Post by: lokidog on April 28, 2022, 09:08:31 AM
I'm pulling my Hewes 24' boat and occasionally a heavily loaded 18' covered utility trailer. I've been thinking these might give me a better ride. Any thoughts? Looking at DIY.
Saw these. https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/59570/
The load rating must be for the load put on the air spring? This one is 2000#.
Thanks for any input/ideas, I'm more of a boat guy than a truck guy. :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on April 28, 2022, 09:25:36 AM
You'll probably find yourself leaving it perpetually at 5lbs, it does make the empty ride a bit harsher, the manufacturer says to leave a min 5lbs of air.
Most folks leave it there as its plenty, unless you upgrade to the full enchilada and get guages and on-board air which is $$ but worth it for a heavy tow rig, but prolly not an f-150
You could always upgrade later too
Post by: Broomd on April 28, 2022, 09:30:47 AM
I've been using air springs for about twenty years and immediately set up every truck with them, excellent product.
Post by: Stein on April 28, 2022, 09:43:31 AM
I have a similar kit on my older truck and will likely add them to whatever trucks I have in the future.
There is no difference in the ride when they are unloaded. I believe only the 5,000 pound setups have jounce bumpers and they are there because install requires removing the factory jounce bumpers.
Post by: birddogdad on April 28, 2022, 10:03:37 AM
i opted for this vs the Schrader fittings near license plate (cheap option) those you simply add air directly to bags thru fitting. the above way has switch system and left side/ right side gage and control to separately adjust on fly, instructions discuss psi/loads.
either way you go, within weekend mechanics ability to install.
Post by: lokidog on April 28, 2022, 10:04:35 AM
Post by: James on April 28, 2022, 10:40:27 AM
When adding air bags their spring capacity adds to your leaf spring capacity to get total spring capacity. For example 2000lb air springs plus a 4000lb rear leaf springs gives you 6000lb total spring capacity IF they are all set up correctly (you can get into a situation where the bags are overloaded and the leaf spring are not fully loaded and vice versa). Keep in mind this does not change your tire rating, rear axle weight rating (RAWR), etc.
Other option is a higher rated spring pack or helper springs that contact frame horns when the truck is loaded. Helper springs is what OEM's generally do with light duty trucks. Plusses and minus's to both bags and helper springs.
Post by: elksnout on April 28, 2022, 09:10:21 PM
elksnout
Post by: Sakko300wsm on April 29, 2022, 05:50:11 AM
Post by: thinkingman on April 29, 2022, 01:09:15 PM
Ride height or bottoming?
I used the same kit on my T****a T****a (gotta be real sensitive toward some 'truck' owners) and it did a good job of raising the ride height but unfortunately was forced to act as the main spring due to sagging of the OE leafs.
I ended up popping one of the bags and they warrantied it.
I then ordered proper leaf pack and springs and did away with the airbags.
The install was easy.
I ran the Shrader valves back to the flange that held the trailer electrics and drilled two holes...I would never run the air circuit off of one line.
If you need more suspension capacity, I would go with add-a-leafs or the solid rubber bump stops.
If you only need to raise the ride height, the airbags work.
As mentioned, always keep at least 5psi in them and be careful if you jack up the rear from the frame, you can stretch and tear the bags. Jack the axle.
Post by: lokidog on April 29, 2022, 01:25:34 PM
What is your purpose for using the airbags?
Ride height or bottoming?
I used the same kit on my T****a T****a (gotta be real sensitive toward some 'truck' owners) and it did a good job of raising the ride height but unfortunately was forced to act as the main spring due to sagging of the OE leafs.
I ended up popping one of the bags and they warrantied it.
I then ordered proper leaf pack and springs and did away with the airbags.
The install was easy.
I ran the Shrader valves back to the flange that held the trailer electrics and drilled two holes...I would never run the air circuit off of one line.
If you need more suspension capacity, I would go with add-a-leafs or the solid rubber bump stops.
If you only need to raise the ride height, the airbags work.
As mentioned, always keep at least 5psi in them and be careful if you jack up the rear from the frame, you can stretch and tear the bags. Jack the axle.
Pretty much for the ride height.
Post by: Encore 280 on April 29, 2022, 07:08:01 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on April 29, 2022, 07:42:05 PM
I'm towing the same size boat with my GM hd. I've got Timbren bump stops. They work great when towing, keep the truck level, stop downward travel and there is no tounge bounce or front end sway.... But when not towing...they sure stop the downward travel.. sometimes a little to harsh. And I'm running upgraded Bilstein shocks. I'll be upgrading to air bags this summer.
Post by: thinkingman on May 02, 2022, 11:25:42 AM
Have you checked on Timbren systems? I had them on an '06 F150 with 6.5' bed and hauled a Lance 8' camper and 17' Arima in tow and it did just fine.Timbrens are what I was trying to think of when I said 'solid rubber bump stops'.
If I needed extra capacity to reduce bottoming, that's what I would use.
For more ride height, I would use the airbags.
It's a good kit.
Post by: Flaming Antler Outdoors on May 10, 2022, 07:47:20 AM
Yup, no brainer.
You'll probably find yourself leaving it perpetually at 5lbs, it does make the empty ride a bit harsher, the manufacturer says to leave a min 5lbs of air.
Most folks leave it there as its plenty, unless you upgrade to the full enchilada and get guages and on-board air which is $$ but worth it for a heavy tow rig, but prolly not an f-150
You could always upgrade later too
Post by: Flaming Antler Outdoors on May 10, 2022, 07:50:49 AM
Post by: mtn.goat on May 26, 2022, 10:27:56 PM
As mentioned by one other, these won’t help as much with a worn out spring pack, so a good foundation is important. I’ll be adding bags to my wife’s F-150 soon also, not that it’ll see much heavy laden adventures, but they’re there if you load it up etc.
Post by: KFhunter on June 02, 2022, 01:03:38 PM
Next step was heavy torsion bar, but I got rid of that camper for a 30' bumper pull, too many kids :chuckle:
Post by: bearpaw on June 02, 2022, 01:26:53 PM
I have air bags on my F150 and it was probably the best upgrade i ever did. Even considering them on the new F350. Amazing especially if you ever put a camper on it.
I have air bags on my F350, when I have a heavy load or pulling heavy trailers it makes a world of difference in handling. :tup:
Post by: lokidog on June 08, 2022, 12:41:08 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 08, 2022, 04:20:34 PM
Thanks for all of your input. Would it be better to get a weight distribution hitch instead, or in addition to?Both, start with the hitch.
For half tons its easy to just slip the bag in the coils.
Post by: lokidog on June 08, 2022, 04:28:05 PM
Thanks for all of your input. Would it be better to get a weight distribution hitch instead, or in addition to?Both, start with the hitch.
For half tons its easy to just slip the bag in the coils.
I can see that for leveling, but for handling, it looks like the hitch would be better? :dunno:
Post by: MADMAX on June 08, 2022, 04:36:42 PM
Air lift bags and WD hitch
Pulling a 24 ft Minnie Winnie is a breeze
Post by: Magnum_Willys on June 08, 2022, 06:44:08 PM
Thanks for all of your input. Would it be better to get a weight distribution hitch instead, or in addition to?Both, start with the hitch.
For half tons its easy to just slip the bag in the coils.
I can see that for leveling, but for handling, it looks like the hitch would be better? :dunno:
Exactly! Hitch for sure then add bags if needed.