Firestone Ride-Rite AirBags

EcWrestlr · October 25, 2012

I have a 2011 Sierra 1500 2wd that I use to tow my boat. The boat is a 25 ft center console and when loaded up, makes the truck sag pretty good in the rear. I have changed the rear block out to a 2 inch instead of the 1.25 factory one when I leveled the truck to keep the back up somewhat. The problem is now when I attach the boat, the truck still sags pretty bad in the rear.

I was looking at adding the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags to help level the vehicle out when towing, but can't find anyone around my area with any experience with them. Does any here have any experience (positive or negative) on this setup? It will be part #2430 from Firestone. I'd also like to see some pics installed in anyone has them.

Thanks in advance!

Coolmaker · October 26, 2012

I put a set on my 1991 Chev 1500 and they work great. I did run the lines from each shock separate so I could level the truck if the need arose. We use it sometime to tow my toyhauler/camper to the beach, because the truck is 4 wh dr and is easy to back in on the sandy lots at the beach. Sorry, no pics. But the install was easy and the directions they sent were spot on......

SouthCo · October 26, 2012

I've only read good things about them.

EcWrestlr · October 27, 2012

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to go forward and purchase these.

Does anyone know if its worthwhile to order the compressor and switches to remotely fill the bags in the car or if its a real pain to fill them manually?

Coolmaker · October 27, 2012

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to go forward and purchase these.

Does anyone know if its worthwhile to order the compressor and switches to remotely fill the bags in the car or if its a real pain to fill them manually?

I use them manually, and have no issue. Put the air ends through the rear bumper and it is easy to set pressure.

EcWrestlr · October 28, 2012

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to go forward and purchase these.

Does anyone know if its worthwhile to order the compressor and switches to remotely fill the bags in the car or if its a real pain to fill them manually?

I use them manually, and have no issue. Put the air ends through the rear bumper and it is easy to set pressure.

Excellent. Thanks for the feedback!

EcWrestlr · November 2, 2012

Just wanted to make a follow up post here. Install was very easy! Took about an hour and a half total. I'll post some pics to give everyone an idea of how they look and work. I towed my boat today and it worked perfect. I was able to fill them up to 48 psi and it raised my truck back to the "unloaded level". With the bags installed unloaded, it raised the rear about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch with 5 psi; the minimum recommended air pressure unloaded.

Overall, the truck drives incredibly while towing with the air bags. Night and day difference. This is something the truck should have had as a factory option.