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Hi all. Installing some Airlift 5000 air bags tomorrow/Friday on my "24 F250 XLT 4x4 and wanted to know where everyone runs their air lines to fill the bags. I've seen some run it to the license plate area and into the bed, but wanted to see if there were any other options. Also, later on the truck will be getting a B&W Goosneck hitch installed so need to steer clear of that area.
I have the Airlift 5000 bags as well and I installed my fill valves on either side of the license plate. I recently added an onboard compressor so I now only have one fill port at the license plate as backup in case the compressor ever fails.
I like that location better than the license plate. Plus, with no DEF I have plenty of room in there.
Seemed to be more room in the 2016. On the 2023, the bracket will have a small side on the left side to mount the air lines as the air lines will be mounted to the left side, parallel to the truck and will coming into the compartment from the right. There is a metal support behind the compartment making it impossible to come in from the back. Had to trim a little off the vent cap to get the needed room for the bottom gauge. A little more complicated than on the 2016 but very doable. Will post pics when done, but it will be several months.
On my 2016 I put them in the gas fill compartment. Doing the same on my 2023 when I put them on in the spring. Have the gauge holder made already.
this is the best option…. If you put them on the license plate you have to have the tailgate up to use it, which may or may not be a problem, also if trailer is hooked up, it’s a little more inconvenient. Just my .05 cents.
I think that's what I'm going to do. I ordered another air line and connector set so I can use one schrader valve for both bags. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I originally routed to the rear license plate. After first trip with the RV, bought the on board air with wireless controller (worked most? of the time). Sold the setup when I got new truck. Not planning on adding airbags to my new f350 DRW
Creative ideas for manual inflation and deflation can be found but really the best option is the automatic compressor setup.
I found that with random times needing to add air or remove air was kind of a pain manually.
I put the auto compressor on mine recently and now I just use the remote that came with the kit. Plus the great thing is it will always self adjust to keep your desired pressure in the system over extended periods of time whereas I never knew exactly how much pressure was in them if it had been an extended time since I filled it up. Always knowing it has the amount of air that you need and being able to adjust on the fly is really nice.
I also mounted a hidden manual valve stem under the rear in case the compressor ever didn’t work for one reason or another so if I had to I could fill it up with a Milwaukee pump I always have with me.
After having it setup like this I feel It’s an option that is worth the money if you want to complete the system and really get what you want.
I have the 5000 air bags with an onboard Wireless Air compressor. I ran two lines to Shrader valves mounted on a small homemade flat bracket. I mounted the bracket under the left side of the rear bumper using an existing bolt that was already there. Gives me good access to the valves if I ever need them and keeps them out of the way for the 99% of the time when they aren't needed. No holes drilled anywhere on the truck to mount the valves. I'll try to get a picture and post it here.
edit: added two pictures showing the bracket mounting.
I installed Firestone bags on the '16' dually a few weeks ago and had the fill ports at the rear of the truck but after hooking up the 5th wheel and having to adjust the bags manually decided to go with Airlift Wireless One compressor system (25980). Just need the weather to calm down a bit and I'll get it installed next couplle days. That should make it easier or more convenient for adjustments.
