Air Bags

[TFucili]

I have done a bit of searching, but didn't find much current information, so I am going to dredge up an old/new subject. I am going to put air bags on my 2500w/coils, and am looking at Firestone Ride Rite, and Airlift. Looking over videos etc., it appears that the Firestone bracketry may be a bit more stout, and the Airlift remote seems a little easier to read. Any other feedback on mounting or use? Also, my truck has the pre-wired dash switches, so can I power the system from them or do they require continuous key-on power? BTW, I did look at Pac Brake, but I don't want to use a smart phone as a remote.

 

[NIsaacs]

You mentioned Firestone so you have probably looked at this one, I like the looks of it: https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Ram/2500/2014/F2580.html?vehicleid=201428715

I did not realize the coils were so far inboard. I would think the air bag addition would be a plus, even on a daily driver.

 

[TFucili]

Nick, I was actually looking at this one. I ended up going with this Airlift setup, and this wireless control setup. It was a toss-up, but I don't think I could have really gone wrong either way. Time will tell. I've been wrong before!

 

[JR]

At one time I had a spare set of new Firestone mounts, if it's something your interested in I can dig around for them this weekend and compare brackets when you get your kit.
If I can find them and you want them theyre yours.

 

[DavidC]

I have had Air Lift's on my 99 for 14 years now.

Dave

 

[Jim W]

I have the Air Lift 5000 with the wired controller on my truck since 2011. I replaced the wired controller for the wireless controller in 2015. Less of a hassle with the wireless controller and there are no wires in the cab at all. Works great!

 

[blackmike]

Had Airlifts on my 2012 mega cab since 2013...with remote. They mounted the compressor in the tool box where folded down seats meat rear wall. Occasionally pull a 16k fifth wheel and a small flatbed carrying the R1200 GSA beamer bike. Never had a problem with them although they require 75 to 80 psi to keep headlights level with the 5th wheel.

 

[NIsaacs]

Nick, I was actually looking at this one. I ended up going with this Airlift setup, and this wireless control setup. It was a toss-up, but I don't think I could have really gone wrong either way. Time will tell. I've been wrong before!

Nice! I had no clue they made them in that size and with the fancy remote control. I would think the bigger the bag, the less air needed for a given load, so that equals a better ride, win, win!

 

[blackmike]

Far as I know there's only one size for pick ups. I went to a dearler/truck/trailer repair place in central Iowa. Never even had to replace the remotes battery yet!

 

[NIsaacs]

Far as I know there's only one size for pick ups. I went to a dearler/truck/trailer repair place in central Iowa. Never even had to replace the remotes battery yet!

Did you look at TF's link? His is rated 7500 lbs with larger bags than the standard 5000 lbs set.

 

[blackmike]

I did not.

 

[mwilson]

Nick, I was actually looking at this one. I ended up going with this Airlift setup, and this wireless control setup. It was a toss-up, but I don't think I could have really gone wrong either way. Time will tell. I've been wrong before!

I bought that very same set up from a TDR member last year...I like the remote!!!

Going to modify it a bit as the current compressor is on demand, I'm going to use a Freightliner Air Fan Clutch control so I can feed it with 120 lb system air when I upgrade the air system in a few weeks.
And yes, you want it on a switch so the compressor doesn't come on while truck is parked and shut down.

 

[TFucili]

I bought that very same set up from a TDR member last year...I like the remote!!!

Going to modify it a bit as the current compressor is on demand, I'm going to use a Freightliner Air Fan Clutch control so I can feed it with 120 lb system air when I upgrade the air system in a few weeks.
And yes, you want it on a switch so the compressor doesn't come on while truck is parked and shut down.

Where did you mount your compressor, Mike? Many seem to put it outside the frame rail, but I'd rather keep it better hidden.

 

[blackmike]

Where did you mount your compressor, Mike? Many seem to put it outside the frame rail, but I'd rather keep it better hidden.

If you fold down the seats in a mega cab where the floor meets the back wall, I have 3 flip lid compartments. The Airflow compressor fit into the middle/largest compartment...out of weather.

 

[mwilson]

Where did you mount your compressor, Mike? Many seem to put it outside the frame rail, but I'd rather keep it better hidden.

Inside the frame rail by the transmission.

 

[mwilson]

If you fold down the seats in a mega cab where the floor meets the back wall, I have 3 flip lid compartments. The Airflow compressor fit into the middle/largest compartment...out of weather.

That’s where I wanted to mount mine, and may relocate it in the future.

 

[blackmike]

Inside the frame rail by the transmission.

My mega cab 2012 has 3 storage compartments where back of cab wall meets folded down seat floor. Airlift compressor fit neatly in the middle "tool box." Installer even found metal knock outs for plumbing. Thing works like a charm after 6 years.

 

[mwilson]

My mega cab 2012 has 3 storage compartments where back of cab wall meets folded down seat floor. Airlift compressor fit neatly in the middle "tool box." Installer even found metal knock outs for plumbing. Thing works like a charm after 6 years.

My third gen Mega has two compartments behind the rear seat, one long and the other short as I recall. Want to mount it in the shorter one which I think is the driver's side. Haven't been behind the seats since last fall and I can't remember for sure.

 

[TFucili]

Inside the frame rail by the transmission.

That would suit me. Have to roll under there and have a look. Now if someone only made a bigger fuel tank for the gassers, I'd be set. I think range is going to be an issue.

 

[blackmike]

My third gen Mega has two compartments behind the rear seat, one long and the other short as I recall. Want to mount it in the shorter one which I think is the driver's side. Haven't been behind the seats since last fall and I can't remember for sure.

Mine has 3 and the largest one is none to large but the compressor they were using in 2013 fit nicely. Don't know if Airlift has changed their compressor size over the years.