Which is better, air bags or springs?

[Kyle]

I'm gearing up to carry a heavy slide-in (say around 3500# wet). Right now I've got 2" leveling kit so the truck sits "level" unloaded. That'll have to change so I'll start with new rear springs (either Sky Jacker or custom built locally). But I want as good a ride as I can get unloaded so I don't want them too stiff -- just a little higher so I've got some sag available before the rear end goes below level.



Now I'm wondering which is the best way to handle the extra weight and keep the rear end up to at least level.

Air bags?

Overloads?

Add-a-Leafs?

"Helper" springs (like Helwig)?



Any real-world pros & cons would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SRadke]

The advantage to airbags is adjustability. When you don't have the camper in just let the air out and you'll have a stock ride quality. They can be installed on a stock truck and maintain stock unloaded height even after you set the camper in. This is definitely the easiest option. You may end up with a little sway though.



-Scott

 

[GFritsch]

Tried overload springs. I use the Firestone air bags now. IMO the ait bags are the best. My camper loaded is about 4k. With onboard compressor you can make small leveling adjustments at the campsite too, and readjust before hitting the road.



Had the Firestones on my last truck too, never any problems. Just finished installing the bags on the new truck. Less then 1 hour for the bags, about 2 hours for the compressor and tank(if you go that way).



Greg

 

[wmorden]

Greg,



Do the bags fit with wheel well liners in place or do they have to be modified or removed?



Thanks,



Will

 

[PGoble]

Air Bags are the only way to go. Had them on my last two trucks, both with rear wheels liners. I have a pic of them installed on my '03 in my readers rigs if you want to see how they fit.



Peter

 

[C Schomer]

I like the bags for the adjustability. I have the incab air for the bags and Ranchos. I'd do it exactly the same way again. No problems with bags or leaks. Craig

 

[Speedo]

Air bags

Most air ride suspensions use leveling valves, as long as you have the air available you can use leveling valves and you never have to adjust the ride height regardless of how much weight you have on board.



Gus

 

[JohnCooper]

This is a thought I had. What about putting springs with a similar rate as the 1500 springs and supplement the load carrying with air bags. Use a set of adjustable shocks as mentioned above. When unloaded you would have a better ride than a stock 2500 and still have the load carrying capacity of the 2500 with the air bags pumped up.

 

[FAHLGUY]

Will,



The air bags will fit with the stock wheel well liners. I trimmed the inside lip of mine where the air bag itself was up against it, so it would not rub a hole in it after time.





Bill

 

[Tcolesanti]

You will have to at least modify your wheel well liners a little to maintain sufficient clearance to the air bag. I love mine, Actually took my over loads off in favor of the bags. I had the same problem you have now, with the leveling kit, any weight will make it sag. Air bag it and forget about it.

 

[greyghost]

I don't have a slide-in but I pull a bunch of different trailers and with the air bags I can change the hitch height on the fly which make pulling a single axle trailer really nice. Plus if your rolling down a rough section of road you can dump some air and soften the ride and air back up later down the road. A must if you haul or tow heavy in my opinion.

 

[Bodybomber]

AIr bags are the only way to go. Just set them up with independent supplys and dumps to eliminate sway. DO the onboard air if you have the cash. I wish I did everytime I hook up to my gooseneck.

 

[fox]

I also, removed the overloads and put the ride rite bags on.

It rides best with 10-15 lbs.

I need to do the same or similar to the front.

The air takes the jarr out of the bump.

 

[u2plt]

Has anyone use the AirLift Primary Air Bag suspension which replaces the rear springs totally?

If so did it improve the rough ride when towing?

 

[y-knot]

I didn't replace the whole rear leaf springs, but I did remove the overload spring packs. They sit atop the main springs and are there to add load capacity. Only problem is they make for the rough ride everyone hates. The suspension can only travel about 2" then The overload leaf springs smack there stops. This is what makes for the rough ride, remove the overloads and the suspension can travel without the interruption of the abrupt stop. To regain the load capacity, the air bags (5000lb) can be mounted. Just make sure they are the HD ones and mount them at the center of the axle. Air Lift or Firestone, both are about identical and will work just fine. I have installed 4-5 sets, with Air Lift being the most common. Just remember to include a good air compressor, tank and controls in your budget. The bags will bleed down, they are suppose to, so going without a on-board air system makes things a royal pain. Also the Quick Air II or III is a great compressor, the ones Air Lift or Firestone sell are marginal at best.

 

[Motofreak]

Can you fill the bags with a portable 12v compressor? Plan to add bags but dont want the extra expense of on board comp.

 

[LandShark]

I've used Air-Lifts for about 8+ years with no problems. Also tried Timbren and add-on overloads, but the ride was to stiff with the Timbrens and the overloads just didn't have the capacity I needed.



Motofreak: A 12v portable air compressor works just fine for me.

 

[Chipstien]

Originally posted by JohnCooper

This is a thought I had. What about putting springs with a similar rate as the 1500 springs and supplement the load carrying with air bags. Use a set of adjustable shocks as mentioned above. When unloaded you would have a better ride than a stock 2500 and still have the load carrying capacity of the 2500 with the air bags pumped up.

I supposed this could be done though if you wanted a plush ride then buy a car. Seriously though, you would need to do the fronts too in this scenario.

 

[Chipstien]

The only thing you have to watch out for when using air bags is you can overload your truck without realizing it.

 

[DPelletier]

To answer the original question and to reinforce what SRadke said; Air bags are great for load leveling and ride issues BUT they will not control sway with a large slide-in. Rancho 9000x's, and heavy duty custom overloads (or a heavier main spring pack, but then you have unloaded ride issues) are the best as far as sway control on a heavy slide IMO.



Dave