Firestone Ride Rite Air Air helper Springs How Much Air Pressure?

[CROW]

I recently started a thread about Timbrens but decided to go with the air bags instead. I will have a rear axle weight of about 7,000 lbs on my 2005 dually and am wondering what air pressure people with the air bags run to keep the truck sorta level. Had 3,700 lbs on the rear axle with no trailer attached. Trailer is at a remote storage lot with no air available so experimenting is difficult. Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[RustyJC]

Our 5th wheel (see signature) has around 3500 to 3800 lbs pin weight (depending on what my wife has loaded for a trip). I run about 37 PSIG in the Firestone RideRite airbags to level the truck out. Firestone says a good rule of thumb is 1 PSIG per 100 lbs of weight to be supported.

Rusty

 

[sfritts]

I run 25-27psi. with a 11.5 ft Lance slide-in in the box the camper weights out at approx. 5,000 lbs. with wife's stuff in it. this pressure lets the aux springs just nicely set on the pads so you don't get the springs bumping the pads when driving on interstate highways that have the joints between the concrete blocks.

 

[MLee]

Asking this type of question and getting the right answer is a crap-shoot. Enough air to level the rig when connected to begin with, adjust as needed. Check the pressure after you are connected to the rig and you'll find almost double the pressure in the bags, as before you are hooked to the rig.
I have put 20# before and after I'm connected almost 40# It depends on the loaded pin weight. IF I'm doing FULL water, more air pressure in the bags. (pin weight)

 

[AH64ID]

You are probably going to have to experiment.

Personally I wouldn't return the vehicle to unloaded height, it will provide a stiffer ride.

I would hook up the trailer with 5psi in the bags and then inflate them until you are off the upper-overload springs. Then lower the pressure until you are 1/4-1/2" below contact and see how it looks for level. If that is level then I would run there, it will have a better ride with the weight distributed over the 3 sets of springs.

When you find a pressure that works right it down, then unhook the trailer and remeasure the pressure for empty and write that down. I will go from 7psi empty to 15 psi loaded, or 10 psi empty to 20 psi loaded.

 

[mpaulson]

Just for one extreme, I have and do run at 90 psi when loaded with just over 10,000# on the rear axle. Done this for years and have never broke or popped anything. And at that weight it rides nice.

 

[Jim W]

Since it seems to me that you do not have an on board air compressor. I would either buy a 12V air compressor to use or buy an air storage tank to use. I carry both with me and have used both before to fill-up trailer tires and the air bag on my air ride pin-box.

I bought a low cost air tank from Harbor Freight that will hold 11 gallons of air at 125PSI. This has a simple screw valve and gage with an air chock to use for inflation purposes.

You can use this to inflate the bags so has to find the right air pressure to level the truck when the trailer is attached. This is easier than guessing as to what air pressure is required to inflate the bags before the trailer is attached.

Jim W.

 

[jelag]

I think each of us has a different theory.... I personally will measure from the flat bed to the ground when empty.... and the air bags are at the minimum pressure of 5 psi... once connected I add air to level the load to with in 1/2" of where it was... its rides good and the head lights aren't aimed at the sky.... that works for me... I often tow 15K 5er... that's my thoughts.. yours might be different...

 

[Slow Six]

I used these on two of my previous trucks. I found that it was very necessary to have the onboard air compressor and in cab controls so it was easy to change pressure as required. The air bags will lose some air which is normal so even with a constant load the bags still need to be adjusted oxccasionally

 

[AH64ID]

I have an OBA setup, but I don't have incab controls. I find they aren't really needed, at least not like an OBA setup is.

I would like to end up with a Wireless Air remote system some day thou.

I have never had a leak, or loss of air over time. I can set them to 5-7psi in the fall and they will be there in the spring. It's been that way on this truck, and my previous Tacoma with bags.

 

[Bob V]

You can buy inexpensive 12 volt compressors that will work fine for airing up/down the bags.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I have 4,500#pin weight and don't "NEED" air bags as my truck sits level with that weight. rear axle is 8,780# and the truck sits level. I did add PacBrake bags to help control the horrible roads in California and also added Bilstien 4600's. I run the bags at 30psi and it does not change the loaded ride height.

 

[TJJEEPER]

You're missing out by not having the ability to adjust on the fly. I run anywhere from 5 lbs to about 27 lbs with my 3800 lbs pin weight. The ability to adjust on the fly allows for tweaking the ride going down the road. The freeway expansion strips in California can be pretty bad. A simple adjust and you can find the sweet spot for a much nicer ride. I also dry camp and getting to some of those spots requires a little more clearance for the front jacks. Just a button press away. My load in the box varies a LOT. 15 gallons of gas, a weeks worth of firewood, etc to just the leveling blocks.

But to answer your question, I'd run it up to about 30 lbs and go get the trailer. Load it (just before you leave on a trip) and fill the water and propane tanks and head for a flat spot. Bleed it down to level it and you should be good.

 

[JRBurton]

You will probably have to experiment to find out what you are comfortable with. Some people like a stiffer ride while some like a little softer ride. When I pull my 5th wheel I usually run 40 - 42 PSI. I tried 50 PSI once but was way to stiff for me, plus it caused a little to much bounce. As long as your unit is level with your truck and the ride is the way you like it then that will be what you want to use. Then again depends on your pin weight is also. Mint is some were around 2200 lbs. Hope this helps.

John