Airbag or shock damage...

[Metal Twister]

I was wondering if a spare airbag and shock would be necessary for a adventure rig. Has anybody ever had issues on the trails with airbag or shock failure? Is it even a concern? Your opinion and experiences would be appreciated here.

 

[Seth Kendall]

This happened a couple of years ago to Andrew Walcker if IIRC while we were crossing the Mojave. I can't remember precisely, but I think it was the A-arm on his Horizon broke. Luckily, the guys from AT were with us, and the made a mad dash to the closest welding place and fixed it up enough to get it home. After that, Mario and Andrew traded out for the airbag setup. When I get home I will try and find the photos I have of the event to post up. All the guys at AT are super good about servicing their trailers for customers even in the field, but it may not be bad to have a spare part laying around.

 

[Metal Twister]

Any idea what the failure was a result of, Impact, fatigue, or just extreme use?

 

[Martyn]

Andrew's A arm broke because of a bad weld, it happens rarely.

As far as airbag and shock failure goes, yes they have been know to fail, we have had a few failures. It doesn't seem to follow any trend either over all design or brand.

In general they are reliable. They can have micro leaks but that's to be expected with a system with valves, air line, and fittings.

As far as spares go you have a very limited number of moving parts on a trailer, I'd carry a bearing replacement kit for sure, and possibly a replacement shock and airbag or an air-over depending on the design. Most people don't carry replacement bags or shocks.

 

[tdesanto]

If one were to fail, you could still limp back to at least pavement or cell phone service and have one over-nighted, right?

I'm not looking under mine at the moment, but I have to think there might be a way to secure the trailing arm to keep it from bouncing about.

 

[Martyn]

If one were to fail, you could still limp back to at least pavement or cell phone service and have one over-nighted, right?

I'm not looking under mine at the moment, but I have to think there might be a way to secure the trailing arm to keep it from bouncing about.

Tony

The trailer can go into "emergency" mode and ride on the bump stop if needed.

The typical field repair is to put in a couple of pieces of fire wood, so the trailer rides at the full extension of the limiting strap and bailing wire the wood and arm in place . Of course you need a "Farm Engineering" degree from Baylor to do this correctly.

We have a stock of airbags at the shop that can be overnighted anywhere in the US. If you are at all apprehensive about this we can supply you with an extra.

 

[Metal Twister]

I guess I was just concerned about snagging it up on rocks, branches or other vegetation and tearing something up. It may not ever happen?

 

[Martyn]

I guess I was just concerned about snagging it up on rocks, branches or other vegetation and tearing something up. It may not ever happen?

Never had an airbag damaged by any of the above. They are tucked away out of reach of most objects.

Had one torn by an off the shelf upper air bag mount. The mount broke and one of the jagged edges went through the bag. We have been making our own 1/4" upper mounting brackets for years as there is nothing off the shelf that's strong enough.