Forum Discussion

Tachdriver's avatar
Tachdriver
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016

Air Lift vs Firestone airbags?

Anyone with an opinion on either of these for a 2011 F150? I want to get rid of the porpoising.

I have had my old truck/trailer combo on the scales and the tongue weight is about 13 percent. I have not had the new truck combo on the scales...yet.

The 2011 truck tows great with power but in construction zones and concrete pavement sections both trucks have had this issue.

Yes...next truck will be a 3/4...I can see the light...

Any opinions on either of these air bag systems?
  • WNYBob's avatar
    WNYBob
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2016
    I had porpoisin on my 2010 1500 Silverado carrying a 1500 lb. TC. I changes to E rated tires and Bilstiens shocks all around, which helped a lot.

    I also added Air-lift bags, that didn't seem to help much except to lift the rear end.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2016
    I have the Firestone bags on my F250 and like them. Had them about 8 years now.
  • 93Cobra2771's avatar
    93Cobra2771
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2016
    I run the firestone ride rites with an air lift wireless controller on my F150. Love them. Really help stiffen up the softly sprung rear end.
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Jul 01, 2016
    X2 on upgrading shocks. Did that and it helped a lot on your type of problem. If yours are factory shocked I'd start their first, then do airbags is not happy. Bags give you the ability to make adjustments with any load
  • CC38EL's avatar
    CC38EL
    Explorer II
    Jul 01, 2016
    I had the same kind of issue but on a heavier scale. I found Timbren suspension upgrades to be an economical and very effective answer.

    They have bump stop replacements that support the weight right on the axle. We are level when towing and a majority of the porpoising is reduced. We also don't bottom out.

    The ones for my Silverado 3500 fit in the same adapter as the bump stop, but I think the F-150 is slightly more involved.

    Just don't exceed your GAWR for your truck.

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