Well... today was the day of my birth 66 years ago. I was the second child for my parents and the last.
Last night I was treated to a couple of drinks and a nice supper at Pat's house. He cooked Filet Mignon and new potatoes. Really delicious. For desert we had an ice cream cone of butter pecan. Yummy.
I was home by midnight when a thunderstorm struck. I love hearing the rain on the roof of the RV. I tried to stay awake to enjoy it but dozed on and off. This morning I finished another book I had started last month while having coffee in bed with the doggies.
Little Cha Bu has taken to sleeping under the lap tray I keep at the foot of the bed.
My little babies Cha Bu and Xi Shi
A birthday card and gift from Pat.
Pat and I had a discussion about my air suspension or lack thereof. I explained how the coach rides rough and it feels like when I hit a small bump in the road it is metal to metal and bang, bang, bang and things fall off the wall and such. So he decided to take a look at my air bags. Stuck his head under the coach and said they were deflated. Used his pressure gauge and it read 0.
When I purchased the coach three years ago I asked about that intake valve and was told not to worry about that as it was something that was done at the manufacturer and I would not have to do anything with it. Then at the RV Boot Camp in Texas I asked again. One of the instructors came to my campsite and I asked what that valve was for and he said basically the same thing. So I trusted them and as I didn't have a manual for the air suspension, I put it out of my mind.
Now that Pat has brought it to my attention that the bags were completely deflated and could have easily been punctured, I have a better understanding of what to do about it. I went online and read a few message boards and found out that the minimum air pressure should be about 30. So Pat inflated the bags to that and they are holding the air so are not punctured. However, for the last 3 years I have been riding and bumping along metal to metal which was causing the rough ride and the bang, bang, bang on certain highways. I'm very lucky that I didn't do more damage to the underneath of the coach.
So ladies who go solo, check your air suspension.
My friends Sylvia and Helen came to Grand Isle for a visit. Invited me to join them for a drink at a new restaurant in town but I just wasn't up to it. Felt like being lazy, I guess.
Sat out under my awning for an hour or so then walked the dogs for the last time today and in the camper we went for the night. The mosquitoes are out after last night's rain and I prefer to stay indoors when it's like that.
Going to have some chili for supper and maybe watch a movie.
Happy Birthday. Sounds like a wonderful dinner with Pat - I never turn down a filet!
ReplyDeleteNice that you've found out about the suspension. I didn't even know I have bags underneath. In fact, I don't think I do. I didn't see any when I went under looking for mouse entry holes. Maybe different rigs have different kinds of suspensions? Otherwise, mine are completely GONE. :)
Hi Barbara... Thanks for the birthday wishes.
DeleteYour manual might mention that your RV has air suspension, as mine did, but nothing more. You should see a place on the outside of your RV where an air compressor would inflate the bags. Mine looks like a valve stem on a tire with a white screw-on cap on top. I have only one and it inflates two bags on the back of the RV. I don't have any on the front. So if you see a valve stem on your RV that is what it is.
Happy Birthday. Having coffee in bed with your babies sounds like a great way to celebrate. The pups are looking mighty cute.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna K... Thanks for the birthday wishes. I really enjoy my mornings with my little Shih Tzus. It's the best time of the day for me.
DeleteHappy Birthday, sounds like you had a nice dinner and that ice cream cone for dessert sounded delicious.
ReplyDeleteYou should notice a much smoother ride now that those air bags are inflated.
Hi Rick... Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a really nice day.
DeleteIt scares me to think about that air bag situation and how possibly it could have caused some damage to the coach. Can't wait to ride down the road to see a difference.
Happy birthday. It should feel no different, it is just a number. Health is the key to a good life. Time just gives you more wisdom.
ReplyDeleteMy van has air suspension bags and are both filled equally. It can be set up to have independent filling but then you have to be careful they are equal when driving. They can help with leveling a bit. I find that if I drive with mine inflated over about 25psi, the van is less stable when driving - too bouncy. Mine says not to let it get below 5psi. It also says not to use the air bag suspension in lieu of the vehicle's suspension system or to overload the vehicle. It's purpose is only to help cushion a heavy load for a smoother ride. I suspect you didn't do any damage to the coach because the vehicle suspension is keeping that safe. But you might be lacking in the vehicle suspension system or overloaded if you have had a rough ride.
Hi Mary... I travel within my weight limit but do carry a full load. The 30 psi that I now have did help a great deal on the way home today. I noticed a much smoother ride. I plan on contacting the manufacturer to get the exact psi for my coach. It just irks me that I didn't have the information I needed to prevent this whole thing. I hate not knowing what to do to care for my motorhome.
DeleteThanks for the birthday wishes.
Please add my good wishes for a wonderful birthday - and a wonderful year to come! Enjoy your puppies and revel in every sunrise and sunset - it's a great life!
ReplyDeleteHi Judilyn... Thanks for the birthday wishes. I had a great day spent with friends and my two little Shih Tzus.
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