Air Bags

[imollison]

Hi All.

 

I have been looking for a while now and was wondering what everyone else is using for airbags. I have a 2008 2500HD, haul a 28 foot 5th wheel, I also haul a small 14 foot enclosed trailer for Scouting events several times a year that has a bit of weight in it when full.

 

I have found that the truck is bouncy on some highways and am looking at trying to smooth it out and airbags have been suggested to me by several others I know who own trucks.

 

Not looking for an onboard compresser and all that, as I have a large compresser in the garage.

 

Thoughts?? And thanks in advance for the help.

[96chevy7.4L]

Firestone Ride-Rite's are a good place to start.

[MADS99]

Rear Air Bags are the way to go to help with Towing......Air lift and Firestone are the ones mentioned most often,

 

On my Truck I have Air Lifts 2000lbs Rear Bags to help with Towing my Boat.....No more Rear Sag,a Better Ride and Handing with the Bags.....I've been Very pleased with them......

 

I also have the Controls...[in the Cab]....and the Compressor.....It is a Great feature,being able to adjust Bags for the Road Condition's,while driving.....

 

With your 08' being a 3/4......You can Step-up to 5000lbs bags,

 

Air Lift 5000lbs Bags,

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AIR-57275/?rtype=10

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The stock air bags, conveniently located in the steering wheel and dash, do just fine for me.

[88K5]

The airbag riding next to me can be a bit bothersome

[jrod332]

I have Firestone ride rites. They do a lot of work as I tow often. I have yet to be disappointed. I got mine from http://www.suspensionconnection.com/

[[email protected]]

The airbag riding next to me can be a bit bothersome

 

Good one, why didn't I think of that?

[blackblazer717]

go to...

www.suicidedoors.com

or airridetech.com

 

slam specialties 2500LB or 2600LB bags are my favorite because they require less pressure.... in general the lager the bag the less pressure is required to hold the weight.

also, you dont NEED on-board air, but some trial and error will be needed to get your pressure right. and a tee fitting with a sharder valve will do the trick connecting your two bags

general bracket kits can be had from AIMindustries, suicidedoors, can do specialties... etc...

 

the best way IMO is to put the bags inside the framerail verse outside for tire clearance.

LUKE

[tylerman]

Try etrailer.com for air bags. I put in firestone air bags.

[chaplainwayne]

Firestone Ride-Rite's are a good place to start.

 

 

Do you know what kind of wrench works best to take the joust bumpers off for Ride-Rite Installation. I am up in Alaska with most of my tools in Washington. Don't want to buy a lot of extra tools. chaplainwayne

[deerhunter]

Firestone Ride-Rite's are a good place to start.

 

 

Do you know what kind of wrench works best to take the joust bumpers off for Ride-Rite Installation. I am up in Alaska with most of my tools in Washington. Don't want to buy a lot of extra tools. chaplainwayne

 

 

The nuts are 15 mm. I don't remember which wrench I used to get them off, but a combination wrench would probably do it. (I know they are 15 mm because they are still in the "parts pile" and I went out and checked)

[tunseeker1]

air is nice but a lot of maintenance potential.

 

I like solid rubber springs better.

 

http://www.timbren.com/

[imollison]

Just to keep all informed.....I got the Firestone Ride-rites 5000 pounders. Arrived at the door Thurs and got them on today. Took 3 hours to get then on with a floor jack and axle stands (and with all the normal Sunday running around the house). Took it for a quick drive at 20 PSI and then at 10 PSI. Feel great. Can't wait to haul the 5th wheel now to see how it will handle. Sorry it was too late for pictures.......will try tomorrow and will post.

 

Thank you all for the input.......ended up with the valve stem in the with the gas cap.....nice look, and protected too.

[Prokopchuk_9]

i have the 5000lbs ride rites, they kick a$$ plain and simple

[Bluedog]

Thank you all for the input.......ended up with the valve stem in the with the gas cap.....nice look, and protected too.

 

I sincerely hope you didn't connect the air lines together with a tee as suggested in a previous post. That is very dangerous because when you are loaded and go around a corner, air from the outside bags will be forced into the inboard one, making your vehicle lean even worse. During an evasive maneuver, such as avoiding something in the road the situation is far more critical. The kit comes with two lines with two valves for a reason...