air bags

[allan5oh]

Are you sure the dump valve is just for one axle, or are you just not waiting long enough? Wait a good 30 seconds after dumping the air out and see what happens.

[Les2]

Then you should re configure your plumbing so you can dump the air from both axles while unloading.

We have some dump trailers with air ride where I work, and they are set up to dump the bags whenever the air operated tailgate is in the "open" position. Since the tailgate is opened when unloading, the air suspension is "automatically" dumped. (Unless the driver f's up and forgets to open the tailgate, but that's a whole 'nother set of problems if that happens.)

Yeah that usually involves a wrecker and some shovels...LOL

The reason I don't like the chain idea, sometimes chains and being your a steelhauler you've seen this, get all bound up and twisted. If that happens your not going to get prober ride height or you'll have the airbags pushing down and the chains holding it back.

[heavyhaulerss]

Are you sure the dump valve is just for one axle, or are you just not waiting long enough? Wait a good 30 seconds after dumping the air out and see what happens.

I am positive. air dumps only the front axle.

[allan5oh]

You could do something like this:

Drive the front axle onto some dunnage at the site where you want to unload. Make sure it is at least 4" high. Dump the front axle.

If the rear axle is still high with the front axle dumped, it will slowly come down. That should pretty much drain all the air.

Or just install a dump valve on the rear axle, or rework your current dump valve to dump both axles.

[Lngtaltxn]

Are you sure the dump valve is just for one axle, or are you just not waiting long enough? Wait a good 30 seconds after dumping the air out and see what happens.

Mine has a single dump valve for the rear, as do a lot of flatbedders I know. It is to reduce wear on the tires when turning

Lngtaltxn

[heavyhaulerss]

Well, I installed the new shocks today. though I was thinking as I bought them... I dont think they will help my over extension of my air bags. I just did not think of it before, but as I was bringing the new shocks home.. I realized that shocks stay extended out & have to be pushed in with some strength. it has been so long since I installed shocks that now I remember when buying them for my car 20 years ago, they would come with a wire attaching both ends to keep shock compressed. so since all the new shocks will be putting pressure upwards, I dont know how my problem will be solved by this install.

though I have no regrets about installing them. my ole ones were completely wore out. you could pull shock apart with ease & it would stay in the out position. or you could push all the way in with ease & it would stay in that position also. I got prices from $34.73 to $55.00 so for the $34.73 a piece it was worth it. & I installed myself. fleet pride had the best price. I am going to try & figure out how to post a pic here of one of the old shocks.

[heavyhaulerss]

thanks to all who chimed in on my behalf.

[heavyhaulerss]

oh and as far as the actual test.. I wont know for sure until I load again maybe tues or wed.

[allan5oh]

It's not that they will prevent outward expansion, but rather they have a limit on outward expansion.

[Kranky]

It's not that they will prevent outward expansion, but rather they have a limit on outward expansion.

Exactly.

The shock absorber should reach the end of it's travel before the air bag hyperextends.

Trouble is, I have seen shocks that snapped off because they couldn't handle the pressure, so the restraining chains are still not a bad idea.

.

[heavyhaulerss]

I.c. T.y.

[heavyhaulerss]

Exactly.

The shock absorber should reach the end of it's travel before the air bag hyperextends.

Trouble is, I have seen shocks that snapped off because they couldn't handle the pressure, so the restraining chains are still not a bad idea.

.

Exactly is right! the shocks were the problem. the new one's did the trick. while unloading, I watched & the chains did not have to hold the air bags from over stretching. the ride is much better too. when hitting dips & uneven pavement going down the hywy, the trailer does not give that ship on the sea's motion as it used to. a noticeable difference there too. thanks for the info.