Air Lift Bags

[plntmgr]

Just purchased a new 5er and now I have rearend sag. Camping World has AIRLIFT bags($250 installed) and my local hitch shop has a set. I don't recall the brand but noticed the bag was Firestone($450) installed). You guys always came through before and I'd appreciate your input again. Thanks.



'98. 5 2500 auto 354 usual stock stuff with 60 gal AERO TANK.



'01 32' Alpenlite double slider.

 

[LEEH]

Plntmngr:

Airbags are the way to go to help the OEM springs carry the extra load of a 5 er. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra dollars to install an airpump with controls and psi guage in the cab. Usually I carry 8 - 10 psi when running empty (no 5 er) and 65 - 70 psi with the 5 er following behind. Makes a world of difference in how the pickup handles the 5 er.

Having the airpump and in-cab controls makes it easy to inflate and deflate the airbags to the proper psi. If I had to find a airsource each time I hooked up and unhooked the 5 er, I would probably be running around empty with the airbags inflated up to the 65 - 70 lb psi and having a hell of a time staying in the cab because of the rough ride.

 

[RobG]

I have the Firestone airbags, air compressor, and in-cab control. They're great, except that my in-cab control has leaked ever since I moved the setup from my '96 to my '01 last year. I've been unable to get Rickson or Firestone to replace the in-cab control.



Once you get 'em leak-free, they're awesome. Problem is, my right-side one is the one that leaks, so I'm having to add more air every half hour. That's what makes the on-board compressor so nice.



Additionally, I plumbled in two external air lines on the truck to hook up the included air hose to, for filling tires. I have one on each side of the truck at the front part of the bed. Very handy!



Rob

 

[Cobra]

air lift air bags

If I interpreted your post correctly, I think your main questions is air lift vs firestone. I have the air lift bags. Never had any firestone so I can't comment on them. In my opinion (for what that is worth) you can't go wrong with the air lift bags. Mine have an exceptional warranty, they are top quality, and work wonderfully. As I said, I never had firestones but for the difference in the money I would get the air lifts. imho

 

[SnoKing]

I would think that your real problem is that your are now overloading a 2500 truck. Have you weighed it yet. I would bet that you are way over your 8800 GVWR of a 2500, at least that is the GVWR of the newer 2500's. Putting air bags on it does not resolve the legal issues of being overloaded. Here are my weights. See Sig.



4140 Front

4620 Rear

8760 Truck Total

6820 Trailer

15580 Total



SNOKING

 

[Rick Comenzo]

Firestone Air Bags

I recently installed Firestone air bag setup with in cab dual controls, on board compressor, air tank and an additional air line for filling tires. The system works very well,quality components. Run 10 PSI empty, 60 PSI loaded with 10 K trailer. Rick.

 

[LMautone]

have not heard anything negative about the AirLifts. get them installed for $250. 00, load up and away you'll go. have fun

 

[plntmgr]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go with the AIRLIFT. Since I very seldom go dry, I'll opt for an 110 V air comp. to keep in the front storage compartment( twice the quality for half the price). I also have a small 12V for emergencies.

 

[RClark]

I use Firestones because of the price from Campers Choice. 2-4psi empty and 50 loaded. I installed them to keep the truck higher so the trailer is more level while towing. Before it was at a down angle.

 

[BigMike]

Plntmngr: Be aware that when you add the airbags, you will reduce your sagging in the rear, but will also likely reduce your clearances with your PU rails and tailgate. I'm considering airbags myself, but will likely need to somehow raise my 5er (flip the axles) also to keep it level and provide necessary clearance. Something you should also consider.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Originally posted by plntmgr

You guys always came through before and I'd appreciate your input again. Thanks.

Ditto on what RobG says... .



I also have the Firestone airbags, on-board air compressor, and in-cab controls. They're great, been leak-free so far!) they're awesome. I have also plumbed in a couple of external air lines on the truck to hook up the included air hose to, for filling tires. I have one on each side of the truck at the front part of the bed. Very handy!



When I running with the slide-in camper, the all-up weight is 12,500 pounds and the airbags are running with 60psi both sides. Without the camper, I run with 20psi both sides to ensure the airbags don't develop any terminal problems also. I found that the Roadmaster suspension complements the set-up perfectly, running empty or loaded - check the sigfile for links to more information.



Good luck!!