloaded, the ride height is going to be right. Period. Full Stop.
When I first got my coach, I didn't understand how the ElectroLevel (1) system in my 77 worked. I had a bad valve and replaced it with a new one from Jim K. About $175. Dave Lenzi rebuilds them also.
Don't know anything about what was in your 73 but I can't think of any reason you couldn't retrofit EL1 or EL2 to yours.
Not trying to take anything away from the remote air systems but I will guarantee that I can tell if my ride height is off.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
[Updated on: Sat, 19 April 2014 18:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Replacing air bag system [message #247951 is a reply to message #247935] |
Sun, 20 April 2014 09:19 |
Lane Burrow
Messages: 29
Registered: October 2013
Location: Western NC
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Thanks again for all the info. I will take all this into consideration in doing my system. One of the reasons we bought a GMC was the air ride suspension and auto leveling feature. My confusion came from conversations I have had with some other owners who advised me to just use the bags alone. I think now that I will look into the complete system but I may have to add it after this summer, depends on the time. I still work so I have a great deal to do before we take off for a long trip this July. You guys are the best, thanks for your time and all your great suggestions. It really helps a newbie like me.
Lane & Nancy Burrow
73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
Columbus, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Replacing air bag system [message #247993 is a reply to message #247987] |
Sun, 20 April 2014 18:34 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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A,
I am proponent of the KISS principle and since Lane's GMC is a '73 Canyonlands I'd suggest he put the Power Level back.
I love mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems because I'm an electrically challenged electrophobe! ;-)
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of A.
A Hamilto wrote on Sun, 20 April 2014 18:02
> If you decide to restore the OEM automatic ride height system, there are sites with very good documentation (in addition to the
Maintenance Manual). Lots of info and lots of folks willing to help here. Here's just one example:
>
> http://www.bdub.net/manuals/Electro-Level.pdf
And here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/levelsch.htm
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Replacing air bag system [message #247999 is a reply to message #247996] |
Sun, 20 April 2014 18:42 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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| A Hamilto wrote on Sun, 20 April 2014 18:37 |
| USAussie wrote on Sun, 20 April 2014 18:34 |
A,
I am proponent of the KISS principle and since Lane's GMC is a '73 Canyonlands I'd suggest he put the Power Level back.
I love mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems because I'm an electrically challenged electrophobe! 
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
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I agree. And I can see how my technical examples, being mostly about electro level systems, might lead one to believe that I was advocating electro level over power level. Both of mine have power level systems.
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Here's some help with that
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Denney_Power_Level_System.pdf
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