Airbag advice
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Senior User
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Airbag advice
New to towing, I have a 2010 6.4 shortbox. I have a 38 ft 12k lb 5th wheel. The pin weight is around 2200 lbs. Naturally my truck sags in the back. Its not crazy bad, I still have plenty of suspension travel and have hit some rough roads and train tracks and never hit the bump stops. I just hate the way the truck looks sagging and I dont wont to wear out the leafs.
Thought about adding air bags to help level the truck.
What is anyone using and what do you like or dislike about the setup?
Thanks
STM
Thought about adding air bags to help level the truck.
What is anyone using and what do you like or dislike about the setup?
Thanks
STM
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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I just put the firestone ride rites in my 250 because i was sagging when i had my truck camper on. I only took one trip with them so i dont have alot of experience but with them at 30 psi my truck has no sag and rides quite well. I had them at 60 psi at first and the truck i felt was very unstable with the camper on. So far im happy with them for my application. Took me about 2 hours to mount them.
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Thanks for the above replys. How important is it to have the onboard air system? I get the convienice but I only tow on weekends and figure I can air up before I leave. Would save me a couple hundred bucks. Just not sure how often you need to adjust out on the road.
stm
stm
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From: NorCal
Usually the only time you have to adjust the air pressure is when you hook up the trailer or when you unhook it.
I have had my Firestone airbags for 5 years and never had an onboard air compressor. I do usually have a portable airtank with me on trips in case I need some air for tires or the airbags.
I have had my Firestone airbags for 5 years and never had an onboard air compressor. I do usually have a portable airtank with me on trips in case I need some air for tires or the airbags.
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Do the cheap cigarette lighter adapter tire inflaters work for the airbags. Found a few online for around $40. Would be awesome to just carry one of those if adjustments are needed. I tow a camper so I like to unhook my truck when I get to my site.
STM
STM
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From: NorCal
Airbags don't have much volume so they fill up alot faster than tires do.
A cigarette lighter air compressor will work fine as long as it will put out enough psi to get the airbags where you want them. Most airbags are rated up to 100 psi but I usually only run 50-60 psi and I have a very tongue heavy toyhauler.
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On my f250 there was several small holes along the valance just below the rear of the bed. I just used 2 of those holes for my valve stems. like you i wont use the bags all the time so i didnt want a compressor and all its workings on my truck. I have tried my little plug in compressor and it worked but i didnt have a load on the truck, it might struggle with that, not sure.
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From: Frederick, MD
I have the firestone bags on mine, with onboard air as well. I also ran is fitting out just under the drivers door so I can hook an attachment for air.
now I can add air to truck tires, trailer tires or whatever. In-valuable addition.
now I can add air to truck tires, trailer tires or whatever. In-valuable addition.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Texas
I would look into the system offered from Firestone. It all depends on how often you will adjust them. I tend to use mine on a daily bases and i tried building a simple system on my own but it ended up costing as much as the system they offer.
If you don't use it much and are ok having spend a few minutes adjusting it then that works just as well. But i feel like the system is much easier
If you don't use it much and are ok having spend a few minutes adjusting it then that works just as well. But i feel like the system is much easier
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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I have the Firestone bags as well with the onboard compressor and an external outlet under the drivers door like Senix. I love it. It's so easy to adjust the bags with the values (one for each side) and the gauge right in the cab. My 5ver is a bit pin heavy and I have found that the best pressure for my set up is right at 80psi. The only thing I would do different, after having the system for 5 years, is that I would get a 1 or 1.5 gallon air storage tank instead of the .5 gallon one I got.
