Tire Question
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Diesel_Dan
Do you run with 50 psi in your air bags with the the camper loaded? I was getting ready to fill the air bags and I remembered that you recommended 50, is there a caution in filling them too much?
also while I was installing the shocks, I noticed that infact I do have a anti-sway bar on the rear axle. Not sure if it's Ford's or an aftermarket. (just love buying used) . To sum it up since I posted this thread, I have front end worked on and replaced parts, installed new shocks (went with Bilstiens, last minute change of mind) and replaced the TA KO's with the Commercial AT that are also the OEM size.
-Joe
Do you run with 50 psi in your air bags with the the camper loaded? I was getting ready to fill the air bags and I remembered that you recommended 50, is there a caution in filling them too much?
also while I was installing the shocks, I noticed that infact I do have a anti-sway bar on the rear axle. Not sure if it's Ford's or an aftermarket. (just love buying used) . To sum it up since I posted this thread, I have front end worked on and replaced parts, installed new shocks (went with Bilstiens, last minute change of mind) and replaced the TA KO's with the Commercial AT that are also the OEM size.
-Joe
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Foothills, CA
Hi Joe, Rarely would we go that low, but we always have the trailer to compensate for too. The bags I have (Air Lift) have a min of 5 psi and max of 100psi.
Since we sometimes go fully loaded w/ 2 horses, sometimes one and sometimes not all that much food (catered ride), here's what I do: Get all hooked up and air the bags over what I'll run, say 80lbs. Then I drive to a level spot (so happens the street we're on is good enough) and just use an air gauge and drop the pressure 'till it looks level, trailer thru truck.
Oh yeah, pick up a cheap-o air compressor at the auto parts store (the 12v type). I make adjustments at camp with it and also air back up for the trip home.
the right pressure for you depends on your camper weight and loading, trailer etc., how you like the ride to feel too. Give it a shot, I'm sure you'll zero in on the right pressure for you.
Generally we are between 65 and 75 lbs, btw...
Since we sometimes go fully loaded w/ 2 horses, sometimes one and sometimes not all that much food (catered ride), here's what I do: Get all hooked up and air the bags over what I'll run, say 80lbs. Then I drive to a level spot (so happens the street we're on is good enough) and just use an air gauge and drop the pressure 'till it looks level, trailer thru truck.
Oh yeah, pick up a cheap-o air compressor at the auto parts store (the 12v type). I make adjustments at camp with it and also air back up for the trip home.
the right pressure for you depends on your camper weight and loading, trailer etc., how you like the ride to feel too. Give it a shot, I'm sure you'll zero in on the right pressure for you.
Generally we are between 65 and 75 lbs, btw...
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Dan,
in bishop, on on our vacation and the truck camper has bad sway. I noticed after a few puckers later the overload springs were not even engaged. So I let the air out of the bags untill the overloads began touching. It was a difference of night and day. Why do I need air bags? Thoughts?
in bishop, on on our vacation and the truck camper has bad sway. I noticed after a few puckers later the overload springs were not even engaged. So I let the air out of the bags untill the overloads began touching. It was a difference of night and day. Why do I need air bags? Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
Dan,
in bishop, on on our vacation and the truck camper has bad sway. I noticed after a few puckers later the overload springs were not even engaged. So I let the air out of the bags untill the overloads began touching. It was a difference of night and day. Why do I need air bags? Thoughts?
in bishop, on on our vacation and the truck camper has bad sway. I noticed after a few puckers later the overload springs were not even engaged. So I let the air out of the bags untill the overloads began touching. It was a difference of night and day. Why do I need air bags? Thoughts?
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What shocks are you running again? And I think you already said you had a anti-sway bar. If your shocks are up to it, most of the bounce is controlled by them. That is why we went with the Rancho 9000s, I set them on 3 for empty and 9 when were loaded. You could also try increasing air pressure in the bags -- sounds counter to what you are experiencing, but we've done that to firm up the ride. You may end up slightly higher in the back. Have a good camp trip!
It was the Blistiens 4600 shocks I went with, and the anti-sway looks small, I, have to measure it. I was on vacation in the mountains outside of Bishop, Ca. Lundy Lake if anyone is familiar with the area. there is no cell phone service let alone internet connectivity up there. I called Firestone, Lance Camper and some local RV dealers when I get to Lee Vining and the person from Lance Camper was the most helpful. He suggested I run the pressure up to 90 psi based on the model of my camper. Drove a lot better, at least the sway was gone, but flat towing a jeep, I felt a constant tug in the back. it got a few scary moments when semi's would pass.
I am wondering If the jeep could have a negative influence on the truck if it was not correctly aligned or incorrect tire pressure. I know the Jeep (TJ) does not track straight, it always wants to pull to the right a bit. it's seen a lot of offroad use. I guess I will have to start a new chapter and money to get to track better.
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