ACS - what size is the Air Bag Armor?? Is it worth fitting??

[bsavulis]

I am in the process of replacing my Air bag and compressor on my 2014 RTL. I have read quite a bit about the Air Bag Armour that was once available. I understand that it was a modified Fernco test cap. I have read conflicting posts, some stating that it is a 3" cap and some stating a 4". I have both. Can anyone who has one tell me the correct size? I would also like to hear from someone that has a number of miles with it installed. Is it worth the effort to install?

My ACS failed last fall on a ride in Ohio, with our trailer and riding 2 up, I was able to pump the bag up at each fuel stop. Though that became old quite quickly. Upon disassembly this spring I found that the push to connect fittings were leaking (I used bubble leak detector that is used in refrigeration work). I also found the loose set screw on the motor / compressor coupling. Which made the compressor not work. I am replacing it with the 097C from Viair.

My air bag does not leak at this time, however it is chafed from grit getting into the airbag / swing arm interface. So I am being prudent and installing a new one.

My 2014 RTL has just turned 9000 miles last fall.

Brian

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I am in the process of replacing my Air bag and compressor on my 2014 RTL. I have read quite a bit about the Air Bag Armour that was once available. I understand that it was a modified Fernco test cap. I have read conflicting posts, some stating that it is a 3" cap and some stating a 4". I have both. Can anyone who has one tell me the correct size? I would also like to hear from someone that has a number of miles with it installed. Is it worth the effort to install?

My ACS failed last fall on a ride in Ohio, with our trailer and riding 2 up, I was able to pump the bag up at each fuel stop. Though that became old quite quickly. Upon disassembly this spring I found that the push to connect fittings were leaking (I used bubble leak detector that is used in refrigeration work). I also found the loose set screw on the motor / compressor coupling. Which made the compressor not work. I am replacing it with the 097C from Viair.

My air bag does not leak at this time, however it is chafed from grit getting into the airbag / swing arm interface. So I am being prudent and installing a new one.

My 2014 RTL has just turned 9000 miles last fall.

Brian

I have over 70,000 mi. and do quite a bit of gravel/dirt road riding ..... I have thought about protecting the air bag also , but haven't done it yet ..... good luck .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Mikey]

Did you find that you adjusted it a lot when it was working? A lot of us who had the pump leave us have just disconnected the hose from the dump valve - put a coupling on the line and put a small piece of the 1/4" air line on to just hook the bag directly into the Schader, find your happy number when you are just two up, and a happy number with the trailer! It's a lot more dependable that way!! If you don't want the coupling, take the hose off the bag and go straight to the valve. I found I never adjusted the setting on my bike once I found where I liked it! Just a thought and a LOT cheaper.

 

[larryd]

I have done several caps under the air bag jobs...I always used the Fernco 3" caps...You just need to drill a hole in the center and get a little longer metric bolt...Fits VERY SNUG on the bag...larryd PS A 3" cap is about 3 1/2" ID...

And while your in there be sure to replace ALL the push lock air line fittings...

Also check the inline check valve for rust and corrosion...larryd

 

[bsavulis]

Larryd is the check valve attached to the compressor? If so my new replacement compressor has a new check valve


I do find that I adjust the air bag quite often. Most every ride, because I am either 2up with trailer, 2up without, or just riding solo and that could all be in the same weekend. So it does get used.

I have Swageloc compression fittings and DOT approved airline replacing the original tube and push to connects. I will start the re-assembly tonight! Thanks again.

I removed the Plastic on both sides, the seat, the trunk and saddle bag assembly, and the muffler and "CAT". Disconnected the ride level sensor, inner fender, rear shock. Jacked up the frame for clearance. Sounds like a huge job but wasn't bad. Gives me great access to get things cleaned up. It is quite dirty in there.

Larryd and others, thank you for the replies.

 

[Bensonoid]

This is my 3" fernco after over 2 yrs 2 up riding @ 70 lbs.

 

[larryd]

Larryd is the check valve attached to the compressor? If so my new replacement compressor has a new check valve


I do find that I adjust the air bag quite often. Most every ride, because I am either 2up with trailer, 2up without, or just riding solo and that could all be in the same weekend. So it does get used.

I have Swageloc compression fittings and DOT approved airline replacing the original tube and push to connects. I will start the re-assembly tonight! Thanks again.

I removed the Plastic on both sides, the seat, the trunk and saddle bag assembly, and the muffler and "CAT". Disconnected the ride level sensor, inner fender, rear shock. Jacked up the frame for clearance. Sounds like a huge job but wasn't bad. Gives me great access to get things cleaned up. It is quite dirty in there.

Larryd and others, thank you for the replies.

Yes the check valve is on the compressor...I too like having the ability to change the air pressure as needed...I have changed my air ride to "air on demand" system...I have a dash air gauge, I used the stock rocker air ride switch to activate the compressor and to control the exhaust valve...I set the static pressure as needed...the level sensor is not used on my system...larryd