air ride systems for a school bus

[california dreamin]

i know people have them, but can anyone point me in the right direction? how much do the systems cost and where can i buy it? the only complaint i have about my skoolie is the bumpy ride, and i think some air bags would make t smoooooth.

[lapeer20m]

my bus came from the factory with full air ride suspension. The previous owner claimed it's a $25K option on new motorhomes. It does make bumps quite smooth, but it also allows the bus to rock back/forth more than traditional suspension. Also, high speed cornering, like you might do coming down a mountain is much more difficult because the bus leans when you turn hard.

i found that a jacuzzi full of water makes a bus ride much more smoothly. if the suspension is too stiff, it needs some weight to help it flex. The other option is to remove some leaves from the springs, but i think that's a job best left to a professional.

[sportyrick]

There is a guy that has designed a system to convert almost any leaf spring suspension into air ride. Of course I can't remember the name but maybe if you look around you can find it. If I remember right the price isn't too bad, $2-3000. I looked into it and I don't need it because my bus rides just fine the way it is. sportyrick

[california dreamin]

if anyone knows of a cheaper way, let me know. im not sure if $2,000 is worth it at this point, there are still many other things that needs attention.

[swinada]

How much do you care about your passengers?
For you as the driver the easy solution is a air ride seat, I'm sure you can find those at the big truck wreckers.
I got one in my Thomas and it is sure nice.