I bought a 5th wheel and the dealer is installing the airbags and hitch.

I also have read that even when running low pressure in the airbags (no load) that the ride is kinda stiff and harsh.

So, i bought some Velvet ride shackles to go at the rear of each leaf.

The installer told me the Velvet rides are useless when running airbags b\c they keep the rear from squatting (even with low pressure-10lbs) so it negates the purpose for the Velvet rides.

I told him to not worry about it and that i would deal with it later but i have a broken arm and the truck is still at the RV dealer.

Does anyone have experience or advice for this application?

 

I have installed air bags on many vehicles and most people say the ride is better than stock when empty and the air bags have 10lbs in them. I have them on mine and it takes the slap out of the empty truck and feel even better with a load. I would not change the shackles. I would try the air bags first. The shackles won't work the way they are designed to because the air bags will take some of the load that the shackles needthey. Air-lift has a complete air ride system now that eliminates the rear springs. It is a copy of what buses and semis have used for years. They also have automatic leveling systems to use on existing air bags. I would recommend using this or the compressor and gauge panel to make sure the bags always have at least 10lbs of air in them so the bags don't wear out.

 

I just put firestone bags on my truck and ran for a while with 80psi. Truck looked good because it was a couple of inches higher in the back(I have an 8 inch lift up front, 6 in back so it normally sits lower in the back), but it rode rough. I now have it at about 25psi and it sits about an inch higher in the back, still rides a little rough. Tomorrow I'll drop it to 10psi and see how it rides. I'm hoping it will ride softly on the bags and thereby ride better than the springs.