Air bags improved ride while not towing?

For those posting towing airbag psi is that before or after hooking up?

AniJet wrote:

Slownsy wrote:
? How dos a dually contact overload springs when empty. Frank.

I lowered the rear end with shackles. This made the overloads closer to the stops and caused slapping when empty. I removed the overloads and installed bags. It's a great setup. Fits the trailer, rides the same empty and maintains ride height when towing. Installed the Air Lift SmartAir system so all is automatic.

You have reduced the load capacity significantly by removing the overloads, regardless of the airbags.

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
I had Firestone air bags and they failed me. Changed to Timbrens and Bilsteins and am very happy with this setup.

If I were to go back to air bags I would buy the PacBrake brand.

That is what I have, seem to be top quality. Easy bolt on application. I also have the in cab controls and air horns.

allen8106 wrote:

Randu wrote:
I don't notice any difference in ride with or without airbags for normal "not towing" driving. Truck is stiffer if unhooked with 40# in bags. Air bag mfg recommends 5# minimum when not needed and truck rides like factory. They are a huge help in leveling the load and restoring normal spring travel when hooked up. Randu

Not to hijack the thread but what brand do you have? I have been wanting to install a set.

Air Lift and I installed in about 2 hours with no drilling and taking the time to study and re read instructions. I did not get the on board compressor. Randu

I had Firestone air bags and they failed me. Changed to Timbrens and Bilsteins and am very happy with this setup.

If I were to go back to air bags I would buy the PacBrake brand.

Randu wrote:
I don't notice any difference in ride with or without airbags for normal "not towing" driving. Truck is stiffer if unhooked with 40# in bags. Air bag mfg recommends 5# minimum when not needed and truck rides like factory. They are a huge help in leveling the load and restoring normal spring travel when hooked up. Randu

Not to hijack the thread but what brand do you have? I have been wanting to install a set.

Slownsy wrote:
? How dos a dually contact overload springs when empty. Frank.

I lowered the rear end with shackles. This made the overloads closer to the stops and caused slapping when empty. I removed the overloads and installed bags. It's a great setup. Fits the trailer, rides the same empty and maintains ride height when towing. Installed the Air Lift SmartAir system so all is automatic.

"I know that the boogy man will get me for this but i let mine down to zero for running empty. I cannot really tell the difference empty and at zero on the F250.

And i been doing it for going on 2 trucks and 15 years now and still doing it."

Ditto! I also leave the bottom bolts out so the bags can't stretch on big rebounds or when lifting the truck by the frame. I can't think of any other reason to keep 5 psi in them.

For whoever asked... with my heavy bed and our moon-terrain like roads, mine hit the bottom OLs regularly. I had a RR Xing from hell just up the road and that was my proving ground for my suspension mods. Craig

Dave H M wrote:

KATOOM wrote:
Well I have to say that this is the most "honest" air bag thread I've read. I've inquired about this very question before when researching Timbrens verses airbags and usually airbag guys love their airbags so much that they'll never admit that there IS a ride difference unloaded. Something I would have been pretty upset to find out after spending $500 for airbags.....and.....drilling the frame. Currently I'm happy with my Timbrens.

Now this is interesting. My bags cost 300 and a few bucks and the frame does not have to be drilled anywhere. Where did you get that information. It shure could be misleading for the folks that are inclined to follow the lemmings. :h

Some trucks require drilling the frame. Mine does for any airbag kit.

Dave H M wrote:

KATOOM wrote:
Well I have to say that this is the most "honest" air bag thread I've read. I've inquired about this very question before when researching Timbrens verses airbags and usually airbag guys love their airbags so much that they'll never admit that there IS a ride difference unloaded. Something I would have been pretty upset to find out after spending $500 for airbags.....and.....drilling the frame. Currently I'm happy with my Timbrens.

Now this is interesting. My bags cost 300 and a few bucks and the frame does not have to be drilled anywhere. Where did you get that information. It shure could be misleading for the folks that are inclined to follow the lemmings. :h

Older trucks DO require the frame to be drilled for bags.

Mine rides NO different with or without bags running solo with 5psi in the bags.