Installing air bags ???
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Installing air bags ???
How hard is the install of firestone airbags on a 2010 f250? The rv dealer wants over 300 just to install not including the bags. Looking at close to 600 bucks for the setup not including the compressor. I would love to save the money and do the install myself. How difficult is it? I have decent mechanical ability but im no mechanic. Thanks for the help.
STMr
STMr
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
I have included a link to my pics for my install. It really was not that hard, biggest issue can be the air lines, ensuring that have a good seal
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - senix's Album: air bag install
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - senix's Album: air bag install
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1
From: LONG ISLAND N.Y.
its not bad at all. i mounted my compressor behind my rear seat in the cab. i did'nt use a air tank. there is two different kits...get the one that wont get in the way of a fifth wheel hitch. it mounts under the frame rails not inside them. good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Hey Guys thanks for the response. I was not planning on having dedicated onboard air system, rather buying a 150psi portable compressor from sears. Figure having the ability to air up and down tires on truck and 5th wheel would come in handy. Im worried the firestone compressor would take forever to fill a truck tire since the air bags dont have a lot of capacity. Any thoughts. Oh yeah its a lot cheaper to buy a stand alone compressor then the firestone. Also the only time I will need to adjust my bags is during camping season. I dont tow antying else and my 5er will see about 10-12 trips a year.
STM
STM
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 12
To do a nice installation job, it takes awhile, routing the lines etc. I used that plastic conduit for wiring to run the lines in. And you have to make sure they don't rub on anything, or they will wear through. My install would have cost way more than 300 doing what I did.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
I installed a set on my '05 F250 and it was pretty easy. One neat thing I did was route the air line fill valves to the rear license plate area. I removed 2 of the plastic nutes, enlarged the holes slightlyand installed the 2 valves right on the 2 lower plate locations.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
I second the advise about getting the outside the frame airbags. I also mounted my air valves (bags are isolated from each other) in the rear license plate frame.
Portable 12v pumps work OK for your air bags. But are next to worthless for airing up your truck tires. A permanent mount 12v like a Viair 360 works so much better and faster.
When I'm towing my 14k fifthwheel, the bags are at 30-35psi (35-40psi while towing at night for headlight alignment) and the rear truck tires are at 80psi. As soon as I disconnect the trailer, bags go to 5 psi and the rear truck tires go to 55psi. The truck rides sooooo much better solo, when aired down.
Good luck
Portable 12v pumps work OK for your air bags. But are next to worthless for airing up your truck tires. A permanent mount 12v like a Viair 360 works so much better and faster.
When I'm towing my 14k fifthwheel, the bags are at 30-35psi (35-40psi while towing at night for headlight alignment) and the rear truck tires are at 80psi. As soon as I disconnect the trailer, bags go to 5 psi and the rear truck tires go to 55psi. The truck rides sooooo much better solo, when aired down.
Good luck
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rusty_S
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jul 26, 2016 04:18 PM
60RatRod
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
Sep 19, 2010 09:18 PM
