Air Bags

[diamondjindustries]

Looking at adding air bags to help level out TV a 2012 Ford F350 DRW 4X4 any ideas? Any experiences?

Thanks for your insight!

[Javi]

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15765

[canesfan]

I've had the Firestone bags on mine for about 5 years, they work well, no complaints except they don't lose air at the same rate which I wouldn't really expect, just like tires. I have a little battery air comp that I carry with me and use to adjust the pressures. Takes a minute or so before I head out.

[poochy]

I also have the firestone bags we are pulling 2011 fusion 302 te lll with a 2010 2500 dodge 4x4 cummins I put bout 25 to 30 psi raises about 2inches and pulls wonderful wont help with payload does help ride good luck happy camping butch

[concours]

I have Firestone Ride Rite on our TV and had them on the previous Titan they work great and easy bolt on install no drilling welding etc:)

[Stublejumper]

Looking at adding air bags to help level out TV a 2012 Ford F350 DRW 4X4 any ideas? Any experiences?

Thanks for your insight!

Added the Firestone air bags as well,run about 40 psi . Also added the wireless remote on board air compressor so I can add separate air pressure on each side or the same psi all while driving down the road. Seems to work good.

[Jim & DJ]

Like others, I have Firestone and run at 28##.
They really made a difference.
6 years of use so far.




A bit of our history:
Michelin LT XPS
68 Harley FLH
2004 R-Vision Trail-lite (gone)
2007 Mountaineer TT (gone)
2009 Montana F3465 SA
2007 F-350 6.0 D
2012 Shih Tzu (The boss)

[BigBearWV]

I am also contemplating Air Bags to regain my ride height in the rear. I came across these http://www.torklift.com/products/stableload.php
I am still weighing my options!

[st_pinetree]

If you are interested, I'd throw out another option. I used to tow a fairly large gooseneck Horse trailer with a living quarters in it with my 3/4 ton Silverado. I added the Timbren rubber springs to it to make up for some of the squat. If you read about them you will find some mixed responses, I researched various sources pretty extensively, and came to the conclusion that most of those that tried them liked them, and most of those knocking them were people with airbag set ups that never tried them. So I went ahead and tried them, I've been very satisfied.

Some of the knocks on them were that while unloaded you will hit them if you hit a large bump. In ten years I think I've noticed this once or twice. Why I like them: They are simple nothing to go wrong with them, no bags, no compressors, no air lines. With a heavy load on them, they handle the weight very well in my experience. They are easy to install, they simply bolt up in place of your factory bump stops. They are inexpensive, relatively speaking.

To be fair I think airbags give you a lot of flexibility and are also great. But FWIW, I think these are a viable alternative.

Happy researching!

[JeffS]

As with "st pinetree" I installed Timbrens on my F250 - took about 10 minutes per side. They ride about 1 inch above the stop and in my experience have not changed the unloaded ride at all. My 5th wheel sagged the truck about 2 3/4 inch and the Timberns reduced that to about 1 1/2 inch and have significantly reduced highway bounce. Since I only use the truck to pull the 5th Wheel I do not need the flexibility that Air Bags would provide for varying loads.
5146

[BigBearWV]

As with "st pinetree" I installed Timbrens on my F250 - took about 10 minutes per side. They ride about 1 inch above the stop and in my experience have not changed the unloaded ride at all. My 5th wheel sagged the truck about 2 3/4 inch and the Timberns reduced that to about 1 1/2 inch and have significantly reduced highway bounce. Since I only use the truck to pull the 5th Wheel I do not need the flexibility that Air Bags would provide for varying loads.
5146

The under side of your truck is sickeningly clean............:wlcm:

[Javi]

Took a 300 mile RT with the DW this afternoon running the truck empty and the ride is much more stable and the bumps won't jar your teeth like it did before I added them. The added stability when turning and in pulling curves at highway speed is even better than I've heard..

Best thing I ever did to my truck... All the years I hauled equipment and pulled heavy trailers with a dually I never thought I needed air bags... Boy was I wrong.. :eek:

[gman1966347]

I also have the Timbrens on my 04" 6.0. Love them.I tow A 2013 Montana 3150rl.. I had a 299mp Raptor before this. They work great!!!

[mobile42]

Timbrens on my truck!

[RedRover]

Just received a Pacbrake Air Suspension Kit yesterday by UPS. Started shopping for Firestone bags first but ran into too many restrictions in kit selection(stuff like not for V10 engine with 8 foot bed or not for 5th wheel rail systems numbers -----?). Pacbrake seemed like a simpler attachment bracket and after unpacking last night I can verify that the design is pretty robust.
They all claim 1 to 2 hour installation time but for an old fellow like me it might take me that long to get the truck on jack stands and get the wheels off.:)

[AlanAnn]

I also installed Firestone air bags it improved the ride with or without a load I installed a pressure gauge and fill valve next to the gas tank fill goose neck . I run 10 PSI unloaded and 50 PSI loaded. It took this old man 6 hours in a cold garage to install it good luck it`s worth doing

[turbopilot51]

I have the Air Lift bags on my 2004 CTD. I also have the add on on compressor that I can inflate or deflate from the cab. Very handy and pleased with everything so far.:thumbsup:

[Butch Fuzion]

Have the Air Lifts on my F350 with the on board compressor. They have been great so far.

[goldtrigger]

Looking at adding air bags to help level out TV a 2012 Ford F350 DRW 4X4 any ideas? Any experiences?

Thanks for your insight!

I have a 2012 F250 with the camper package. Added the Firestones. Also Rancho Adjustable shocks. Softens the ride substantially when not towing, then adjust them up to load rating when towing. Makes for a nice ride and a good towing package.

[Jim Dow]

I just ordered the Firestone air bags today, based on the experiences of fellow RVers here.

I ordered the single gauge system with a compressor - not the remote system. I will certainly lose or break the remote control.

Where is the most suitable location to locate the guage/switch in a 2011 F250 Super Duty?

[Jim Dow]

I'm about to install the Firestone air bags.

Where did you mount the compressor?

[Javi]

I'm about to install the Firestone air bags.

Where did you mount the compressor?

Most folks that bought the Firestone compressor put it under the rear seat in the cab, since it isn't supposed to get wet. I didn't buy the compressor cause I couldn't see the need for it.

[Bowti]

Firestone Ride rites here, warranted for life,. The wires rapped around the center the of the bags on mine somehow rusted, broke and started to unravel. Called them up and they sent me new ones no questions asked.

[Jim Dow]

I've tried 2 other time to get this reply/post to stick to this site.

I'm installing Firestone air bags; and I'm having a difficult time deciding where to mount the air compressor.

Any suggestions?

[Uncledavey]

I have Airlift Loadlifters with the onboard compressor...love, love, love them! I will never own another truck without them both. The ability to change pressure on different road surfaces driving from the lower 48 to Alaska was great!

[jesse_h]

I have the Firestone Ride Rite bags as well. Very easy installation. Found mine new in the box from a guy in a neighboring town for $125. Took less than 1 1/2 hours to put in and no drilling required. I placed my air valves in the rear wheel wells, makes for a nice short run of air line. As far as where to mount a compressor I have the Pacbrake exhaust brake and the compressor for that is mounted in the engine bay. I don't have it plumbed in with valve to use the compressor, easy enough to just hook air hose on quick connect coupler under hood, quick fill bags, unhook hose, and close hood.

[KYFamily]

I bought my Firestone Airbags with the compressor used for $170. The guy I bought it from had it mounted on the drivers side frame rail and that is where I mounted mine. I bought the mount kit off of Amazon so I didn't have to drill. I don't recall seeing in the instructions you couldn't mount it where it could get wet but it's tucked up on the inside frame rail under the passenger side door. For what I paid for it I'll buy a new compressor if it stops working. After using it for the past two month I would not buy one without the compressor. So handy and I can adjust it anytime I want.

[Jim Dow]

I just finished installing new Firestone Ride Rite airbags last night on my F250 Super Duty. I installed the airbags only - not the compressor and guage. However, after inflating the airbags to the minimum pressure, I was able to drive the truck and check out the ride - an almost noticable improvement.

It took me (plus a good helper) about 5 hours to make the basic install. It was interesting; because I have a B&W Combination hitch installed. One of the underbed mounting plates for the 5er hitch had to be drilled (one hole) out to accommodate the Firestone mounting brackets (driver side). It was a bit of hard work to finish the basic installation.

I should finish the installation of the compressor/guage setup this weekend. That install may take longer than the install of the basic system. I'm trying to do this right the first time.