Air bags for f250

[Rgrigutis]

What's considered the best setup? What can I expect to pay? As always thanks in advance, rick

[spoon059]

I had Firestone Ride-Rite's on my Tundra, loved them. They were a no-drill application. I had to remove the factory bumpstops and bolt up the airbags and hardware. I think I was around $200 to $250 for the kit and installed myself. Install took about 2 hours, and I was pretty leisurely with it.

I didn't install an on-board compressor, I just used a small 12volt tire compressor to air up.

[3'senough]

Firestone 100% if you go airbags $200-$300 without a pump and no drill. Takes bout 2 hrs to do. SIL did the Air Lift on a vehicle and nothing but issues with them.

Timbrens are another option, but have 0 experience. I know there are members on here who can chime in on them.

[tylersdad]

I have the air lift RideControl for my 150. The only problem I had was created by me from not tightening a couple bolts enough. No leaks. No problems.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Timbrens are another option, but have 0 experience. I know there are members on here who can chime in on them.

I am very happy with Timbrens. Have them now and had them on our truck in the 90's when we bought our first FW.

No adjusting needed.

[SouthCo]

I have Firestones and they are great.

[Clayton4971]

Firestone with wireless remote , easy install.

[LegalEagle]

I also have the Firestone bags on my 2003 F250. I also have the on board compressor, which is much more convenient than an external one. I am not as mechanically inclined as so many others, so I had mine professionally installed. $600 for the whole set up. They work great.

[Darin]

I have the Firestones on my F-250. I don't have the on board air compressor yet. I just use my bicycle air pump to fill them for now. It is very fast and easy since they take very little air to get them to the 20psi that I tow with. I am very happy with their performance.

[TWP723]

I have the AirLift bags on my vehicle and I love them. Not the easiest things to install in your driveway. If I knew then what I know now, I would have opted for a lift. But it can be done. I'm living proof. The hardest part was getting the old bump stops off. The nuts like to rust and seize onto the stud. As far as compressor, I use an old school compressor that is mainly used for my pneumatic tools. A little big and cumbersome but works fine. Currently looking for a more compact compressor.


Good luck!

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Rgrigutis

What's considered the best setup? What can I expect to pay? As always thanks in advance, rick

You don't state what you are towing. I think a static rear enhancement such as Timbrens, SumoSprings, RAS system etc work very well with a weight distributing hitch because you can adjust to level or close and still have the benefit. If I was towing a 5th wheel, I'd have air bags no doubt. We bumper pull and I have Timbrens on my F-250 with 1400lbs on the tongue. Very happy with them.

[bigfoot]

Another vote for the Firestones. Very easy install, didn't even have to raise the truck. Made quite a difference in the ride.

[Rgrigutis]

I'll be towing a 12000 lb fifth wheel, 1850 pin weight. Why are air bags better for a fifth. Looks like you guys like the firestones, the air lift is on sale here. Liked the Timbrens for there simplicity. Truck is a f250 diesel. Probably go w/ the Firestone. Thanks for your replies

[spoon059]

Air bags allow you to adjust. You can add pressure to raise the back end up. I've never had Timbrens, but I don't like the lack of adjustability. They ride like normal until you hit a bump... then you have a harsh reaction to the bump. Once you are fully on the Timbren's I understand they ride pretty well... but you can't adjust anything on it.

I can't give advice on the Air Lift's. I got the Firestones and found them to be very high quality.

[ALJO]

Air Lift or Firestone make the same identical products. Color and naming might be different. Quality is the same.

[SouthCo]

Originally Posted by ALJO

Air Lift or Firestone make the same identical products. Color and naming might be different. Quality is the same.

Same concept, not identical product.

[MikeNChelle]

Just did my 2014 F-350 Diesel this Summer with the Firestone system. The driver side took the longest because of the larger tank and the shield on the tanks. I added the on board compressor. Mounted the compressor under the rear passenger seat and the gauge and switch for it inside the center council. Wired for power into my #1 switch that way I can control the power. Paid like $525 from Amazon. If I had it to again, I would consider paying to have it done... maybe. I like knowing it was done right and MY way.

[cgbrooks]

I have the Airlift 5000 Ultimate bags with the Airlift Wireless One compressor. I have towed approximately 2000 miles so far and am very happy the setup. I agree the airbags are not the easiest to install in your driveway, but the compressor was a breeze to install.

[Edd505]

Originally Posted by bigfoot

Another vote for the Firestones. Very easy install, didn't even have to raise the truck. Made quite a difference in the ride.

+1 Manual fill

[Rgrigutis]

Thanks for the replies guys. I bought the Firestone kit w/the intention of installing it myself. Passenger side was doable but drivers side w/def tank not so much. So I took it to the local guy who's an ex semi diesel mechanic and a good one. They installed but he told me the push on hoses were the weak link in the setup. Sure enough it wouldn't hold air. Took it back and one valve stem was leaking, tightened it up and ok. He reinserted the air tubing on the other side and ran it up to 80psi, bled it back down to 20 and so far, 4 hours, it's holding. He suggested abandoning the pushin hose for traditional fittings and hose. I'm considering it. Anybody else gone that route? Thanks, rick