303 RLS Airbag suspension setup?

[deanot26508]

I am just wondering, has anyone done or thought about doing an airbag suspension setup on the camper? I am curious due to the fact many people are using Sumo spring setups, I know one side (kitchen) is heavier than the other, so it would be nice to maybe put more support on that side of the RV.

[Hideout #2]

Hello, I have a 2021 303rls, I have had rear driver side springs go flat just recently and I’m in process replacing all 4 with 3000lb springs. When Im done with this upgrade I will be installing summo’s ,s myself to preserve the new suspension. Upon my research summo’s are completely maintenance free.
My build sheet from factory indicates I ’m 580lb heavier on driver side. If you do a lot of research on the forum some people have upgrade just the driver side with 3000lb springs to help offset weight.

[Cate&Rob]

Hideout #2

The build sheet from Grand Design is for an empty trailer as it leaves the factory. Once you fill the pantry, fridge, cabinets around the TV and the bedroom closet . . . the side-to-side weight difference will be over 800 lbs.

Rob

[Cate&Rob]

deanot26508

Some of us did look into airbags for a 303. Would be quite possible, but putting 800 lb stronger springs on the left side (3000 lb springs vs 2600 lb springs) was just way easier.

Edit: I have 3000 lb springs on the left, 2600 lb springs on the right, Sumos on both sides and airbag equalizers. Seems to all work well together.

Rob

[Scott'n'Wendy]

deanot26508

Some of us did look into airbags for a 303. Would be quite possible, but putting 800 lb stronger springs on the left side (3000 lb springs vs 2600 lb springs) was just way easier.

Edit: I have 3000 lb springs on the left, 2600 lb springs on the right, Sumos on both sides and airbag equalizers. Seems to all work well together.

Rob

How long did it take before replacing the original springs?

[Cate&Rob]

How long did it take before replacing the original springs?

I don’t recall exactly . . . but it was 2 or 3 years (at about 5 to 7 thousand kms per year) when I really started to notice the “lean to the left” that led to stronger springs on that side.

Sumos and the Centerpoint airbag equalizer are more recent additions but seem to be good additions.

Rob

[Scott'n'Wendy]

That centrepoint equalizer looks like an airbag version of the Dexter ez flex. What does varying the air pressure in the bags do for you? Noticeable change in trailer behavior going softer or harder on the bags?

[Hideout #2]

I started to notice about 7-8k I’m at about 10k on my 21 303, now they are completely flat on Driver side only and the rear spring was worse. My thought is that if you are not completely towing flat and the bad overpass transitions may contribute to the rear going flat first. I try to stagger bridge transitions ( from normal wear) that seems to help quite a bit on the bounce.

[acoleman43]

Airbags on a trailer.....could help keep trailer level while towing and help level when at campsite without blocks.... 🤔

[Cate&Rob]

That centrepoint equalizer looks like an airbag version of the Dexter ez flex. What does varying the air pressure in the bags do for you? Noticeable change in trailer behavior going softer or harder on the bags?

The Centerpoint instructions are to pressurize the bag until the end plates are vertical and parallel to each other. This is a bit of a compromise because of the weight differential side-to-side but takes about 45 psi. (I have considered separate pressure systems for each side, but have not gone there yet). Higher or lower pressure would be likely to upset the geometry which might have a negative affect on trailer behavior.

Rob