Posted 2008-02-29 5:48 PM (#78377) Subject: Talk to me about air bags
Member
Posts: 48
I've polled a few people (mechanic, trailer salesperson, and motorcycle officer who is a commercial vehicle inspector--he inspects semi's, their tire tread, braking systems, blah blah blah) Anyway, they have all said I should go with air bag helpers instead of an extra set of leaf springs on my 2006 Dodge 2500 4x2 quad cab. My max. towing is 13,200 for the truck and I'm planning on purchasing an 8'-10' LQ 3 horse slant (full will be @ 11,500 or so). I'd like the extra suspension, but don't know which I should do. Weigh in all you experts!
I think I would like the air bags, however according to my husband (the only one who said I should go with springs), air bags need a lot of maintenance. I found a site that has Firestone "no drill" brand which look like I could probably install them myself. Anyone have a fave brand or brands to stay away from is I go with the air bags?
Posted 2008-02-29 7:15 PM (#78386 - in reply to #78377) Subject: RE: Talk to me about air bags
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
Get the trailer first and see if you even need anything. I can say that the extra springs will probably make the ride rougher especially when lightly loaded. I really don't know about the air bags, I can't see how they would need much maintenance.
Posted 2008-02-29 8:31 PM (#78389 - in reply to #78377) Subject: RE: Talk to me about air bags
Regular
Posts: 97 Location: Kansas
I have a 99 F350 Diesel that we added air bags to last fall. My 05 Featherlite 3 H slant 6ft shortwall LQ is heavier than I realized and straightened out the springs on my truck more than it should have been doing. The truck rides rough on its own anyway. With the added weight of the trailer (and weak springs) it was like riding in a lumber wagon. My husband also added a set to his 99 F250 Diesel. He installed both sets himself. After getting the hang of the first set it didn't take long at all to install the 2nd set. He said they are much easier to intall than adding leaf springs (he has repaired springs on both trucks a few years ago so knows how difficult that was). We bought the Air Lift Bags from JC Whitney http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010315/p-2010315/N-111+10714+600008409/c-10614. I don't think they are difficult to maintain and I feel they make my truck ride alot smoother when not pulling the trailer as well as when pulling.
Posted 2008-02-29 9:31 PM (#78393 - in reply to #78377) Subject: RE: Talk to me about air bags
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
We have a 4X4 SD that has "Timbren" springs installed. Springs is a misnomer however, because in actuality, they are a hard, segmented, cylindrical, rubberized material that in appearance look like air bags.
They are set up so that they only contact the truck's frame, when enough weight is applied, to allow the ends of the helper springs to just touch the support blocks. What that means is that the ride of an empty truck is completely stock. When you need the extra suspension support, the Timbrens will add 6000# to the mix. Once the springs touch, the truck will not appreciably squat any further, other than the deflection of the tires.
There are no air pumps, compressors, limit switches or lines. They are reliable and maintenance free. The ride is excellent.
Posted 2008-03-02 11:55 AM (#78472 - in reply to #78377) Subject: RE: Talk to me about air bags
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Tennessee FINALLY!
We installed a set on our '07 Dodge dually. Havent put the lq's on it yet but have hauled my other trailer, and I like them. We also added a rear suspension bar and that has made a huge difference in the ride! I dont see how the bags are high maintenance, as long as you keep at least 15psi in them at all times your good. We also got the on-board compressor.
Posted 2008-03-02 1:49 PM (#78480 - in reply to #78377) Subject: RE: Talk to me about air bags
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I have the Firestone Air bags on my F350
I have to occassionaly add some air to them. The nice part is you can run around town empty at 10psi and pump them up to what ever you need when you hook up the trailer.
I generally leave mine at 20 psi all the time. I did not install the compressor, I just use the one in the garage, they take about 90 minutes to install and a couple of skinned knuckles.
Talk to me about air bags
