Ride-Rite

[Houndie Dog]

Hello folks,
I was wondering if anyone has Firestone Ride-Rite airsprings and if so what is you opinion of them.
I am getting a Cougar 326MKS and my vehicle is a 2009 2500HD CC with a 6.0L gas engine. I have seen several 3/4 ton trucks with 5th wheels driving down I-70 and the vehicle is not level......the rear end is noticably lower.
I am not trying to exceed my gross weight, just want the truck to ride level because I am so close to the gross weight.

And yes ......I would love to have a 1 ton diesel to tow with but this is what I have to work with.

Also, I see that there is a basic system without a pump, and one with the pump and gages. What are your thoughts of these two systems.

Thanks
Grant

[hankpage]

Grant, I have the Ride-Rites on my ¾ ton. When I hitch my Cougar the rear of my truck drops about 2 inches. This is not much, but enough to change head-light aim and general driving feel. (the DW says I'm anal) I add air to each side to bring it back to unloaded height and have the trailer set to be level at this point. (I'm happy ... the DW still says I'm anal ) Empty Dodges ride a little stiffer then GMs, so the bags soften the empty ride a little. I don't know how they will effect your truck when not towing.(you must keep some air in them to avoid damage to the bags.) I ran air lines next to the rear license plate and fill separately. Overall I recommend them, Hank

PS .... I'm too cheap to go for the compressor and gauges, but they can be added later if you think they are needed.

[Ruffus]

I had camping world put some air-lifts on my F250 and it made all the difference in the world in towing my 38 footer. 55 lb's of air in each side and she rides as level as can be.
Jim B

[antiqfreq]

We have ride-rite airbags on our F250 and use about 30 lbs of pressure.
Wouldn't leave home without them.

Jo/Moderator

[dsniper22]

My tow vehicle does great without them, but my other truck has them in it. (2006 GMC 3500 dual wheel) GVW for the truck is 11,400lbs and it always weighs 13,000lbs+. For the first 100,000k it sat perfectly level but in the last 20,000k it has started to sag pretty good so i tossed in a set of airbags and compressor/gauge. I can set it to sit level (25psi), or if I want the truck to APPEAR lighter I just bump it up to 50-60psi and it rides 1"-2" high in the rear. The adjustability and control of the onboard compressor is great. Highly recommend it.

[Houndie Dog]

OK....I installed my Ride-Rites today. The dealer wanted $400 to install them (they must not have random drug testing there cause that guy was on crack !!!). Did it myself in 3 hours and now my truck really rides like a log truck LOL.
I bet if I only have 5 psi they ride better

Thanks for the info
Grant