Load assisting devices
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Pasadena
Load assisting devices
I have a 97 powerstroke and pull a 35 ft fifth wheel trailer all the time. Does anyone have experience with those after market air bags? I hear they can make a big difference in your ride while towing. I also hear you can buy them with a on board compressor to air up on the fly.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
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From: colorado
i have the firestone superduty air bags and they work great. i have a lance slide-in camper (2500#) i had it in the truck twice without the air bgs on,never again. i also put on rancho rs9000 shocks and crank them up when i am towing.it rides so well that with the camper in and pulling our 20 ft boat..my wife will still drive!!!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 428
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From: Hot Springs Village, Ar
Dk
I have the air Lifts and on board compressor. Well worth the bucks. got mine from Summit Racing. Very reasonable. I also carry Lance camper (4000 lbs) on my F-350 dually. Highly recommend. Carroll Allison
I have the air Lifts and on board compressor. Well worth the bucks. got mine from Summit Racing. Very reasonable. I also carry Lance camper (4000 lbs) on my F-350 dually. Highly recommend. Carroll Allison
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
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From: Phx, AZ
DK,
I have the firestone ride rite (super duty) bags on mine with the compressor, in cab controls etc. I love it. I also tow a 5er and would not even think it without the bags. The on board compressor makes life so much easier too. Hook up and fill them right there. No going to the service stn etc. Plus when you un hook just raise the trailer a little and deflate the bags to what ever you run them at empty and the pin box is not putting any weight on the truck so you just pull out!!! Here take a look.
www.geocities.com/toyhauler2000/tugboutupgrades2
www.geocities.com/toyhauler2000/tugboutupgrades3
Fire Rooster
I have the firestone ride rite (super duty) bags on mine with the compressor, in cab controls etc. I love it. I also tow a 5er and would not even think it without the bags. The on board compressor makes life so much easier too. Hook up and fill them right there. No going to the service stn etc. Plus when you un hook just raise the trailer a little and deflate the bags to what ever you run them at empty and the pin box is not putting any weight on the truck so you just pull out!!! Here take a look.
www.geocities.com/toyhauler2000/tugboutupgrades2
www.geocities.com/toyhauler2000/tugboutupgrades3
Fire Rooster
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 24
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From: Redding, CA
I have a 99 F350 SB w/Firestone airbags and love them. They were on the truck when I got it so I don't know the cost. I run them at less then 10#s of air unloaded and the truck sits perfectly level. When loaded I just pump up the air from the onboard compressor to desired bed height.
One neat advantage was the day a buddy ask me to pick up his newly purchased 69 Z28 in Sacto. While loading we noticed the undercarriage was very close to hitting the trailer. Alas I said wait a minute and proceeded to pump up the air bags which lifted the rear end and leveled out the trailer to ramp arch/angle, much more clearence now. Pretty cool I thought.
Anyway I think you will be very happy w/bags.
PS the compressor is mounted by drivers battery just behind headlight. Made it very difficult to change bulb.
One neat advantage was the day a buddy ask me to pick up his newly purchased 69 Z28 in Sacto. While loading we noticed the undercarriage was very close to hitting the trailer. Alas I said wait a minute and proceeded to pump up the air bags which lifted the rear end and leveled out the trailer to ramp arch/angle, much more clearence now. Pretty cool I thought.
Anyway I think you will be very happy w/bags.
PS the compressor is mounted by drivers battery just behind headlight. Made it very difficult to change bulb.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Utah County, UT
Air bags are the way to go, I have the Firestone airbags everyone else does, dramatic improvement of handling, I would think more so with a slide in camper, reduce the sway. I purchase a couple of compressors and a few other items off of ebay, total money spent is just under 400 for the whole setup, control it from inside the cab, gauges I put in the glove box, so not to hinder the factory look. Go with air bags, you'll enjoy the convenience, as well as the ride when empty, so long as you deflate the bags.
Mike
Mike
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Pasadena
Air Bags
Thanks for the great feedback from all. I think I will look into the Firestone air ride system w/on board compressor. I have pulled my 5er all over the US and I think it will definately enhance the ride. I know my wife will be happier! Thanks again!
