Air Lift Air Bags

[tdepp]

Does anyone have experience with Air Lift brand air bags? I have a 2011 Dodge 1500 and have a bit of sag when I pull my travel trailer (Keystone 30RPR). I take lots of things I don't often use, but short of removing 1000 lbs, are air bags a good way to keep the truck level?

[jsb5717]

Welcome aboard! Seems like the first thing to consider is whether or not the 1500 is the right truck for the load you're carrying. Take a look at the sticker inside the driver door to see what it says about cargo and "not to exceed". That's your max payload capacity and the number that matters. If I'm looking at the right trailer then your GVWR is 8200 lbs. 15% of that is about 1200 lbs. That's your calculated loaded pin weight. Add hitch, people, other gear and see if that weight exceeds what your sticker says.

As to the Air Lift bags, I have them and I think they're great. They can provide some lift but for me they help to smooth out the ride while under load. However, they do not increase your payload. For me they are a great add on.

[sourdough]

Welcome to the forum!

As has been mentioned that is probably too much trailer for that truck which causes it to squat. Look for that payload number. On a 2011 Ram 1/2 ton "maybe" 1500lbs.?? I had a 2012 and that was about it IIRC. Another factor on an 11-12 year old truck is the suspension. Depending on how it's been used
a number of things could be weakened and need replacement. For sure if you have OE type shocks and P rated tires they need to be replaced, tires with LT type. That trailer is 8200lbs and 36' long...a big tail to wag that 1500.

I put air bags on the 2012; Air Lift 1000. They worked great and just go inside the coil springs. Hint; don't do it in the dead of winter when the bags are as very stiff. They do NOT however add any carrying capacity.

[Dilly541]

I put a set of the black HD ones in my 2014 ram and it made a difference in the stance. My truck squatted several inches before and holds level now with the bags at 35psi.

I installed them myself and removing the spare tire and taking all the weight off the rear axel helped make the job fairly easy. There are some good YouTube videos showing how to fold the bag to help get it into the spring. I warmed mine in the oven to help make them pliable.

(FYI, in my signature pic below, it was taken BEFORE I installed air bags)

[meaz93*]

Big fan of Loadlifter 5000 Ultimates w/ built in bump stops. I have them on my 2014 F150 Ecoboost ( ForSale ) and frankly I wouldn't tow heavy ( at max limit ) without them.
I've had Firestone airbags but didn't care much for them as if they ran low would smack metal to metal-annoying to say the least.
Built in bump stops make it to where you can run 5psi or no air in the bags and have a regular ride.

[bsmith0404]

Just curious what WDH you’re using. If it’s properly set up, that should remove a lot of your sag. If you’re not using. WDH with sway control and properly set up, air bags isn’t gonna fix your problems, other than leveling your truck.

[chuckster57]

Had airlift 5000 on previous TV, 1986 F250 with fill on bumper. Current has 5000’s with on board air. Works great!!!