block up cab or not

[GlennWest]

Just had a cab bag fail that is only 3 years old. Stayed crushed mostly for a year. So seems this may have caused early failure. So how many block up cab so as not to crush bags?

[Chad Heiser]

I used to loose a cab air bag about every year because of them sitting empty and folded over for extended periods.  I thought about blocking the cab to prevent this, but ended up building my shop that allowed me to keep the truck inside and connected to shop air.  This allowed the air bags to stay aired up and I haven’t lost an air bag since.

If I hadn’t done this, I probably would have done the blocking.  I did get pretty good at changing cab air bags though.  I could have it done from start to finish in about 15 minutes.  I had to do it at home usually, but on occasion had to do it in campgrounds as well.  I’m glad that is behind me now.  

I probably would have come up with some reminder on the steering wheel or something to remind me to remove the blocking before I hit the road.  Knowing me, I would have driven down the road and spit blocks at following vehicles if I didn’t.  😉

[GlennWest]

Yes, I can see that happening. 

[Lance A Lott]

I can see this as a problem for me with the pandemic my truck will be 2 years sitting by next summer. You have me thinking now.

[GlennWest]

Yes, that is reason mine set for so long. 

[tyates007]

I was the same as Chad. My T2000 ate cab air bags. I always place blocks. Between the cab and the frame when sitting. I have not replaced a bag in the past 4 years since I have started this. I use a 4x4 block cut to length. Just remember to remove them before traveling or they can really get stuck under the cab. Ask me how I know 😳

Edited August 30, 2020 by tyates007
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[Jaydrvr]

That must be a Paccar thing. I've never considered blocking up the cab on my Volvo and my cab air bags last 5-7 years. I do know, when you take them out and look at them, they have built in internal stops, which they rest on when the air drops too low. So, you never see them really collapsed. Maybe that's just a Volvo thing? Jay

[Darryl&Rita]

1 hour ago, Jaydrvr said:

That must be a Paccar thing. I've never considered blocking up the cab on my Volvo and my cab air bags last 5-7 years. I do know, when you take them out and look at them, they have built in internal stops, which they rest on when the air drops too low. So, you never see them really collapsed. Maybe that's just a Volvo thing? Jay

Mostly a T2 thing. If I got a year out of the cab bags, before I started blocking it, I was happy. Nothing obvious to damage them, but nothing to stop them from getting full weight on top of them.

[GlennWest]

Freightliner also. It really crushes it.

[Hot Rod]

Just from some related experience in the lowrider air suspension business in past years...  many air bags are available in the same configuration, but with or without the internal bump stops.  No bump stop allows a little more travel, with a bump stop the bag won't collapse all the way plus it keeps the bag from bottoming out hard on a bad bump.  I don't know if the cab air bags are available both ways, but a knowledgeable counter guy with firestone book shouldn't have any problem figuring that out.

[jenandjon]

On 8/30/2020 at 9:32 AM, GlennWest said:

Freightliner also. It really crushes it.

I haven't had any trouble with mine yet. But i like to drive it once a month. If i cant drive it for some reason I start it and let it run an hour or so.

[GlennWest]

It was Firestone bags I took off. The ONes I got from Ranseys were no name. And I blocked up cab so they don't crush.

Edited September 3, 2020 by GlennWest