Recommended Airbag Kit for a 1986 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome

Updated 10/11/2024 | Published 08/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle

(1436)

$604.99

Air Lift Load Controller II Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Single Path

(56)

$336.99

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1851)

$378.25

Replacement Air Spring for Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate System - Rear Axle - Qty 1

(2)

$170.54

Question:

I need to purchase both rear air bags for my Rv, can you help me.

asked by: James H

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have two airbag kits confirmed to fit your 1986 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome. You can use either the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers part # AL88113 or the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57113. The Ultimate Air Helper Springs have an internal jounce spring that engages at lower air pressures to better absorb road shock and minimize bottoming out whereas the other does not.

Both of these airbags kits can handle up to 5,000 lbs and will work well for you. I also recommend looking at a compressor kit like the Air Lift Load Controller II Compressor System part # AL25592 as this will allow you to operate the airbags from inside the vehicle.

If you are just looking to replace the rear airbags you will want to use either part # AL84252 for the internal jounce spring or part # AL50252 for without.

expert reply by: Conner L

Niles T.

10/7/2024

Is this the same advice and parts for same Toyota vehicle with Dolphin body but built 1989 with V6 engine, double rear axle. Thanks!

Jesse M.

10/7/2024

@NilesT Hello Niles, yes it is the same parts and advice for the 1989 Toyota Dolphin Motorhome with the V6 and double rear axle. The # AL88113 is what I recommend. This will work with Toyota Motorhome models 1986 - 1994. Feel free to reach out with any other questions.

Niles T.

10/7/2024

Same question as I sent above , but in addition , will the air lift bags increase ground clearance and by how much , 1 to 3 inches , more ? ? Thanks again.

Jesse M.

10/7/2024

@NilesT The air bags will return the RV to the stock level ride height. They will not raise the ride height, just return it to normal.

Niles T.

10/9/2024

@JesseM Thanks for the quick reply . So i am no car mechanic , but it seems i would need to know then the "stock level ride height " of the Toyota mhome before i go ahead and order parts, as it may be okay so buying them is pointless if I am looking for some extra ground clearance . There are shock absorbers as we brits call them or struts , gas i think , one per side , are they taken away to put in the air bags or do they work together along with the original im guessing leaf springs ... sorry for ignorance. Your help is very much appreciated as we may need to sell the vehicle and buy something else with greater clearance if we cannot improve the clearance on the waste water tank exit pipe located low behind left rear wheels. Thanks again .

Jesse M.

10/9/2024

@NilesT It does help to know the stock ride height, but in most cases you can measure the distance between the top of the tire and the inside of the fender. This distance should be equal in front and back. Most of the time the rear end of the motorhome can sag, so you would add air to the bags until the fender to tire distance is the same front and back. Adding air bags will prevent sagging but they will not raise the ride height beyond the normal factory ride height. Generally if you have gas struts they can remain in place when you add the air bags. Like you said they all kind of work together. If your goal is to improve clearance, air bags are not really meant to help with that. More for leveling the ride and improving stability. A lift kit would be a solution for that.