[Tfrazier]

We were 20 minutes into the trip when I noticed massive amounts of smoke coming from the left rear wheel area. We were on a two lane with no shoulder, lots of traffic and nowhere to pull over so we had to limp for a mile or so until we found a place to turn off.  I called Richard and he was gracious enough to put up with my very bad cell signal, and dropped calls to not only walk me through trouble shooting the issue but also a temporary field fix to get the coach home. As most of you know, the dude is unbelievable. I’ll try to be quick in describing what Richard had me do. First, the cause was a failed airbag. Once I got the coach jacked up (and fully cribbed) I crawled under and took some measurements from the axle and frame rail. I then cut some 4x4 posts to wedge in between. There wasn’t a clear spot to fit the 4x4 on the axle side, so I cut them down to 3x4. Once I had them wedged in pace, I lowered the coach and drove it home. The trip home was a very different experience. I didn’t dare go over 10 mph the whole way. It was literally like riding in a wagon with no suspension. It kind of felt like I wobbled home. We were lucky to be so close to home when it happened.  My wife was following me in the toad and told me that she saw the coach shift back down after we went over a bridge with a big hump in the middle. By the time I parked it, the rear had dropped some but was still clearing the tire. I think I will work on fabricating something that will fit a little better and carry them in the coach in case something like this ever happens again.
I got the old airbags off, but I had to cut the fittings for the 1” airline to do it. I should have the replacement fittings and be able to get the airbags installed this weekend. Will also be replacing the tire, which now has a fender-width grove about ½” deep. Oh yeah, cleaning all the burnt, melted rubber off the coach and the toad was a joyous occasion. What a PIA. I think it took longer than removing the airbags.
A big shout out to Richard for coming to the rescue. Also, to Jeff LoGuidice, who sent me a couple of used airbags so I can get the coach out of my driveway before the HOA starts legal proceedings.  The plan is to change all of the airbags, but I need to get it to my buddy’s shop to do the work.
I’d be interested to know if anyone has a good source for bags.