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Old 01-25-2016, 06:34 PM   #1
JBE-Dad
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Air Bags

Has anybody added airbags to their TV?

Thinking about adding the LoadLifter 5000 to my 2015 F150.

Truck tows the RV great, I just don't like the sag that I get.

What are your thoughts?

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Old 01-25-2016, 06:54 PM   #2
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Many have added air bags to deal with sag. I had them on my F150 and just added them to my F250 last fall.

With the F250, I also added the wirelessOne on-board compressor.
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Old 01-25-2016, 07:02 PM   #3
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What pickup do you have? Drivetrain, trim level etc.?

Airbags help, but, not wanting to rain on the parade, from what I am seeing the RV weighs more than the TV is supposed to tow (in any trim level). Looking at the dry hitch weight, I'm afraid you're over payload too. Do you have the payload spec from inside the pickup door?

Moving from a 350 to a 150 is a big jump backwards in towing ability.

Max towing for an F150 is with the 4x2, 3.5, 3.73 ratio regular cab = 12,100 or 12,200lbs. All the rest are less. Specs for the trailer says the gvw is about 11,500. If you don't have the vehicle above you are going to be overweight in all probability. No matter what configuration of TV the very max GCVW is 17,100. If you have an 11500 trailer your truck and everything else can only weigh 5600 before you exceed that....with people, cargo, hitch etc. etc. you will exceed that. I don't know the payload of the truck but it's maybe 2000 at the most? Dry hitch is 1345 for the trailer. Pump that up by cargo in the trailer, hitch, propane, water etc. and you will be pushing 1800 lbs I would imagine. That leaves you 200lbs (optimistically) for people, gear, doggies, fuel etc.

Just trying to point out that airbags probably cannot fix your problem. You are probably used to that 350 but a 1/2 ton (even a 3/4 ton) is hard pressed with the weights a 5th wheel bring to the table. Just something to think about.

Airbags may help some with the sag but I think you need a bigger suspension.............
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Old 01-25-2016, 07:37 PM   #4
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My dually has air bags. They help with the sag and bounce but do nothing to add payload. If your hitch or pin weight is more than your truck is rated for, then I would consider a bigger TV before I added bags.

My previous fiver had a 1985 lb king pin and sat my rear end just off the overloads. Hitting a bump would bounce the truck. I added air bags with on board air so I could adjust the pressure at anytime. It made for a much nicer ride, and now that my current fiver is only 1295 lbs on the king pin, it takes much less air.

Air bags do wonders for the "ride" when used, but they are not a substitute for an under rated tow vehicle. Looking at your signature, I wonder if your overloaded.
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Old 01-25-2016, 08:02 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBE-Dad View Post

What are your thoughts?
My initial thoughts after looking at your TV and what you are pulling, is that your F150 is overloaded - not enough truck.

Consequently, air bags will do nothing to solve this problem. I'd be looking at a bigger tow vehicle.
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Old 01-26-2016, 05:02 AM   #6
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I added air bags to my F250 and it smoothed out the ride considerably. I am also able to
level out the truck and trailer when hooked up. Better for weight balance.
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Old 01-26-2016, 05:41 AM   #7
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I just added load lifter air bags to my TV. With the ram coils my ride actually got stiffer with 8psi in the bags. The good thing about the load lifters is they have an internal bump stop so you can run empty and be just like stock when not loaded. Down side is you either need to air them up manually or with an on board compressor once you are loaded.

I've not been able to tow yet with them but I did not experience much sag with my fifth wheel before. More sway/bounciness when on rough patches of road or bridge interchanges. (More to do with the coil placement of the ram vs weight capability).
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Old 01-27-2016, 05:10 PM   #8
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I am looking at getting timberens or sumo spring for my tundra this spring. I don't have to worry about adding air psi. I know I am pushing my tundrA with my 26rls but overall i am happy with it. Just because you add helper bags doesn't always mean your overloaded.
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Old 01-27-2016, 06:25 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hideout17 View Post
Just because you add helper bags doesn't always mean your overloaded.
No it doesn't. But adding air bags doesn't "negate" being overloaded.
Some times people think if they add air bags they are ADDING additional payload capacity.
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Old 01-28-2016, 10:45 AM   #10
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Probably going to add load-lifters in the spring to my setup. Just want to keep the bounce to a minimum. Problem with the short box truck.
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Old 01-28-2016, 01:38 PM   #11
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I have the firestone airbag kit and i wouldn't tow without them! they make that big a difference.
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Old 02-15-2016, 07:05 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough View Post
What pickup do you have? Drivetrain, trim level etc.?

Airbags help, but, not wanting to rain on the parade, from what I am seeing the RV weighs more than the TV is supposed to tow (in any trim level). Looking at the dry hitch weight, I'm afraid you're over payload too. Do you have the payload spec from inside the pickup door?

Moving from a 350 to a 150 is a big jump backwards in towing ability.

Max towing for an F150 is with the 4x2, 3.5, 3.73 ratio regular cab = 12,100 or 12,200lbs. All the rest are less. Specs for the trailer says the gvw is about 11,500. If you don't have the vehicle above you are going to be overweight in all probability. No matter what configuration of TV the very max GCVW is 17,100. If you have an 11500 trailer your truck and everything else can only weigh 5600 before you exceed that....with people, cargo, hitch etc. etc. you will exceed that. I don't know the payload of the truck but it's maybe 2000 at the most? Dry hitch is 1345 for the trailer. Pump that up by cargo in the trailer, hitch, propane, water etc. and you will be pushing 1800 lbs I would imagine. That leaves you 200lbs (optimistically) for people, gear, doggies, fuel etc.

Just trying to point out that airbags probably cannot fix your problem. You are probably used to that 350 but a 1/2 ton (even a 3/4 ton) is hard pressed with the weights a 5th wheel bring to the table. Just something to think about.

Airbags may help some with the sag but I think you need a bigger suspension.............
X2
that is going to really max out the F150 for weight, but at 35' is long for a 150 to tow.
Maybe you have it all figured out, but WDH should cover and rid the sag.
Many state they us Bags to improve ride. They don't increase the weight rating of the Axle or tires.
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Old 11-25-2017, 08:24 AM   #13
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My TV is a 2005 Chev Silverado 1500. Which of these air bags is more or less plug and play. i.e. , no drilling, no modifications of OEM equipment, etc ?

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Old 11-25-2017, 08:40 AM   #14
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All the air bag manufactures include install instructions in their websites. Check which one seems be the least effort.


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Old 11-25-2017, 10:55 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by slow View Post
All the air bag manufactures include install instructions in their websites. Check which one seems be the least effort.

Did that, some are not really that helpful, they just want to sell you. I looked at a few youtube videos and they were not bad for showing you the pitfalls.

I wanted some real life information from ones on here who have installed bags themselves.


.
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Old 11-25-2017, 03:25 PM   #16
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Air Bags

I doubt there are many that have installed different brand air bags on the same vehicle. So it may be difficult to get comparison feed back.

I always have gone for the brand that claims no drilling and have had very little difficulty.with the installs. I have done both airlift and Firestone on different vehicles.


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Old 11-25-2017, 03:42 PM   #17
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Firestone bags took me and a young fellow (40 something) 3 hours and a 12 pack to install... but that was on a F250 not a 1/2 ton car with a bed... [emoji2]

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Old 11-25-2017, 04:00 PM   #18
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Have installed Firestone and other brands. Firestones were quite a bit easier (personal opinion). Big thing (which we as men don't like to do) is read the through the instructions before the first beer. Use good jack stands and remove the rear wheels and the spare. As Javi said good to have an extra hand.
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Old 11-25-2017, 04:05 PM   #19
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Thanks to everyone for their opinions that make more sense than reading what is on the websites.

3 hours install and a 12 pack sounds right up my alley.

Just need to corral one of those 40 something guys to help.

Actually have a Son who is a plumber just lives down the road. He will do in a pinch, hope he is not reading this forum !

I work for him once and a while when he get between a rock and a hard place. Working for the Son, got to watch your step and listen to instructions.

.
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Old 11-25-2017, 08:16 PM   #20
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I did airlift on my current truck in 3 hrs by myself, but I also wrench “on the side”. Did a buddy’s ‘97 F350 dually with onboard air in 2 1/2 hrs.

I don’t normally do airbags at work.
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Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

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