how to know when change an air bag?

[Viva Las Vegas JDR]

How do you know when to change an air bag? when it starts to weather crack, some other rubber failure , when you have money, when it is cracked a certain amount, or just depends on your tolerance for stress? I have a couple starting to crack so I'm looking for advice.

JDR

[Neweller]

The life expectancy of air bags on your coach suspension are right at the 8-12 year range. Eight years would be more of the norm for a Newell used or stored in a dry

climate. And twelve years for the same Newell living its life in a moist/humid climate. A few small outer cracks are pretty normal after a few years and don't mean the bag

is going to blow out anytime soon. The main thing I would suggest is to make sure you completely inspect all air bags and their systems during all major service intervals.

Any leaks coming from the rubber is definitely a sign of a bad bag. Major cuts or or deeper cracks are tell tale signs.

[fulltiming]

Newell has checked my air bags every time I have gone in for service. They have so far given them the OK. I have only had the coach for about 6-1/2 years and I don't know when they were last changed.

[Neweller]

Michael if they look pretty good they probably are. I have actually seen originals that were 18 years old one finally went so all got changed out at that time.


I know it's a bummer deal when one goes and your at a Ravens game like Larry W, but he admitted he knew they were ready for replacement and I guess they didn't

come in time for his road trip. Some people may think air bags being rubber are similar in life expectancy like tires and want to squelch any fears of one going out while

their travels, and can't say I blame them. They are not all that expensive to change out, especially if you can do the work yourself.