Air Bags or Not

[woster]

OK! OK! I'm convinced. Air bags it shall be.

Thanks everybody for the input.

[warsw]

Originally Posted by IdahoSRT10

Steve, I raised a friends Cougar 5th wheel and it was rather easy DIY. (2" spring blocks and longer U-bolts)
The pic is my 5th with 2" blocks. I can custom make any height needed but 3" IMO is the max. for safety reasons.

Where did you get the lift kit? I would like to raise my 5th wheel about 2". Thanks for any info.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by PerryB

The airbags are too easy and versitile NOT to install, in my opinion. Firestone #2535. Bolts straight in, no drill.

I'm gonna have to drill one hole in the passenger side fifth wheel bracket. Already spent some time in the instructions and looking closely at the frame of the truck. Everything else clears nicely for either the Firestone or Airlift airbags. The Firestones look to be a lot easier to install.

[mobile42]

Well, I decided to give it a try on some Timbrens instead of airbags since 2011 and no issues at all!

[rhagfo]

Not convinced yet, pulling a 33.5 Copper Canyon that weighs about 11K. We still don't see the need for them. Still not engaging the overloads.

[PerryB]

You don't need them Russ. The trucks in question are newer Fords, and they have some pretty noodley (I think I just invented a word) springs under the rear. Makes for a great ride, but sags quite a bit for any given load.

[cajun4396]

I put airbags on my F150 because the tt put enough weight on the back end that my front end lifted an inch when the leveling chains were drawn in. Truck pulled the tt well but the 'light feeling" in the front end worried me. I dropped the front end 3/4" with the air bags and the truck rides better. Also you can decrease air pressure when not towing... Bada-bing...

[pjhansman]

Originally Posted by woster

Hey there,

New Laredo 310 RE 5er behind F250. Trailer rides level but truck squats slightly.

Question is whether or not to install air bags.

Thoughts/comments appreciated.

Definately! I have pretty much the identical setup.....and I love my Firestone Ride-rite air bags.

[Pmedic4]

I finally used my new airlift bags on my RAM 1500, and it definitely makes a difference. Ride is much smoother, less jerk on bumps. I like the improvement and as Cajun4396 said, you can lower the air pressure when not towing getting back to the nice ride of the coil springs versus the stiffness of leaf springs on 2500/3500 trucks.

[gman1966347]

I personally bought the Timbren's SES, and absolutely love them!!! I have an 2004 6.0 Super Booty and did'nt want to bother with some of the drilling and mounting that may be required with the air bag set up. I have a friend who installed on an f-150 and had some mounting issues. The Timbren bump stops are there when the vehicle gets loaded. When it is unloaded you don't even know that they are there! HIGHLY recommend them. Super easy install. Would buy them again with out even thinking about it! Good Luck!!
http://www.timbren.com/
http://www.timbren.com/timbren-appli...uides/ford.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5GmT2Ek2LI

[Randy_K]

I just installed some Air Lift bags today. I could not see paying a dealer the $200.00 they wanted for a few hour job. No leaks and no parts left over

Next weekend i will test them out when i load two motorcycles in the back then go pick up my first ever TT. I figure its best to have the truck loaded they way i will travel when they install & set up the hitch and trailer for me.

Randy

[woster]

I installed the Firestone Ride Rite air bags on the F250 over the weekend. The job took longer than I expected since I had to first remove the 5th wheel hitch brackets to install the top brackets for the air bags, then reinstall and re-torque everything back down.

Question.....how much air do you run in your bags when empty and when hitched to the 5er? I started with 20 psi to check for leaks but the ride is really rough. I believe the instructions call for 5 psi empty. Just curious what you all keep them at.

Thanks for the input.

[IdahoSRT10]

[QUOTE=woster;76024]I installed the Firestone Ride Rite air bags on the F250 over the weekend. The job took longer than I expected since I had to first remove the 5th wheel hitch brackets to install the top brackets for the air bags, then reinstall and re-torque everything back down.

Question.....how much air do you run in your bags when empty and when hitched to the 5er? I started with 20 psi to check for leaks but the ride is really rough. I believe the instructions call for 5 psi empty. Just curious what you all keep them at.

Thanks for the input.[/QUOTE

I'm running about 6-7 psi empty and the ride isn't affected as far as I can tell. I run about 20-25 psi while towing (w/1700lb pin weight/payload) and it rides smooth. Basically my air bags are used to level the truck and 5er.

The installation height plays a huge factor in bag psi. The top of the bag plate should just kiss the frame with zero psi.