Are Air Bags worth it??

[Shrimpy]

I have a 95, CC, LWB, that came without the towing package. It does not have the extra overload springs on the back. I am getting ready to buy a Gooseneck trailer, and will be towing around 8500# GCW (trailer and equipment).



My question is, are air bags worth it for this type of set up? Since I don't have the "Towing Package" on this truck I am looking to the air bags to keep the truck level for safety purpose. Also, do you guys recommend one brand over the other??



Thanks, Jim

 

[nwjetboat]

I had firestone ride-rite on my previous truck for 6 years, no problems at all. They are great at adapting to a different load. When I pulled just the boat, I would use 25psi to level the truck. With just the cabover camper I used 30psi and if I added the boat to that, I used 65psi.

What is so nice is with no air, you do not get the harsh ride.

 

[Deezul1]

I really liked mine with a 11. 5' cabover camper that weighed 3000lbs in the bed I could keep the headlights aimed correctly. I needed to keep about 5lbs psi in the bags when empty to keep from damaging them by pinching them when deflated and bottoming out on rough roads. I used AIRLIFT bags

 

[paccool]

I had Airlifts on my Ford and on the 93 Dodge have the Firestones. No problems with either and bags are the way to go in my opinion. Real easy to level the pickup when pulling a trailer.



Stan

 

[Slow Six]

I've had a set of Firestone Ride Rites on my 94 2500 for 10 years with no problems. I would stongly recomend the onboard compressor and in cab control kit. This makes the use of the bags real convenient. They make levelling the truck easy even on overloaded conditions. As mentioned above the ride is not affected.

 

[Shrimpy]

Thanks for the fast response guys. This is just the info I was looking for. I am planning on going with the on-board pump to be able to adjust on the fly. Thanks again.



P. S. Did any of these bags interfere with the gooseneck?? Or should I say did the gooseneck get in the way of the airbags?? Thanks again, Jim

 

[kluther]

one thing to keep in mind. if you have a rear hight sensing valve it will not adjust the rear brake pressure up for the added load

ken