Air bags

tawoo · 07-09-2015, 08:36 AM

Does anyone use air bags for the suspension? Even with an Equalizer hitch I get road bounce so I was just wondering if they are worth the money. I don't really want to go the helper spring route because I don't want a stiff ride when not towing? Thanks!!

cgbrooks · 07-09-2015, 08:46 AM

I just installed Air Lift 5000 Ultimate bags on my F350 last week, have not towed yet, but unloaded ride seems to be better with 5 to 10 psi in bags. I will post results of first trip later.

Jmooney · 07-09-2015, 08:50 AM

Installing my second set this weekend ( new TV) - first TV was much better with them, but I needed to level up the nose due to the weight of the tongue, not specifically due to bounce.

bap · 07-09-2015, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tawoo

Does anyone use air bags for the suspension? Even with an Equalizer hitch I get road bounce so I was just wondering if they are worth the money. I don't really want to go the helper spring route because I don't want a stiff ride when not towing? Thanks!!

What is your TV?

TWP723 · 07-09-2015, 08:57 AM

I have them and they work great!

jddave · 07-09-2015, 09:21 AM

Tawoo:
My TV is a Ram 1500 hemi, TT is a 24RKS,Equalizer WD
Installed airbags for our 13,000 mile trip last year. At 35# pressure they worked great even in strong cross winds thru Oklahoma and the Texas pandandle.

Pam & Dave

usmc616 · 07-10-2015, 07:05 AM

Instead of a helper spring I installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension. No stiff ride when not towing.

drk98 · 07-10-2015, 07:54 AM

I had them on our last TV and just installed them on our new Ram 2500. I haven't towed with it since installing them on this one but they made a huge difference on the old truck.

You didn't mention what TV you had but if it's a 2013 RAM or newer.... Go with airlift over FireStone for a much easier install.

tawoo · 07-10-2015, 08:27 AM

drk98, my TV is a 2015 Silverado 1500.

jddave, 13,000 trip pulling a travel trailer? Wow! I'm scared to do our planned 6,000 mile trip. You give me encouragement.

33 RLDS · 07-10-2015, 08:27 AM

I have the Firestone air bags in my Avalanche. I didn't need the help with sag, I wanted them for the bounce control and they work great for that.

tawoo · 07-10-2015, 08:42 AM

33 RLDS that's exactly what I need them for. With the TT hooked up I'm level but going down the road I bounce. That's fine around here as we don't go far to camp but the planned 6,000 mile round trip in September makes me nervous.

TWP723 · 07-10-2015, 09:08 AM

All around good choice!

33 RLDS · 07-10-2015, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tawoo

33 RLDS that's exactly what I need them for. With the TT hooked up I'm level but going down the road I bounce. That's fine around here as we don't go far to camp but the planned 6,000 mile round trip in September makes me nervous.

You would think air bags would make for more bounce but its just the opposite. It makes the TT and TV feel like one long unit. locked together.

TWP723 · 07-10-2015, 09:19 AM

tawoo · 07-10-2015, 10:04 AM

Is the on board air compressor worth the extra $300.00??

cekkk · 07-10-2015, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tawoo

Is the on board air compressor worth the extra $300.00??

Not in my opinion. You just don't adjust them that often. With my two valves set in the rear bumper I barely have to bend over to add or release air. Much easier than adjusting tires.

TWP723 · 07-10-2015, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tawoo

Is the on board air compressor worth the extra $300.00??

I wouldn't. Unless you plan on using the bags on a normal basis. I use a old electric compressor I've had for years. I do plan on buying a small compressor I can keep under the rear seat of the truck. The way I see it, electric will always be available. Either at the CG or at home.

TWP723 · 07-10-2015, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cekkk

Not in my opinion. You just don't adjust them that often. With my two valves set in the rear bumper I barely have to bend over to add or release air. Much easier than adjusting tires.

I have the Schrader valves coming out where the bottom tag holes are. Kinda inconspicuous and serves my purpose.

Edd505 · 07-11-2015, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cekkk

Not in my opinion. You just don't adjust them that often. With my two valves set in the rear bumper I barely have to bend over to add or release air. Much easier than adjusting tires.

I have the on a F250SD with 100,000+ towing, a couple different 5r's, and it levels ride and stops bounce. I'm pulling a 10K TT now and carry 50psi in the bags, I have not had to adjust this year. I have the double valves just above the bumper. I check PSI on the bags, TV tires, and TT tires before each tow.

tylersdad · 08-03-2015, 08:49 AM

I have a White Hawk 23MRB and I'm thinking about getting the Air Lift Ride Control kit which levels as much as 2000 lbs. Since our trailer is only 5300 lbs loaded and tongue weight is less than 1000 lbs, will the 2000 lb Air Lift Ride Control kit be enough?

We never plan on towing a larger trailer. If we do, we'll get an F-250.

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