Need help in choosing air bag compressor!

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Feb 29, 2008 | 10:21 PM

cj11302000

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Fox Island, WA

Need help in choosing air bag compressor!

Hey guys, I already have rear Firestone air bags on my 99 F250 Super Duty long box V10 4X4. I want to add a Firestone air compressor. I want to get a single control compressor. I see that Firestone makes a standard duty compressor kit and a heavy duty compressor kit. What is the difference? I am pullinga 30 foot fifth wheel and we go camping in the spring and summer about every other weekend. I mostly have to dump the bags to back my rig up to my carport then fill them up to hit the road. If the standard duty would work for me...I can get a screamin' deal right now at JC Whitney on a 20% off sale. I just want to make sure I don't need the heavy duty model. I'm also looking for suggestions on where to mount the compressor on my model truck. I'm going to do the install...it doesn't look too bad. I appreciate any advice anyone can give on standard vs. heavy duty. Thanks!

Last edited by cj11302000; Feb 29, 2008 at 10:22 PM. Reason: Spelling

Mar 1, 2008 | 10:56 AM

WildWildWest

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 914

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From: Saskatoon, SK, CA

If this is the system you are talking about, it should be fine.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2178.html

It worked well on my previous truck, a GMC with the airbags.

I would prefer dual control over the airbags vs. the single control like this one.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2158.html (if you don't ever haul an uncentered load, this would be fine)

I had it mounted to the inside of the frame near the front of the box, not under the cab.

Mar 1, 2008 | 01:31 PM

cj11302000

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 11

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From: Fox Island, WA

Yeah, it's like the one you sent the link on...just the single control. I'm only hauling a fifth wheel which is a centered load so I should be fine. My biggest concern was would I be disappointed with the "standard" duty vs. the "Heavy" duty. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but just want to make sure. Thanks!!

Mar 1, 2008 | 07:53 PM

WhiteEx

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 366

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From: Fredericksburg, VA

I had an '85 F350 and pulled a 5th wheel for 1 1/2 years. Chicago to Alaska, then around the whole US. I had the Firestone Ride-Rites and an engine mounted compressor. Had 11 flats in Alaska (shale goes right through 12 ply tires). I had the dual controls and used the bags to level the truck and trailer whenever we stopped, but didn't unhook. I could raise the truck about 4 inches on either side, and yes- I know the 5th wheel was attached in the center, but it did level the camper. The Air-Lift bags are just as good as the Ride-Rites, either one will do a great job for you.

Mar 1, 2008 | 09:25 PM

arcatek

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Joined: Mar 2007

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What type of engine mounted compressor did you have and do you have a link to buy one ive got a 12 compressor but i figure that engine mounted one would run better and push out more cfm

Mar 2, 2008 | 03:26 PM

WhiteEx

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 366

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From: Fredericksburg, VA

The engine mounted is no longer available. It was a company out of California and I checked with them when I bought my Excursion in 2001. They had converted to 12V systems at that time. The engine mount was a hell of an installation. There were several new engine brackets and all new fan belts. Electric is the only way to go. I've got an F450 on order and I'll be mounting an Air Lift Quick Shot, but I have no idea where yet.

Mar 4, 2008 | 09:46 PM

rxk9394

Freshman User

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 45

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From: Weld County CO

I tow goose-neck utility trailers and I'm fairly close to getting a similar setup on my 05 F-350. I'm leaning towards the "Air Lift SureSet Digital Air Compressor Systems" from Summit http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=AIR-25004

Take a look at the description and the instructions on that page. From what I've seen, it looks to be one of the best setups I've seen.