[Archived]

This is just my opinion but i would find a mobile truck repair do the repair. I think heading back on the road or going on the hook is a riskier way to go. Make sure you arm yourself with the knowledge of how to properly raise the coach and support it safely and insist it is done that way. I am not qualified to give that type of advice to others on that so ask on here if you need help. Have you verified that it is in fact a bag and not just an air line or fitting? I would opt for the mobile truck repair if not just to verify that. You can always go to Prevost to have the work checked if you have doubts after. Good move ordering the bag. You are ahead in the game.

[Dan]

Bill, A front air bag replacement on your coach is relatively easy, but easier with the wheel off. The only difficult part is getting the nut on the compression fitting loose.

To the extent possible get the chassis up. If the air bag will provide any lift take advantage of it. Use level low so you only are lifting the front. You likely have to use a hydraulic jack at some point under the chassis support point. You have to get it up so the bag is extended.

The wheel needs to come off for total access. Cut the air line to the air bag at the compression fitting. You will need a straight fitting for assembly. Into the elbow on top of the air bag thread a 1/2″ x 3″ nipple which brings the compression fitting for the air line out a ways to make assembly easy.

I can give more details but the tips I gave above should be all you or the repair guy needs.

[al]

If not cutting the line as Jon suggests, you will need a “crows foot” (can’t remember the size) and a long extension to take it apart and re-assemble.

[Davy]

Fulltime Bill wrote: “Prevost doesn’t have a mobile service that could replace an air bag on site“

I sat in on a seminar Tuesday at the Prevost Motorhome Expo where Robert Hitt of Prevost showcased Prevost’s increased service locations and company service trucks. Based on what I heard Tuesday from Robert, Prevost should have been much more responsive to Bill’s predicament than Bill is experiencing.

Or did I misunderstand what Robert said on Tuesday. Anyone else in the room hear what I heard? Or something else?

[Archived]

See Mango Mike’s detailed description, with pics, of changing a front

air bag…

http://www.prevoman.com/Pages/Air%20Bag%20Replacement/Airbagpg1.html

[Archived]

Dick, While Prevost does have available road service we have to recognize that there are going to be time and distance considerations. Additionally we have to factor in availability such as if the truck is serving another customer.

I think the same thing applies to any roadside assistance, whether it is Love’s or Michelin’s 1-800-TIRE911.

Add to the equation parts and availability of needed tools or equipment and I think every situation is unique and not every one will be best resolved by any of the options such as Prevost.

My greatest concern on this situation is for anyone to assist they are going to have to have the ability or equipment needed to get the front up to the full height of an extended air bag and supported.

[Bernie]

To help the front go up, try lifting the tag axle.

[Roy]

We are not far from the Houston service center (maybe 30 miles) and we were not in a hurry as we don’t plan to leave for another 2 weeks. That was not Prevost’s issue, they just said a service truck did not have the equipment on board to be able to change an air bag. The descriptions of above of what needs to be done seems to dispute those claims.

No matter, I appreciate the feedback. There are some mobile truck services in the area according to Google but it seems that most are just tire changing trucks. I will see what I can find but it’s looking like I am going to have to try to work my way out of the yard and call my road service for a tow. I hate getting on the hook so we will try everything else first.

Oh yeah, it is the air bag. I used a combination of level low and a bottle jack to get my hand into the air bag area and on the backside center of the bag I could touch the hole and actually stop the air flow a bit.

Thanks.

[Chad]

Might have missed it but did Prevost install the bags in October? If so, they will cover repairs at no charge on warranty. Or that’s what they did on one of my air valves a few years back. Had all replaced and one failed. Failed about 6 months after having work done.

---

1984 96" with 8V92TA

(remodeled Liberty Coach)

Greenwood, MO

[Roger]

Anyway to use a tire plug on that hole? Maybe just to get you out of the yard?

Roy

[Fred F.]

Man, you tried to be proactive and still ended up with an airbag issue. I hate when stuff like that happens. There has got to be someone mobile in Houston with the ability to change a front airbag.

Glad you are in a safe place.

Davy

[Archived]

Bill,

If you could stop air flow with your finger that brown gorilla tape would probably get you to Prevost.

Later

bv

[Fred]

Bill, there should be numerous tour bus rental companies in the Houston area. You might check with them and ask who they would recommend.

[Archived]

Bill, call Rudy Legett, he has the number of a mobile mechanic he uses in the Houston area. A couple of years ago when we were in Houston having Rudy fix the webasto I had a tag wheel bearing out. Rudy’s guy came and fixed it on the spot.

[Archived]

All of the above ideas are better than what this is: Keep in mind this is wreckless, frivolous, and a stretch. I have read a procedure to temporarily fix a leak in rubber. It involves cleaning the area around the leak with acetone, then put some high viscosity (thick) super glue on/in the hole times three with drying in between, then let it cure 24 hours.

Disclaimer: I’ve never tried this.