I'm considering adding air bags to my F250. I have a 2013 F250 with the camper package (350 springs and rear sway bar). I weighed my truck and trailer last year. My truck is under all the ratings except GVWR. Our 5th wheel sits level and has a Mor/ryde pin box. The Mor/ryde drastically reduced the chucking but didn't eliminate it completely. I still get a push / pull feeling when travelling over rough roads. When I hookup the trailer my suspension sags to the point the helpers are engaged. I'm considering adding air bags for 3 reasons:1. Level my truck.2. Improve the ride.3. Reduce the push/pull effect from the 5th wheel while travelling rough roads.A new truck is not an option at this point so this seems to be the most cost effective solution. I'm not sure a F350 would handle any differently anyway. Will I achieve my goal? I've done a couple of searches and get conflicting information.

I used air bags on my F150 when I had a 24ft travel trailer because the tongue wt was too much and the back of the truck sagged. They worked great at leveling out everything. They were cheap and not that hard to install. Good luck, Dave

grampscamper wrote:I'm considering adding air bags to my F250. I have a 2013 F250 with the camper package (350 springs and rear sway bar). I weighed my truck and trailer last year. My truck is under all the ratings except GVWR. Our 5th wheel sits level and has a Mor/ryde pin box. The Mor/ryde drastically reduced the chucking but didn't eliminate it completely. I still get a push / pull feeling when travelling over rough roads. When I hookup the trailer my suspension sags to the point the helpers are engaged. I'm considering adding air bags for 3 reasons:1. Level my truck.2. Improve the ride.3. Reduce the push/pull effect from the 5th wheel while travelling rough roads.A new truck is not an option at this point so this seems to be the most cost effective solution. I'm not sure a F350 would handle any differently anyway. Will I achieve my goal? I've done a couple of searches and get conflicting information.You will get the same conflicting responses here.In my case the airbags improved in all three areas you asked about, and I also have the MorRyde ,and I do have a 3500. I have the wireless compressor setup in present truck, but had the compressor setup in previous truck, and both I am able to adjust the air on the fly, which IMO gives you the best ride for the road conditions.

My main objective is to reduce the push/pull effect. I've seen how effective they are at levelling the truck. They do look fairly easy to install.Thanks Dave.

Is your 5er level?? the push pull is reduced id the 5er is level. That is partly caused by the separate axles going over the road surface.I would thins a good set of shocks would be a help also, Bilstein's are a great choice.

rhagfo wrote:Is your 5er level?? the push pull is reduced id the 5er is level. That is partly caused by the separate axles going over the road surface.I would thins a good set of shocks would be a help also, Bilstein's are a great choice.Yes I'm level - within an inch front to back. It's not a serious problem but does cause some fatigue during a long day. I just wondered if adding air bags would decrease the truck suspension movement enough to make a difference.Thanks for your reply.

Adding air bags to tow vehicle questions. | Good Sam Community

46 Replies

jffnkrn
Explorer
Aug 10, 2015
Capn'Don,
i had had bags for over 8 years on previous tow vehicle and never had an issue. i installed a used set, about a year old on this tow vehicle, chose used as i wont' have this vehicle for more than another year. Not sure of the life expectancy and truckers use bags all the time. Just a comment, just a thought and the ride can be adjusted as needed. Things that make you go HMMMMM. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
Capn__Don
Explorer
Aug 10, 2015
Since this thread began in June, you've probably already performed the air bag modification. However, I chose a different route on my camper package equipped F250. I installed super springs on the rear. I chose them because rubber deteriorates rapidly in the AZ heat and I guess I'm a little old fashioned and like steel. I've had them on the truck for years without any problems. Only issue is the truck rides rougher without the fiver, but rides good when loaded and does not ride on the factory overloads. Just a little food for thought.

Don
jffnkrn
Explorer
Aug 09, 2015
my tire pressure is kept at 75 lbs rear and 65 lbs front. about a bit what the door sticker says it should be. I also keep spare at 75 lbs. i am no tone to keep changing pressures so just set and leave it. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2015
What are you running for pressure in the rear tires running solo?

55
jffnkrn
Explorer
Aug 09, 2015
Just my two cents: we had bags on my previous tow vehicle with a tt and helped with the ride, especially on bumpy rolling hills to minimize the bucking. Now with the fifth wheel, i have them also as they help tremendously with stability and bucking on those nasty roads. depending on our load, our air bags are filled to 25, 30 or 40 lbs just as the weight comes in contact with the helper springs. when you hit one of those nasty dips that feels like the trailer pushes you into the ground, and it is too late, the bags help a lot. we were within an inch of level before air bag, but now i keep as level as possible and like them. my installation has a separate line fill and valve for each side. Good Luck Be Safe ! ! !
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 09, 2015
Dave H M wrote:
I know all the theory will enter in here, so here is mine on running with bags deflated.

I don't go with Firestone's recommendation. i run empty at 0 psi. Been doing it for years with two different TV's and sets of air bags. I need all the help i can get to smooth out the log wagon ride some.

What are you running for pressure in the rear tires running solo?
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2015
I know all the theory will enter in here, so here is mine on running with bags deflated.

I don't go with Firestone's recommendation. i run empty at 0 psi. Been doing it for years with two different TV's and sets of air bags. I need all the help i can get to smooth out the log wagon ride some.
Curlida
Explorer
Aug 08, 2015
I have a Silverado 3500 and airbags. I put them on after the first two trips without. It definitely helps eliminate the porpoising and some of the chucking but I still get a little. I think the biggest advantage is on rough roads it settles the truck and fifth down much quicker which I have to believe relieves some of the strain on suspension. I too spent the extra $ for the remote control bags so I can adjust on the road.

2015 Silverado 3500 w/airbags
2016 Montana 3711FL , 20K B&W companion hitch
DHCamper
Explorer
Aug 07, 2015
I took advice found on another forum and installed Stable Load spring wedges before considering air bags on my 2015 Super Duty. Like others had found, the wedges greatly reduced the squat, chucking and porposing I had without them. The wedges really make the truck feel solid on the road. Some folks with higher pin weights than I have like using airbags in addition to the wedges. The wedges were a less expensive alternative with less parts to fail. The website is Torklift
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Aug 07, 2015
Oops! It wasn't a typo, but just a mistake on my part. The tires are rated at 3525 pounds when inflated to 80 psi.

Sorry for the confusion.