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Old 09-09-2017, 09:05 AM   #1
Smurf
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Air Lift?

Does anyone use or have installed air bag suspension kits on the rear of there TV? If so is there a brand you would recommend?
Thanks for the input!
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Old 09-09-2017, 09:19 AM   #2
chuckster57
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I put Air Lift on both of my trucks. Second time around I went with onboard air. wouldn't do it again without onboard or wireless air. Air Lift and Firestone are of equal quality IMO.
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Old 09-09-2017, 10:57 AM   #3
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I had the Airlift 5000s on my F250 before I traded the truck for a Dually. The 5000's have the internal jounce bumper built in and you don't have to keep air pressure in them when not towing.
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Old 09-09-2017, 12:11 PM   #4
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I have the Firestone Ride Rite's in my F250. Cost wise, they were neck and neck with Air Lift. They looked to be a bit easier for a DIY install. I haven't found leaving a few psi in them to be a problem. And I did not get the onboard compressor. If I did a lot of long hauls with the trailer where I had to drop it every day, I'd rethink that.

I agree with Chuck that they're pretty much neck and neck for quality. All the reviews I found on both were equally positive.
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Old 09-09-2017, 12:44 PM   #5
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Used the Firestones on my F250 but have no need for them on my dually.. Since I pull the same trailer I never found the need for the onboard air compressor... I used 5 to 7 pounds without the trailer and 25 to 27 with the 5th wheel... Since I check the tires weekly when not towing and before every trip with the trailer it weren't a big deal to check the airbags too...
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Old 09-09-2017, 01:50 PM   #6
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Someone can check me for accuracy, but IIRC, the Air Lift brand have a lifetime warranty as long as you are the original owner of the air bags.
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Old 09-09-2017, 03:20 PM   #7
Dave W
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Either Air Lift or Firestone Ride Rites (which I have and am very happy with) is the way to go. Both are proven and dependable. I chose the Firestones as they are made by a company that supplies many commercial operators ---- along with a much better price on the day of purchase). Simple installation though there is one bolt on an '11-'16 F250/350 diesel that can be a bear with the Ride Rites. Either brand can be installed with an on board compressor though I personally don't feel the need for one.
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Old 09-09-2017, 03:58 PM   #8
MattHelm21
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Yes. Airlift has the lifetime warranty. Also, the internal jounce bumbers are only part of the ultimate kits. I finally broke down and had a set installed in my F450. Not because the suspension felt like it needed anything additional. I needed it for load leveling. My last long trip I was getting flashed by oncomming drivers at night. They also correct the slightly nose low condition the trailer had that was only cosmetic.

When I finally measured, I found that the trailer pin dropped my bed 2 inches. 65lbs in the air bags now levels me back up with no noticeable change to driving characteristics except I can now see a minuscule amount more to the ground over the hood. If you get the ultimate kit like I did and the air compressor, just know that you won't be able to air down to 0PSI anyway as the compressor has a safety feature with a minimum set pressure(5PSI). You can get around this if you wire the compressor to a power switch and with it powered down air down with the shrader valve(s). However, it really isn't necessary. I am running solo at 5PSI and notice no difference in ride. I did notice the bed now measures 1" higher than before at that pressure when unloaded.

Edit:
Quote:
there is one bolt on an '11-'16 F250/350 diesel that can be a bear with the Ride Rites.
My installer told me about that bolt and how much fun he had with it.
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Old 09-09-2017, 04:27 PM   #9
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When I installed my Airlift 5000's back in '08 and the onboard air, it included solenoids that automatically run the compressor to keep the bags at 5 PSI. Can't say the ride is worse at 5 vs. 0 PSI.
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Old 09-09-2017, 05:53 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Javi View Post
Used the Firestones on my F250 but have no need for them on my dually.. Since I pull the same trailer I never found the need for the onboard air compressor... I used 5 to 7 pounds without the trailer and 25 to 27 with the 5th wheel... Since I check the tires weekly when not towing and before every trip with the trailer it weren't a big deal to check the airbags too...
LOL!
I carry/tow a 32' 5er with GVWR 10# less than Javi's with a 2001 Ram 2500 with Camper Package and an 8,800# GVWR and a 6,084# GRAWR and only exceed the GVWR, but still don't need bags!
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Old 09-09-2017, 06:14 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhagfo View Post
LOL!
I carry/tow a 32' 5er with GVWR 10# less than Javi's with a 2001 Ram 2500 with Camper Package and an 8,800# GVWR and a 6,084# GRAWR and only exceed the GVWR, but still don't need bags!
So what's the pin weight of that trailer?

Mine is 2400 to 2600 depending on what the DW brings... not counting the 1/2 cord of firewood we bring for a week during the fall and winter...

Javi
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Old 09-10-2017, 02:39 PM   #12
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So what's the pin weight of that trailer?

Mine is 2400 to 2600 depending on what the DW brings... not counting the 1/2 cord of firewood we bring for a week during the fall and winter...

Javi
I run about 2,300 to 2,400 pin over loaded rear axle. I have a pretty full tool box in the bed. Other stuff I carried in the bed have moved to the basement of the 5er.
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Old 09-19-2017, 08:26 PM   #13
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you're not letting us know what you're driving or what you plan to tow.
I have an F150 and use Air Lift 2000 control ride since my payload is only 1500 pounds and I don't see any sensible reason to use the 5000 pound bags for my payload or application
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Old 09-20-2017, 04:44 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xrated View Post
I had the Airlift 5000s on my F250 before I traded the truck for a Dually. The 5000's have the internal jounce bumper built in and you don't have to keep air pressure in them when not towing.

I have the same ones on my Ram. I really only use them to get back end up to help headlight aiming though with heavier RV I have now it levels out the RV too. Drop air down looow when not towing to help ride quality.
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