Forum Discussion

dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Mar 09, 2018

Considering adding air bags to my truck

Hello,

With spring just around the corner (2 inches of snow today) my thoughts are on possible projects / improvements for the upcoming season.

I added a set of Timbrens last year when I got our new 5th wheel. They definetly helped level the truck but the ride while empty is now pretty rough. I put bags of sand in bed of truck to improve traction over the winter and the ride improved but milage has slipped somewhat.

I wass wondering if air bags would help this situation. I started looking at differant systems and quickly became a little overwhelmed.

In looking at the Firestone Air-Ryte Air Systems they list 5 systems from light duty all the way up to xtreme Air system. Obviously the xtreme cost twice as more as the light duty.

Based on the trailer and truck listed in my signature how do I determine how much system do I need?

Under each system there are two systems equal pressure each side and Side to Side leveling. I am assuming the side to side would be better but again is it to much?

My goal would be to replace the Timbrens with an air ryde system to smooth out the ride particually when the truck is empty.

And before anyone blasts about searching the forums I did and could not get the answers I am looking for.

Thanks

Dave
  • I just put a set of Air Lift 5000 on my truck. I run around 35 to keep everything level and only 5 psi when empty. I cannot tell the difference in ride at 5 psi but if I run them up to 35 empty I can. I went with the wireless type. It does not require running air inside the cab and you can adjust while travelling if need be.
  • I just put a set in my 17 dually they only had 6lbs in so went and put 20 just to see if I notice a different for the drive home tonight. Hope they smooth the ride with the fver on also
  • Timbrens....air bags.....SuperSprings....Sumo springs.....adding extra leaf to the main spring pack..... or a host of other suspension mods may work on one truck but not another. Too many variables. And many responders don't have your same truck or carry the same load.

    Check out some of the "towing forums" on various GM diesel websites. You can bet some one with the same truck has already tried the product.
    Watch this thread for replies from those that have your same truck.
  • I have the Firestone airbags in the Chevy dually. Not to level the ride but to smooth it out. A dually rides like a tank, especially when empty. The airbags take the spring recoil out of the ride. It was a huge improvement to the trucks ride quality, with or without the trailer. Without the trailer, I keep the bags at 20-25 psi. With the 5ver, between 30-40 psi. You should never go below 10 psi per the Firestone documentation.
  • Super_Dave wrote:
    My opinion is that the bags will make the unloaded ride worse. Do you have overload springs on your truck? When the trailer is on the truck are the Timbrens fully engaged into your spring pack?


    Running the bags at 5psi will NOT effect ride in the least!!!
  • Sorry Dave. Air bags will not make the ride worse. Unless that is the owner leaves the bags fully inflated. Thats the beauty of air bags, the owner can adjust the air pressure according to the load being carried. No load, 5PSI is more than enough.
    To the OP. BT,DT, bags, tires and the truck still did not comfortably handle my load. Before you spend any more money on band aids I suggest you take your loaded ready to travel rig across a set of scales. That should help you make the correct decisions.
  • My opinion is that the bags will make the unloaded ride worse. Do you have overload springs on your truck? When the trailer is on the truck are the Timbrens fully engaged into your spring pack?