[GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
Jon Payne
All,
Just saw this video on You Tube showing the installation of a new direct replacement for the OEM airbag. Anyone seen this in person? Is it a real viable solution? Cost?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmD78GNMR8
Jon
--
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
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Charles Wood
His post on the swap meet said $600 complete...
--
CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
Howard and Sue
The only thing I see we can't lower our GMC's as low as with the stock air
bags.
What else?
Price?
Howard
Alpine Ca
Jeremy
I'll give him credit. It's a very nice presentation. That big shows a lot of movement to my eye when it travels over the bump. Not sure how much the OEM shows, but that looks like a lot of stress on the short bag. I'd be interested in some opinions as $600 for a pair certainly seems to be the cheapest of the options available. I think the single bag design out of Southland is more than that...
--
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Charles Wood
Would make a great emergency/temp bag....
--
CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
Dan Gregg
I like his presentation. I think the "built in safety" of being able to drive with a blown bag would not work for me though. I use my bags to level the coach when we park. This looks to have a lot less travel than the OEM bag.
This guy needs to advertize. He might have had my buisness when we blew the engine in Quartzsite. But, John did us right and knows how to work on these things too, down in Tucson.
Oh, not sure Jim K has adverized it yet but I saw he has the single bags now also. Should be as simple an install as this and they will probably have a bit more travel, but I don't know that for sure.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Larry
I am impressed.
You would not need it as an emergency bag since you would replace your old rotton OEM bag with this.
Maybe a pair should be bought and held for travelers in trouble.
I don't know if you are losing travel or not. The fact that it wont bottom out, something I mentioned as being a problem when I bought the 4 bagger, is a huge benefit. You can't be stranded because of a bag or air system failure..... That is a big plus over all the available systems.
But it looks to me that it won't duplicate driving over 4x4 boards like the OEM bag was demonstrated doing.
So now you all have another bag replacement to peruse....
With the exception of the first one with the bendy metal plates, I think they are all good replacements for the now unavailable OEM bag. Just don't expect the entire movement that the OEM bag allowed.
far as I know, this is the only replacement the prohibits bottoming out and I give that a big PLUS, as my coach bottoms out with the 4 bagger.
--
Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
74 GLACIER X, 260
455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
Remflex Manifold gaskets
_______________________________________________
Purchased 08-18-04
_
Carl Stouffer
It looks to me like leveling would definitely be an issue. It does not appear to have adequate travel. If he had addressed that on the video, I would feel better about it. I have heard that the Quad bag system makes for a marked improvement in the handling characteristics of the coach and I'm sure this new single bag would not have any advantage there, over the original system. I agree it would make a good emergency bag though.
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
John R. Lebetski
Alternatives are always good to have. My armchair drivebility quotent say it will have a harsher ride than stock. I could be wrong.
--
John Lebetski
Chicago, IL
77 Eleganza II
Rob Mueller
Yesterday I finished up cutting out two pieces of wood that will fill the
area in between the bag mounting vertical plates on a Harrison Four Bag
system. Hopefully this should solve the problem of the plates bending.
I hope to have it all finished before I head to the USA and will publish
instructions and photographs on how to do it.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Larry
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:01 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
With the exception of the first one with the bendy metal plates, I think
they are all good replacements for the now unavailable OEM bag.
--
Gatsbys' CRUISER :d
74 GLACIER X, 260
455/APC/4 bagg'r(ver3)
Remflex Manifold gaskets
_______________________________________________
Purchased 08-18-04
Byron Songer
allows one to push against the other so the tendency is to have less up and
down motion when traveling.
The bag does seem to have less travel than the system developed by Southland
Motorhome in Georgia (their website is back up though the photos and website
look like the work of a real novice).
Southland is asking $450 per side which includes an adapter. According to
reports the Hensley system is $600 for two and needs no adapter. Plus he
includes the Shrader valves.
I wish Hensley had stated how much travel there is with his setup. That
would resolve a lot of questioning.
As to the double bag system, it defeats the interaction of one wheel against
the other since the divider is static. However, the rear end is more stable
which is great if pulling a tow. Travel is reduced in comparison to the
original design from what I understand.
So, you get to pick and choose.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
Jeremy wrote:
>
>
> I'll give him credit. It's a very nice presentation. That big shows a lot of
> movement to my eye when it travels over the bump. Not sure how much the OEM
> shows, but that looks like a lot of stress on the short bag. I'd be interested
> in some opinions as $600 for a pair certainly seems to be the cheapest of the
> options available. I think the single bag design out of Southland is more than
> that...
Dennis Sexton
Awaiting a reply ---
I emailed Dan earlier today to ask about the range of height adjustment and how it compared to the original.
Dennis Sexton
73 GMC
Sent from my iPad
Chris Choffat
Wish I had this option. I think the quadra bag rides too hard. This guy is in my back yard too! Too bad he kept it a secret during it's development.
--
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
77 Ex-Kingsley 455, Power Drive, 3:21 FD, Quadra bag. The Engineer's Motorhome
Scottsdale, AZ
Photosite: Chrisc "It has Begun"
Jim Kanomata
the other units out there is offering.
I know we can cut the price on these by $100 total.
The ride will be hard from what our data from our tests from 2 years
ago will confirm.
I believe the pressure will run from 100-115psi while the original and
the Q Bags run 80-90psi.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Rob Mueller
Your wish is my command!
Hensley does not state the type of bag they use, however, here's the data on
the a couple:
Bag used on Leigh Harrison's Four Bag system:
http://www.firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/datasheets/W013583400.pdf
Bag used on Jim K's Quadra Bag system:
http://firestoneindustrial.com/pdfs/datasheets/W013587325.pdf
I interpret the Design Height to mean Max Height, however, that is my GUESS!
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Byron Songer
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:18 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
I wish Hensley had stated how much travel there is with his setup. That
would resolve a lot of questioning.
Byron Songer
1978 Royale by Coachmen
Louisville, KY
Personal - http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Eastern States - http://www.gmceast.com
roy keen
Dan
I think everyone liked what you have come up with .the main question is what is the up and down travel of the rear of the coach for leveling the at a campsite compared to the original bags.
Roy
Randy
I guess I'm the lone dissenter here. When I looked at it in person and in the video it looked like there was nothing there to trap any side-to-side movement of the airbag between the bogie arms. All of that had to be absorbed by the bag, which I don't think it was designed to do. The bags look like ones mounted to absorb up and down motion, not in and out and perhaps side to side. The Southland bag is a single airspring, not two smaller ones and looks like it was designed for the application.
I don't want to discourage anyone from developing things that will help our community of GMCers, but this one needs a little more support structure to put my mind at ease.
--
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
Dan hensley
Hi all, I'm not real great at figuring out these sites. I've been reading some of the comments made on here. I just wish I had maybe done some more measuring of the clearances of my bags. I've put two sets on and have driven both on rough and smooth surfaces. the coaches both 26ft models and were level at 90psi. I aired one to 100 and it did raise the coach alittle and made the ride a little more firm. I believe the bags will run just fine at these pressures since the operating pressure is 50 to 150 as per Firestone. These are a new bag from Firestone (red label high pressure). same size as the old ones but built better to withstand higher pressures. The bag adapters on each end of the bags are made of 1/4" thick steel SCH#40 4"steel pipe. very tough stuff. The mount Bolts are 9/16 fine thread grade 8 bolts with self locking nuts. Glad everyone liked the video my son was running the camera. Bottom line there are a lot of good ideas out there. I just think mine is pretty simpl
e and easy to install. 600.00 for the set. I will put them on for free. I guess I just like putting my hands on these old gals. thanks Dan
Dan hensley
Roy
I guess I honestly never thought about the air suspension used for that but I can certainly see it's benefit. I really haven't measured the height of the vehicle with this bag system on it. I guess it would depend a lot on how much air you had (psi) and how heavy your coach was.Next set I install I'll take some measurements thanks Dan
rwbmitiopt
Randy
I don't have a dog in this fight as I had to bag blow shortly after I purchased my coach. Replaced both from Cinnabar for about $600. Supply and demand.
I'm not sure what this new system lacks over the original. Am I missing something? Of course you've seen the install in person.
Randall
Luvn737s wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 21:43
> I guess I'm the lone dissenter here. When I looked at it in person and in the video it looked like there was nothing there to trap any side-to-side movement of the airbag between the bogie arms. All of that had to be absorbed by the bag, which I don't think it was designed to do. The bags look like ones mounted to absorb up and down motion, not in and out and perhaps side to side. The Southland bag is a single airspring, not two smaller ones and looks like it was designed for the application.
>
> I don't want to discourage anyone from developing things that will help our community of GMCers, but this one needs a little more support structure to put my mind at ease.
--
Randall Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
Dan Gregg
Randall, some of us use the rear bags to level up at campsites. We dry camp a lot and often find ourselves letting the rear of coach all the way down, on one side or both. Occassionally I need to raise them up to near maximum, just depends on where I place the front of the GMC. With the Q bag I have never been unable to level up. Sometimes I can tell I have a bind in the body because the door will not shut so I move the coach around.
Dan has been kind enough to post here after we reviewed his video and came up with the travel question. He says he will measure and get back to us. It looks limited but until he posts again we will just have to wait and see.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Gary Casey
internal volume, and that equates to a very high spring rate. Just by looking
at the pictures I would guess it to have a spring more than double and maybe
triple that of the standard spring. I don't see how it could give a
satisfactory ride, let alone provide the height adjust range talked about by
Matt.
Gary Casey
hnielsen2 wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 17:37
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
>
> > So folks what do you have to say?
> > The only thing I see we can't lower our GMC's as low as with the stock air
>bags.
> > What else?
> > Price?
> > Howard
> > Alpine Ca
> >> All,
> >>
> >> Just saw this video on You Tube showing the installation of a new direct
>replacement for the OEM airbag. Anyone seen this in person? Is it a real viable
>solution?
> Cost? 600$us from the swap side.
> >>
> >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmD78GNMR8
> >>
> >> Jon
This is not a solution for me. I park in more boatyards than campgrounds. In
one of the regular stops, the only place I can leave the coach/office/instrument
shop/tool crib requires that I let the port side all the way down to the stop
and the stbd as high as I dare to keep things from rolling off the table
(dinette) while I am working. If I can't get full travel out of the system, I
can't do that.
It does look clean and it may fill many others need, but doesn't JimK have a
single bag that does as well?
Matt
rwbmitiopt
Dan
I live in the NW; mountains, hills, uneven ground, even flat is not level LOL. I would be concerned about the travel, for sure, as I have to let all the air out and ramp the front end where I park at my house.
I was addressing the comment on whether the Henley system was as stable laterally as the original.(as noted by Randy in AZ)
Just thinking out loud.
Randall
WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 09 March 2011 10:56
> Randall, some of us use the rear bags to level up at campsites. We dry camp a lot and often find ourselves letting the rear of coach all the way down, on one side or both. Occassionally I need to raise them up to near maximum, just depends on where I place the front of the GMC. With the Q bag I have never been unable to level up. Sometimes I can tell I have a bind in the body because the door will not shut so I move the coach around.
> Dan has been kind enough to post here after we reviewed his video and came up with the travel question. He says he will measure and get back to us. It looks limited but until he posts again we will just have to wait and see.
> Dan
--
Randall Burns
Sammamish WA
75 EX GB
Dan Gregg
Sounds like you hang out in places like Teri and I do Randall. I have only used blocks under out front wheels one time. I need to get them out of here. It is rare when I can not level the GMC with the rear bags. I see folks with jacks on front and I like them but we really just do not need anything like that on here.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Dan Gregg
Chr$ wrote on Tue, 08 March 2011 18:59
> Wish I had this option. I think the quadra bag rides too hard. This guy is in my back yard too! Too bad he kept it a secret during it's development.
What??? You sound like an old man or something. I can't believe you compain about the ride of th Q bag. They certainly are more firm than the bouncy one, OEM, bag but they sure make for a much better ride. Suck it up. You should have been a kid back in the 70's when we had air shocks on every car and aired to the max. Now, that was a "hard ride". :lol:
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Byron Songer
the shock.
--
Byron Songer
1978 GMC Royale
Louisville, KY
http://www.gmceast.com
http://web.me.com/bnsonger
fred veenschoten
WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 09 March 2011 12:56
> Randall, some of us use the rear bags to level up at campsites. We dry camp a lot and often find ourselves letting the rear of coach all the way down, on one side or both. Occassionally I need to raise them up to near maximum, just depends on where I place the front of the GMC. With the Q bag I have never been unable to level up. Sometimes I can tell I have a bind in the body because the door will not shut so I move the coach around.
> Dan has been kind enough to post here after we reviewed his video and came up with the travel question. He says he will measure and get back to us. It looks limited but until he posts again we will just have to wait and see.
> Dan
i have to level up or all the way down most places i go. i have do drop down to drain my tanks with the rear bath set up.
--
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
Bob de Kruyff
Dan--I for one think you have come up with a nice alternative for us. Yes, we have different needs based on how we use our coaches, but I think it's great that you have been very open about your design. All of us are more or less fanatics and try to figure things out without ever having experienced certain ideas so don't let that get you down. Keep posting about what you do and how you got involved with GMC's. I'm right around the corner and will try to meet you in person.
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Dan Gregg
Bob de Kruyff wrote on Wed, 09 March 2011 18:04
> Dan--I for one think you have come up with a nice alternative for us. Yes, we have different needs based on how we use our coaches, but I think it's great that you have been very open about your design. All of us are more or less fanatics and try to figure things out without ever having experienced certain ideas so don't let that get you down. Keep posting about what you do and how you got involved with GMC's. I'm right around the corner and will try to meet you in person.
Bob, I will "second that".
dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Bob de Kruyff
I've mentioned this in other posts, but within reason, spring rate has minimal effect on impact harshness. It will affect roll rate and ride frequency. Unless the unit is actually bottoming out, I wouldn't jump to many conclusions. Frankly, I think increased roll rate will be a good thing and ride frequency is a matter of preference. What affects impact harshness most is geometry, tires, and shock valving. Suspension bushings are also a big factor but we don't have those in the rear.
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Byron Songer
Actually, I think he has a good alternative. With all the replacement
systems one has to consider the advantages and disadvantages in design,
performance and price.
If you're leveling pumps don't work anyway, this system is a great and super
system. You just level like you do a trailer -- pads, blocks, bottle jacks
and things like that -- or watch for level ground. That way you don't have
to worry about anything but ride height and air pressure.
--
Byron Songer
1978 GMC Royale
Louisville, KY
http://www.gmceast.com
http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Bob de Kruyff wrote:
>
>
> Dan--I for one think you have come up with a nice alternative for us. Yes, we
> have different needs based on how we use our coaches, but I think it's great
> that you have been very open about your design. All of us are more or less
> fanatics and try to figure things out without ever having experienced certain
> ideas so don't let that get you down. Keep posting about what you do and how
> you got involved with GMC's. I'm right around the corner and will try to meet
> you in person.
Carl Stouffer
Byron Songer wrote on Wed, 09 March 2011 20:04
> Good job, Bob. We can seem pretty negative.
>
> Actually, I think he has a good alternative. With all the replacement
> systems one has to consider the advantages and disadvantages in design,
> performance and price.
>
> If you're leveling pumps don't work anyway, this system is a great and super
> system. You just level like you do a trailer -- pads, blocks, bottle jacks
> and things like that -- or watch for level ground. That way you don't have
> to worry about anything but ride height and air pressure.
>
> --
>
> Byron Songer
> 1978 GMC Royale
> Louisville, KY
> http://www.gmceast.com
> http://web.me.com/bnsonger
Good points Byron. I applaud Mr Hensley for his innovative thinking and for coming up with a lower cost solution to the air bag problem.
My only reservation with this system is the apparent lack of travel for leveling purposes. I have put quite a bit of effort (and money) into having a fully functioning air suspension system and I like to use it to it's full capability. If this new system will not provide the necessary amount of travel for me to level the coach when I am in the boondocks, it would not work for me.
Fortunately, I have fairly new air bags at this point but, the quad bag is definitely on my wish list.
--
Carl S.
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Jim Kanomata
It is great to see other source for bags that people can use.
There are lot of owners that never use the adjustable feature anyway.
Thank you for you contribution.
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
ji...@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Gary Casey
carry and the max pressure." More correctly it would read that it is the "max
load a tire can carry AT the max RATED pressure." So if you run a load range E
tire at 65 psi it has the same load "rating" as a load range D tire. For that
reason I see no incentive to go out of one's way to get a E-rated tire unless
the load was such that the pressure had to increased above 65.
Another thing - the "load rating" of a tire is the load that can be carried
resulting in the normal life and reliability of the tire. Overloads from
cornering, braking, etc. are already taken into account. Therefore, overloading
the tire for a brief period at modest speeds should not be a cause for
particular concern. However, loading it to 68% overload is a bit extreme. If I
needed to get to town and it wasn't more than maybe 20 miles away, and I could
keep my speed down and the road wasn't too rough, I suppose I would do it. Then
there is the stress on the suspension arm - that's a different question, but I
think the answer is the same. A 50% overload is likely tolerable, but all it
takes is one chuckhole with that load to perhaps bend the arm - it's not a
matter of durability. Handbrake turns not allowed.
I still don't know how the system physically carries the load. The air pressure
is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal operation - how do
you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to carry the load? The
only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max height, fill the bag
with the max pressure and then let it down. Is that the way it's done? If so,
the jack you presumably don't need because of the Q-bag is still required to
lift the coach.
And then there is the question of which tire is flat: If it is the rear, the
middle tire will carry considerably more than if were the middle that is flat.
I guess I'll stick to the factory bags at least for now and just keep the
insurance policy paid up. :)
Gary Casey
'74 23' lightweight
Fred,
I posted this data awhile back and no one commented.
Reference GMC Motorhome Operating Manual X-7521A (issued 1974)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) represents the maximum permissible loaded
weight of the vehicle.
26 foot GMC GVWR = 11,700 lbs
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) the maximum weight that the axle can carry.
26 foot GMC GAWR
GAWR = 4,200 lbs Front Wheels
GAWR = 7,500 lbs Rear Wheels
Tire Load Range: The max load a tire can carry and the max pressure.
D load range max load @ 65 PSI = 2,235 pounds
E load range tire max load @ 80 psi = 2,680 pounds
The weight distribution per tire would be dependant on the how much pressure
the GMC driver applied manually to the air bag supporting the remaining tire
or the Powerlevel/Electrolevel systems applied automatically. For arguments
sake lets say it is what the two tires supported. Using the rear GAWR noted
above the load on the tire would double going from 1,875 pounds to 3,750
lbs.
The overload would be 1,515 pounds (68%) on a D range tire at 65 psi.
The overload would be 1,070 pounds (40%) on an E load range tire at 80 psi.
If the tires are not inflated to these pressures the overload would be even
higher.
It should be noted that using the 11,700 GVWR noted in the manual is
actually a low number. Ken Burton posted the average weights on each of the
wheels of the coaches that were weighed at the DuQuoin GMCMI Convention. I
added them together and came up with a weight of 12,563 pounds. If you would
like to see the message in which Ken posted that information it is message
#101370 on the Forum.
The bottom line is that if you drive your GMC with one tire removed (or one
air bag blown) you WILL be operating the GMC with the remaining rear tire
overloaded.
I am of the opinion that it is not safe to do that.
In one of the responses I sent in to this question I noted that if I was a
couple of miles out of town I'd probably do it. However, upon reflection I
don't think I would do it. The reason being I hadn't taken into
consideration that I could damage the remaining tire. I would proceed at
slow speed to the closest spot where I could effect repairs.
Regards,
Rob M.
Gary Casey
works. That means we'll pay more toll than the biggest Penske moving truck.
Our local toll road now charges $6 to go 20 miles ($.30 a mile if my math is
correct!) and I just saw a sign that says each extra axle will cost another $.30
a mile. Yikes! If I had to drive to the airport to pick up a load of people it
would cost me $24 just for tolls....
Gary Casey
Now, it's interesting that this information implies the GMC, as built, is a
two axle vehicle, not three. Toll booth operators want to stick it to us
when they count three wheels on the side. Of course, I always did question
their abilities at deductive reasoning.
Byron Songer
Keith V
Gary Casey wrote on Thu, 10 March 2011 10:30
> Toll booth operators want to stick it to us when they count three wheels on the side. Of course, I always did question their abilities at deductive reasoning.
I doubt there is any question of their deductive reasoning skill level. Well unless they are a college student.
--
Keith
69 Vette
29 Dodge
75 Royale GMC
Rob Mueller
Thanks, your explanation is mo betta!
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Gary Casey
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 3:20 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
_______________________________________________
Jeremy
I was driving the FL turnpike a few years ago and the tollbooth operator wanted to charge me for 3 axles in the GMC. I told him it only had 2. We had a good couple minutes of argument before I offered to let him climb underneath and take a look. He declined. I told him I would pay for 2 axles then. He told me 3 or I could pull over and wait for the cops to come. My time was worth more than the extra toll, paid for 3. There's just no justice in the world...
--
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
Bob de Kruyff
jknezek wrote on Thu, 10 March 2011 20:11
> I was driving the FL turnpike a few years ago and the tollbooth operator wanted to charge me for 3 axles in the GMC. I told him it only had 2. We had a good couple minutes of argument before I offered to let him climb underneath and take a look. He declined. I told him I would pay for 2 axles then. He told me 3 or I could pull over and wait for the cops to come. My time was worth more than the extra toll, paid for 3. There's just no justice in the world...
How could we ever imagine that we have 2 axles? We clearly have 3 given what current wisdom interprets what an axle looks like from the side of a coach. I would rather pick my battles aound DUI levels :)
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Rob Mueller
Every toll booth operator Helen and I have run across in all the states
we've been in has charged us for three axles and I accepted it because on
each side a GMC has:
1 front wheel
1 middle wheel
1 rear wheel
Each of those wheels rotates around an axle.
1 + 1 + 1 = 3
I am NOT trying to pick a fight but I am REALLY confused by your stating the
GMC has 2 axles. Can you explain why you feel that the GMC has two axles.
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Jeremy
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 2:12 PM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Peter Bailey
I pay a hefty ($1500 a year more than 2 axles) premium in my state for the
so called 3 axles on our GMC and it is categorised as a Heavy Vehicle, where
is the fairness in that.
My predicament is there are 2 registered GMC motorhomes in our state and the
other owner pays $700 total a year and the reason for that is he had his
registered before they changed the rules, how lame is that excuse. I will
have to register mine back in NewSouthWales the state where I transfered it
from.
You Americans are so lucky in so many ways our fuel is now $1.50 litre for
93 octane. I know that we also have some good things but from a financial
perspective you guys are way in front.
Peter Bailey
from Ozy (Aussie)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob de Kruyff" <NEXT...@AOL.COM>
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
>
>
Dan Gregg
Thank you Peter for reminding me of that. Sometimes I forget that we live in such a great place here on earth. Yall come on back over and see us. Teri and I have a bed for you in Missouri.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
Frank Condos
the two vs three axle question did become an issue in California back a few years when the State limited 3 axle vehicles to 55 mph.
GMCs were able to get an exemption I think with the help of Wes Caughlin. Today that exemption is still recognized. It does not work on the tolls though. Most toll stations use wheel counters. The toll takers have to reconcile to the wheel count. It's not worth the hassle to wait for the CHP office and have him call his supervisor to research the finding.
Just what I think I know
Frank Condos
Ahwahnee, CA
73 Glacier under construction
Peter Bailey
Kay and I are planning a trip back next year providing a GMCMHI rally is in
an area that we have not yet visited.
Thanks for the offer of a bed and you know it is the same for you and Teri,
should have taken up my offer to come to Australia as soon as I mentioned it
and that would have given your coach a rest and your dollar would have gone
further, I have been watching your trials and tribulations with interest.
Hope all your troubles are now behind you.
Regards to all
Peter Bailey
from Ozy (Aussie)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Gregg" <greg...@hotmail.com>
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 4:37 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
>
>
Roger Black
How bout being lucky enough to be in a place in Mississippi that only
charged $1200+ for a year's license for an 03 Buick that was 3 years
old. Included were city, county, state, AND school taxes. So, there
are places here that gouge the average guy as well. Now that I've
moved, it's less than a hundred dollars on an 09 Buick per year.
Also, as a disabled vet, I get two licenses free for life so all is
not bad depending on where you're located in whatever country you're in.
BTW, that license is on my shop wall with a note to remind me of one
of the reasons I left MS without looking back.
Roger Black
77 Birchaven
Burns, Tn
Matt Colie
This is why it will be a very long time before I take the coach to Michigan's Upper Peninsula again. We pay the same bridge fare as Grayhound and less than my friend's 36' SOB (28k# almost 3* mine).
Cars pay 1.75 per axle even if towing a trailer.
Everything else is 4.50 per axle. (Not really per axle, that is just what they say. It really is per tire in side only view.
They say is it a weight based toll - RIGHT!
According to SAE definition (copied into Michigan Vehicle Code) the rear is a single tandem set instead of a dual like most others. It only has one set of suspension - that is the determining factor.
Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie
'73 Glacier 23 Chaumiere (say show-me-air)
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Charles Wood
Unless you have a Quadrabag??
--
CBWood
77 Kingslay
MWC OK
Marsha
Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr
--- On Thu, 3/10/11, Gary Casey <casey...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Gary Casey <casey...@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
Mr.erf ERFisher
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5047
and think while you head is in there with the bag filling, how much damage
is done when the bag explodes...
gene
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
Dan Gregg
Peter Bailey wrote on Fri, 11 March 2011 05:25
Thanks Peter, Teri and I appreciate that offer and we may get to take you up one of these days.
Watch the tracker Monday. We are rolling across Tx. on the lanes.
Gary Casey
I'm not sure I understand the question completely, but I believe it relates to
the Q-bag or similar suspension where it is desired to pump up one of the bags
to support the complete load. I don't know how they are plumbed, but I assume
the best way to shut off the bag not being filled and then go to the front and
turn the control valve to "raise." That uses the internal air system. If you
want to pump it up with an external pump (I do this every time before a trip),
there is usually a shrader valve on the air tank in front of the left front
wheel. If there isn't put one in. The air will go through the system and pump
up just the bag you want. Yes, putting a shrader valve on the bag itself can be
a bit risky, especially if you are attempting to over-pressure it to hold more
load.
Gary Casey
Marsha <makem...@yahoo.com>
How do I bypass the air pump so I can pump up the air bags with a stand alone
air?compressor?
Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr
--- On Thu, 3/10/11, Gary Casey <casey...@yahoo.com> wrote:
I still don't know how the system physically carries the load.? The air pressure
is not that far below the compressor pressure during normal operation - how do
you put maybe 50 to 70% more air pressure in the bag to carry the load?? The
only way I can think of is to jack the coach to the max height, fill the bag
with the max pressure and then let it down.? Is that the way it's done?? If so,
the jack you presumably don't need because of the Q-bag is still required to
lift the coach.
Gary Casey
'74 23' lightweight
Peter Bailey
So there are some states in the USA that hit the motor owner hard.
One thing that I am pleased about in my state of South Australia is we have
(so far) no toll booths whereas eastern states NSW, Victoria do have them.
I remember a couple of incidents while driving in USA on the eastern side I
encounted 2 toll booths in close proximaty because I had driven through the
very top of 1 state and had gone through 3 states in that short distance,
the other was in Chicago where we passed through the toll booth and had made
a wrong turn (detour because of road construction) and ended up doing a full
circle and had to pay to go through the same toll, same operator a second
time all in 10 minutes.
I did not tip any toll operators.
Another good thing in Australia No Tipping
Peter Bailey
from Ozy (Aussie)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Black" <r1b...@comcast.net>
To: <gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 11:36 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] ensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
Rob Mueller
Here's a kit offered by Jim K.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/690
Here's a kit sold by Dave Lenzi:
http://www.bdub.net/lenzi/index.html#AirManifold
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist...@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Marsha
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 5:32 AM
To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
How do I bypass the air pump so I can pump up the air bags with a stand
alone air compressor?
Marsha73 23'hence forth to be calledol yellr
_______________________________________________
Mike Kilroy
Nationwide Insurance. I was real happy years ago when I had it listed
for ACV - actual cash value. About $ 230/yr cost.
Just called Nationwide 800 no to see what he thought ACV meant and he
said that is fair market value as listed by say NADA. So went to
Nada.com and poked GMC in; had 1977 palmbeach, put all my goodies on
it, and it came up worth $ 3,000.00......
I know many here have said do your homework before, and I thought I had
with ACV; agent told me that meant whatever it would cost to replace
it. Not so. Of course many will say told you so.....
Just thought I would put my tail between my legs and slink under the
sofa to hide but at least bring it up yet again as a reminder to maybe
someone else.....
Nelson Wright
Well, once again I am reviewing my Progressive GMC insurance renewal
policy and see that the rates have gone up while the deductible has
gone down. However there is an offer of lower rates if one has passed
a" senior citizen driving safety course". My question is this worth
the time and $20 to take this online course? How much of a $ savings
on your insurance costs?
Nelson Wright
Orlando FL
78 Royale rear bath
Dag mer
Hi all,
Is there any recent info on these air bags? Seems like a good idea. Has anybody tried them? Any measurments on the travel that they have? I still have the originals but they are not going to last forever and I have no spares.
Thanks....
--
1975 Eleganza II
Hudson Valley NY
Todd Sullivan
D C _Mac_ Macdonald
I have a set of these. Fairly easy install, reasonable cost (IMNHO),
comfy ride and you can reaily get replacement bags if mishap occurs!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*
> From: sgl...@gmail.com
> Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:31:37 -0800
> To: gmc...@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Hensley GMC Motorhome Airbag Solution
>
Robert Mueller
I have NO experience with the Hensley system, however, there is NO way you're going to get the same amount of rear height adjustment
with one single bag that you get with the OEM air bags or any of the other systems out there.
The first GMCMI Convention I attended was in Santa Rosa, California. The parking lot for the GMC's exited on to a road that was
highly crowned. I was standing next to that exit when I saw a GMC pull out and turn right. As the middle wheel went into the gutter
the top of the wheel tilted severely (I can't remember if it was in or out) as it moved up the crown in the road it went the
opposite direction while the rear wheel went into the gutter. The two wheels formed an "X" one tilted in at the top the second
tilted out at the top. I thought there was something wrong with the rear suspension and spoke to a number of experienced GMCers who
told me that was normal. They noted that the arms the air bags attach move in and out at the top too which side loaded the air bags.
I have never seen it personally so I can't say if that is correct or not. If it is it isn’t a problem with the OEM bags, however, I
wonder how much movement in that plane a single air bag that is designed to expand and contract in a straight plane will take.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: Dag mer
Hi all,
Is there any recent info on these air bags? Seems like a good idea. Has anybody tried them? Any measurments on the travel that they
have? I still have the originals but they are not going to last forever and I have no spares.
Thanks....
gene Fisher
- I have a 73-23 and the suspension can go too low and cause damage
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6033-hensley-s-air-bag.html
- I can now, drive with no air in the system
- they come with schrader valves, and shutoffs
- $600 for 2 bags and all connections
- I can change bags in minutes as video shows
- here is the link to the data sheets
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6033-hensley-s-air-bag.html
- I used air bag lifter plates from MannyT
http://www.mannystransmission.biz/
- I used the "wireless air" system (2 min from 0 to 100 lb
-
JWID
gene
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html