Airbags installed...what a difference!
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 39
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From: Nickajack Lake, TN
I've been running air springs for years. I pull a 34' Carri-Lite fifth wheel trailer with a pin weight around 2500# and a loaded weight aprox. <14,000#. I have Air Lift brand air springs installed on my 1997 F250HD 7.3 and Firestone air springs on my 2008 F250 6.4 Superduty. The handling and stability of both trucks improved greatly both loaded and unloaded. I can't really tell a difference in the smoothness of the unloaded ride of the 2008 or 1997 but when loaded the air bags really start to perform. After experiencing the difference in handling heavy loads I wouldn't pull now without having air springs installed. Both brands have worked faultlessly over the past years without any bag, air line or compressor problems. I would recommend each manufacturer equally.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
Just back from 6 days at the lake. Had a great time on Lake Hartwell and a fantastic trip with the new air system and airbags. As I said earlier, I should've installed them lang ago. At 30 psi, she rode and pulled like a dream! I can't recommend airbags enough, even for a dually.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I just pulled it up on ramps to give me enough room to get under it and move around. No jack stands required. We did a friend of mine's with it sitting on the ground, but it was a little uncomfortable.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,375
Likes: 604
From: evansville in
I am wanting to install a set of these on my old body style f-350 srw...I am doing a leveling kit but when it is done it will be about an inch higher in the front(dont ask,it is a long story).I was kicking around the idea of the ride rite to give me that inch and also when i tow i can make sure it does not sag...am i crazy or is it a plausible plan?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
I am wanting to install a set of these on my old body style f-350 srw...I am doing a leveling kit but when it is done it will be about an inch higher in the front(dont ask,it is a long story).I was kicking around the idea of the ride rite to give me that inch and also when i tow i can make sure it does not sag...am i crazy or is it a plausible plan?
I mainly used mine to stop the 'drive line shudder' most of the newer trucks have caused by the torque, axle wrap etc.. My dually rode mostly level with around a 2900 pound pin weight, but would jerk you to death on concrete interstates. Now it stays perfectly level, takes out the jarring of the roadway, handling is improved and the ride is great. Good luck.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 543
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From: Michigan
You should be able to level out the truck with the bags. However, while unloaded and enough psi to add an inch to the height there is a good possibility it will ride like a dump truck. Towing with it lifted the extra inch shouldn't be too bad but unloaded is a different story.
Is there any reason you can't just add a 1" lift block to the rear to make it level all the time? Or does that get into the long story?
Is there any reason you can't just add a 1" lift block to the rear to make it level all the time? Or does that get into the long story?
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,861
From: Frederick, MD
I think it would. Best to consult both B&W and the air bag manufactor on that one. Bags side right in the center over the axle and up next to the springs.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,180
Likes: 83
From: Georgia
[QUOTE=n2kars;11932827]I have a B&W 5er hitch,does the release handle on the hitch located over the center leaf spring get in the way of the bag installation?[/QUOTE
Not sure what model truck you have, but I have a B&W in mine now and my other dually as well. The handles come out above the frame and the airbag sits between the botom of the frame rail and the top of the axle(which is covered by a bracket). See photo below. I know that both popular manufacturers(Firestone & AirLift) have 'No-Drill" kits available. And I believe both make them for in-bed hitches as well. I had no preference as to which bag, just go the best deal at the time on the Firestone's.
Not sure what model truck you have, but I have a B&W in mine now and my other dually as well. The handles come out above the frame and the airbag sits between the botom of the frame rail and the top of the axle(which is covered by a bracket). See photo below. I know that both popular manufacturers(Firestone & AirLift) have 'No-Drill" kits available. And I believe both make them for in-bed hitches as well. I had no preference as to which bag, just go the best deal at the time on the Firestone's.
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