F250 - Air Bags?

[nunyadamn]

I just switched from a 2005 Chevy 2500 to a 2015 F250 Ford. The Chevy didn't sag at all. I had a shell on it and could load everything I wanted in the bed and still no sag when hooked to my loaded 2014 32BHDS. The new F250 when connected to the trailer sagged pretty bad with nothing in the bed. I adjusted my Equal-i-zer hitch and it made a decent adjustment, but I think I need to adjust it as I have to lift the trailer to max on the jack and still use the tool to get the bars on the L-brackets. It is obviously not setup correctly - the bars are not exactly level anymore. Now that I have added a shell I am sure it will be worse. Trailer is at the dealer for some work so I can't do anything at the moment. My thought is to get to a scale to get the weights and adjust the hitch.

My second thought is the truck will still be sagging after the hitch adjustment and I will need some air bags to get level. I was wondering if anyone has added air bags and what you went with.

I have been looking at the Firestone 2535 and Air Lift 88396 setups. I would like to have the on board compressor, but don't want to pay for something I will use a few times a year at most. I will stick with the external valve stem setup.

[Grumpy]

Look into Timbren's. No, fuss, muss or maintenance.

[RedHorse1]

It sounds like your hitch still needs to be dialed in. I'd start there and hit the scales to verify and then make a decision about the bags.

[TWP723]

Mine work great.

[spoon059]

I had Firestone Ride-Rites on my last truck and LOVED them. The adjustability makes them perfect every single time. Once you figure out what pressure is the best, it is super easy to dial them in. They are usually drill free install, so it takes an hour or 2 to install. I couldn't justify the cost for an on board compressor, so I used a simple 12 volt bike tire inflator. Worked perfect, I highly recommend the Firestones.

[MIFL19H]

I am/will be in the same position you are. One thing I am considering doing first is changing the Rear Blocks to the F350 blocks which are 3 3/4" vs the 2" info the 250's, this will raise the rear slightly. If you notice the F350's have more rake. I also have a Cap and use the bed for travel and even loading it with maybe 300 to 400 pounds of gear on our last road trip, not towing anything, the truck was not level.

I considered Timbrens but I want to be able to level the truck so am leaning toward Firestones. I like how they mount to the axle tube vs the Air Lifts mount to the snubber pad.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by nunyadamn

I just switched from a 2005 Chevy 2500 to a 2015 F250 Ford. The new F250 when connected to the trailer sagged pretty bad with nothing in the bed. I adjusted my Equal-i-zer hitch and it made a decent adjustment, but I think I need to adjust it as I have to lift the trailer to max on the jack and still use the tool to get the bars on the L-brackets.

Lots of complaints from Ford 250 owners on this as Ford lightened their rear spring pack to accommodate a better ride. I installed Timbrens on my F-250 and with 1400lbs on the tongue was able to dial in my Reese WDH back to somewhat level. I could have adjusted it to level, but I wanted it to be slightly "nose down" to help with any sway issues. "Slightly" is about 1/2in below factory front end height. The Timbrens really don't affect a no load ride unless you hit a really big bump. Air bags will work great but there are still other options out there such as Roadmaster Active Suspension, SumoSprings, etc in case you don't want to mess with an active system vs. passive.

[00buck]

I had the firestones with onboard compressor installed for $750 on my 2011 F-250 right after I purchased it in 11 due to the saggy rear end.

Five years later still happy with them.

You can even slightly raise and lower the bed with them while hooking up if the trailer is too high or low. Saves you a trip back and forth if hooking up alone.

[Fishinngrilling]

There are good options out there. Air Lift has a really good rebate, and good customer service. Call up Firestone and see if you ever get help. Buy your product from companies that care about what you do with them.

[namusmc65]

My 2015 3/4 ton Ram 2500 does not even budge with my 36 foot Eagle attached! And that's loaded ready to hit the road!

[gtsum2]

My ram 3500 sagged a good bit with 3300 on the pin so I installed timbrens. Easy and works well.

[MIFL19H]

Has anyone used a portable Air Tank to fill their Air Bags?

Such as this…

5 gal. Portable Air Tank

I just purchased a set of Air Lift 5000 Ultimates for my F250, I am going to skip adding the 4" Blocks… for now.

[Edd505]

I drive a F250 with bags and you will not need an on-board compressor. I check mine every time I do a tire check and they hold their pressure months.

[TWP723]

My bags have held 12 lbs. of pressure all winter. I'm impressed!

[Ottawasteve]

The bags take a very small volume of air to inflate. I just use a Sears Craftsmen 19.2V C3 Cordless Inflator (Tried to post link but it is being blocked.

Uses the same 19.2V batteries as my cordless drill for jacks and impact wrench for lugnuts, sawzall for overhanging branches and wet & Dry dustbuster vacuum for the camper.

I ran the airlines back to back bumper and they replace the rear license plate screws. I really like the bags both loaded and levelled and unloaded when you don't notice them there.

[Polk]

Originally Posted by MIFL19H

Has anyone used a portable Air Tank to fill their Air Bags?

Such as this…

5 gal. Portable Air Tank

I just purchased a set of Air Lift 5000 Ultimates for my F250, I am going to skip adding the 4" Blocks… for now.

They take vary little air, so yes a portable air tank will do. I have done it several times.

[MIFL19H]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I'm hoping to install them this Sunday.

[MIFL19H]

My Air Lift kit was deliverd yesterday, opened the box tonight to start the Bag assembly and found out I only have 3 Roll Plates, need 4 as they are the end caps for the Air Bags. The Kit looked like it was boxed by a kid, I am not impressed so far.

Needless to say I am not happy as tomorrow was about the only day I had to install them before picking up our camper in 3 weeks.

[IceOnFire]

What are the pros and cons with Timbrens vs Air Bags? Cost wise, Timbrens seems to be a cheaper solution.

[etex211]

I use a manual bicycle pump to fill the air bags on my half ton truck. It never takes more than 10-12 strokes from the pump for each bag.