Helper springs vs air bags?

[albon]

I have a 2012 GMC 2500HD diesel, tow 2010 Everest loaded about 12,500lbs. Would like just to stop the sag (not much but some) on the truck when towing. Want to keep it simple as with last truck had problems with air bags within the 3nd year, corrosion of some fittings. Still want decent ride when not towing. Thinking of over load springs, but which kind???

[mtofell]

I love my airbags but will concede they are more prone to problems than springs. I really like being able to adjust them to just how support I want.

[flybouy]

I've had Firestone air bags on 4 trucks over the years. Two of them are in the driveway now. On the 2009 f150 King Ranch they have been on the truck 10 years problem free. On my 2010 f250 it's been nearly 8. On the F250 I just replaced an air line section where the frame rubbed a hole it. That was my fault for the way I ran the airline. I prefer the bags for the adaptability by adjusting the air pressure. That's my personal experience and preference.

[Kylemcmahon1]

Timbrens work great for me.

[Jseitz]

Airlift airbags has an option for braided stainless steel line that will help increase life span. They were designed for winter and road salt corrosion. I think the extra price is under $100. Just a suggestion. I had air lift bags on a 2007 F250 for 6 years with no problem. Just put them on the new F350 because they work so well with improved ride.

[Ken / Claudia]

I had both brands on 2 different trucks about since 1998 to 2019, never noted or seen any difference between Airlift and Firestone. Frankly not sure which I had the longest they both always worked fine. After about a month or so without adding any air they both were empty. Tried to keep some psi in them as they suggest when not towing.

[tech740]

so for what its worth and it may not be much... When you use airbags you actually lose weight on the front axle when you inflate them to lift the load on the back. There is a youtube video where they check it with mobile scales. I found that to be interesting.

[Dan Lockwood]

I see some people have had issues with the fittings leaking over time. At work we use lots of the push-lock type air fittings and have no leaks.

But.... they are really designed for higher pressures and more air pressure, the better they seat in the fitting. Not that this is a possibility for trucks, but this type of fitting will not work in a vacuum application as it does take a certain amount of air pressure to push out the fitting internally to seal better.

I'm sure that they work well for the long haul, but if I do the upgrade to the air bags, I will be using a fitting that requires a nut and inner tube stiffener to make the connection. This way there will be no doubt about running at 5 or 10 psi and losing the air over time.

If you look at the stainless braded shield hose, you will see threaded end fittings. This does make for a much better and more trouble free installation. The poly air lines themselves are very durable and would take quite a bit of abuse to wear through as long as properly routed upon installation.

Just my $.02 of useless information and ramblings...

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

Tried to keep some psi in them as they suggest when not towing.

Current truck has Airluft 5000 with onboard air. There are solenoids in my lines that turn the compressor on automatically when pressure is below 10 PSI.

[roadglide]

I have had 5000 Firestone currently using the air lift 5000 I wished I had got the 7,000 Airlift. I didn't use the fitting it came with the airbags. I used the no swivel and have had no air loss with none swilvel fitting.

[Big1]

Originally Posted by roadglide

I have had 5000 Firestone currently using the air lift 5000 I wished I had got the 7,000 Airlift. I didn't use the fitting it came with the airbags. I used the no swivel and have had no air loss with none swilvel fitting.

Hey roadglide, do you have any pics of your setup?

[ChuckS]

My 2007 GMC CC 4x4 2500 Duramax had the airlift 5000s and onboard compressor installed before I picked it up from dealership... 12 years have last by...never an issue.. I run 25 empty and 55 with fifth wheel or load... keeps the truck off the overload springs.. rides level.. that’s why I got them...

[Sarge2]

Just put a set of Firestone Air bags on my 08 F150 Lariat with 5.4 engine... haven't tried to tow with it yet but even with the min 5lbs in them it rode firmer but not too stiff... I'm curious how it will be when I hook up the TT (PP 2600BH)... I put them on Mostly due to issue with shutter on acceleration... It's a RWD not 4wd.. I already had to replace the entire 2 piece driveshaft as the Ford shaft is not serviceable at all.. had a Company build me one about 2 years ago that can be serviced meaning can replace the center support which blew out and Ford shaft was twice the price of having it built....
Have read this shutter is common on the Fords while towing... drive line wrap and shaft alignment issues... anyway, I'll report if it helps as i'm headed off this weekend for a week further north of me.... by the way, I'm looking for a new truck to tow with in the spring... Still undecided if I want gas or diesel.... but I'll still keep the F150 as my dd... sorry I'm rambling...Sarge

[Mad Cow]

I have been extremely fond of SumoSprings. Urethane cellular foam that offers very good support with air bag quality ride. Available in varying resistance weights. I have them on the rear and front of my 2015 Chevy 2500HD.

https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4gJtdhL3Tw&t=401s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfYFE0eWiQU

[Banffcamper]

Originally Posted by albon

I have a 2012 GMC 2500HD diesel, tow 2010 Everest loaded about 12,500lbs. Would like just to stop the sag (not much but some) on the truck when towing. Want to keep it simple as with last truck had problems with air bags within the 3nd year, corrosion of some fittings. Still want decent ride when not towing. Thinking of over load springs, but which kind???

I have an F150 that had leaf springs that were flattening out when towing. Solved the problem by installing a Roadmaster Active Suspension system. It is adjustable for how much boost you need and works great.

[JohnMpcny]

After reading all the fooling around, costs and repairs of airbags I got sumo springs for about $250 and $85 install.

Nice ride an big improvement with no fuss. They will even help you pick and size them for your truck and camper combination.

I will likely add the sumo trailer springs next season to the Springdale.

https://www.supersprings.com/product...r-sumosprings/

[GeekSquadOfUn]

Just got a set of Airlift 5000 for my 2011 F250 - all assembled, quite a bit of bolts and ready to install.

I have a RWD model, not the 4 wheel drive one.

Looking forward to bring my horse to level. It's been squatting a bit...

[Sarge2]

Originally Posted by JohnMpcny

After reading all the fooling around, costs and repairs of airbags I got sumo springs for about $250 and $85 install.

Nice ride an big improvement with no fuss. They will even help you pick and size them for your truck and camper combination.

I will likely add the sumo trailer springs next season to the Springdale.

https://www.supersprings.com/product...r-sumosprings/

The firestone air bag kit was about 260 from Summit Racing and was easy to install... toughest part was taking out the spare tire...lol.. I'm leaving on a 4 day outing on Friday so I'll let you know how they work...

[albon]

Hey thanks, I'm getting more replies than I thought I would. Every one has an experience. Al

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by albon

Hey thanks, I'm getting more replies than I thought I would. Every one has an experience. Al

Having added air bags in the past I'm thinking I'm going to add the Sumosprings to this one and try them out for the heck of it. I like the easy install, no air up/down and no hoses.