air bags on 2500 crew cab?

[SLaw]

I have a fifth wheel 40' toy hauler . 12700lbs empty, probably close to 16000 when loaded . When loaded there is some some squat on rear end , not much , but when going over larger bumps in road there is a fair amount of bounce from rear end . Does anyone use airbags on their rigs?? My mechanic says they aren't needed on 3/4 ton suspension. your input will be appreciated.

 

[EDankievitch]

I had a 2005 2500 Quad cab 4x4 that when we'd do our annual trip to Lake George with my boat and supply's the truck would squat really bad. We were well under the max GCVW just had the same squat that your having. I installed a set of Firestone load leveler air bags best investment ever. They allow you to adjust the ride height and remove alot of the sway when loaded and when your done you just air down and everything is back to normal ride wise. RV Adventure had the best price for the basic kit. I don't have the cab controlled air pump, I've yet to see a need for it or then extra cost. A simple bycycle hand pump is all I ever need or use. The kit is 100% bolt on No special tools needed. Takes about 2 hours if you take your time.

 

[Slow Six]

I just installed Energy Suspension 2 1/2" bump blocks in place of the factory ones. I gained almost 2" with the fiver on plus a better ride loaded and no effect on empty ride. I have had the air bags on previous trucks and they work well. I found that the cab controlled air pump was a must as empty ride requires the bags to be empty plus it is nice to adjust pressure for varying loads. The bumps blocks are inexpensive and an easy install.

 

[Bob4x4]

If you are not hitting the bump stops and ride height is ok better shocks will be the best solution.
I have 3" king shocks on mine and I have hit some hidden dips while towing-I have zero issues with bounce but I feel bad for the trailer

 

[DennyDay]

We are using air bags on our 06. 10lbs. empty and 80 lbs. towing our 27 foot bumper pull RV. Took some time to figure out the weight vs. pressure but the way it rides now it's all been worth while. would not change no .

 

[TJJEEPER]

I had the Firestone bags on my 06 2500 quad cab short box. I had the cab control and on board compressor. I was towing about the same weight as you. I highly recommend the Firestones with the individual bag adjustment and on board air. In the flat land with a steady cross wind you can properly adjust the side load. The biggest advantage was on the super slab you can adjust the ride when the expansion strips would start the up and down bump. Add or reduce pressure and the jounce from the expansion strips can be tamed so you're more comfortable. I ran the same pressures Denny (above post) did.

I put Air Lifts on my 3500 Crew Long Box and I wish I'd have bought the Firestones. They're on the 3500 mostly for the ride control.

Here's a link that shows the difference between the two.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?239853-Air-bag-differences

 

[mrmeriley]

Just installed AirLift bags on my 2012 2500 Laramie CC,LB and so far so good. My 5th wheel is only 34ft and max's out at around 12,500. Run the bags at 70lbs. sag or squatting

 

[orhusky]

I have run the Firestone bags on all 3 of my trucks and would not tow with out them! Even with the DRW 3500 it make a big difference in how the truck rides and handles the weight. The Fox 5th Wheel we have how weighs about 15K runnning down the road and we run the air bags at 80psi. Run about 15 empty but I have a RDS tank/tool box in the back. I have onboard air to run the bags and to provide a convinet source of air while on the road.

 

[SLaw]

Thank you all for your input . Ihad a set of firestone bags on my 1500 , they really worked well . Wasn't sure if they would work as well on a 3/4ton . Sounds like they will . Don't pull my fifth wheel camper daily , but as I said earlier , when I do , I was suprised from the amount of bounce from rear end over medium to large bumps . I will probably have to change fifth wheel height if they take some of the squat out of rear end . Sounds like a set of firestone bags are on my need list . Thanks again for your responces.

 

[RonD]

The air bags will take away all that bounce, or most of it, I have them in my 2012 , wouldn't tow with out them

 

[Kry226]

I am surprised to hear of any use of bags with a bumper pulled trailer. Assuming the use of a WD hitch, it appears using bags as well is self-defeating.

 

[RonD]

He said 5th Wheel, not bumper pull
[/B]

I am surprised to hear of any use of bags with a bumper pulled trailer. Assuming the use of a WD hitch, it appears using bags as well is self-defeating.

 

[Kry226]

He said 5th Wheel, not bumper pull
[/B]

Then there was this:

We are using air bags on our 06. 10lbs. empty and 80 lbs. towing our 27 foot bumper pull RV. Took some time to figure out the weight vs. pressure but the way it rides now it's all been worth while. would not change no .

 

[DennyDay]

I am surprised to hear of any use of bags with a bumper pulled trailer. Assuming the use of a WD hitch, it appears using bags as well is self-defeating.

I'm using bags on the bumper pull trailer, and have been since 07. We are using a Hensley hitch also - - - just about a perfect combination.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I have the Firestones on mine had a TT with a tongue weight of 1K and didn't use the bags just ran some air in them like directed. Run a goose-neck stock- trailer with A BUNCH more pin weight and use the bags for that. JMO but I think it would be DAMN DANGEROUS to run air bags with one set with more air pressure in it than the other side maybe if the load was that unequal but how far off side to side can it be in a truck bed. If it's because of wind that they are of unequal pressure I WOULDNT DRIVE IT. BTJM

 

[mpaulson]

I use bags and put a bumper pull trailer as well, but I load the truck box to the max with load. Even if I didn't load the box and it was empty, I still wouldn't put that much tension in the weight distribution bars if I was trying to level off the truck because it transfers lots of weight to the trailer axles/tires which are usually overloaded or almost overloaded right out ofthe factory and will suffer from overloading. As well, I have welded a few trailer frames for guys in the past around the A frame with cracks from stress. Air bags are the better way to level the truck, not extreme cranking of the bars. This doesn't apply to the OP.

Go with the Firestone bags and on board air. Since you have a toy hauler I assume you are hauling toys that require air for tires. If so, get the onboard tank and air line for an air chuck as well, then you have one less thing to pack or haul around. I keep the coiled up air line with a tire chuck behind the seat all the time so I can top up tires or repair my own flats easily. Also helps the 6 train horns out a little as well.

 

[Tryingit]

I am surprised to hear of any use of bags with a bumper pulled trailer. Assuming the use of a WD hitch, it appears using bags as well is self-defeating.

I've had air bags on both my 2004. 5 truck with a 34' bumper pulled trailer with the best wd/sway system I could afford. With moderate wind the truck did a lot of swaying on a very long trip ( heavy winds). I had air bags installed prior to the return trip. It made a big difference in my opinion. After that trip I decided to trade in the bumper pull for a 5th wheel. Now I have installed air bags, Roadmaster active system,Roadmaster (different company). sway bar and new shocks on my 2010. I had added the sway bar first then then airbags. Still wasn't happy with the ride. So last year I went with the roadmaster RAS. This newer truck squats a lot more than my 04. I use to about 40psi which I feel made the handling feel a bit off (sort of riding on a football between the axle and frame) With the roadmaster setup I now use only about 10psi while towing. Those long downhill curves don't bother me anymore.

 

[Kry226]

Not meant to highjack the OP's thread. Apologies, but good discussion nonetheless.

Obviously for 5th wheel, air bags are great and necessity for some.

But, in the RV circles I've read and researched for a long time (all bumper pull w/ WD), there is a large anti-bag opinion. It appears this is not the case here in the truck circles, and the first time I have actually read about bumper-pull w/ WD and air bags. At the very least, this topic can be controversial among the truck and trailer nuts. Interesting. Have to do more research. Thanks for the discussion.