I have a question on air bag suspension for my used Diesel F250 Super Duty truck.I will be towing a three horse, living quarter trailer, gooseneck for the first time this year. Approx weight, no more than 12,000, most likely about 10,000 lbs.Someone mentioned I need an air bag suspension and someone else said I didn't.I'm not even sure what all they do, make a softer ride? Like shocks on a vehicle? Keep the gooseneck weight coming down so far? Good idea to have them? And if so, which one is best, or the the best ones at the most reasonable price?Thanks.

They increase the spring capacity to help keep the rear end from sagging under the load and improve handling under load. Technically, they're called "air springs", not "air bags". Properly inflated, they do make a difference on many setups. Without more specifics, there's no way to say how much they might help your setup.

Is is not air bagmsuspension. It is air bags plane and simple. Rear air bags help level a loaded truck out when it is at or over its capacity to safely handle a load. They do not increade a trucks load carrying capacity. Depending on age and configuration, and passangers you may be OK or overloaded.

You might find this link helpful in understanding what benefits air springs provide. There's a bit of hype for their particular product there as well, but the basic facts are correct. As it happens, Firestone's Ride-Rite air springs are the ones I use and recommend when called for.

Thanks. This is what comes up, still unsure about which one they are suggesting, but, can call and talk with them when they are open:FordF-2501999 to 2004 4WD4x4In-bed HitchPickup Truck Over 8500 GVWRAir LevelingFrontRideRite 2223 - install manual2 HoursSpring: W21-760-6762RearRideRite 2550 - install manual1.5No Drill KitSpring: W21-760-6401Hybrid Suspension SystemRearWorkRite 8613 - install manual1 HourNo Drill KitSuggested Air AccessoryHeavy Duty Air-Rite Air Control Systems

I can tell you I had airbags on my 2007 Cambria Class C. It made all the difference in the world when they were inflated properly. Proper inflation depends on how much weight is involved. With out the Air bags the rig was a bad handler. With 55 psi it handled like a dream. Those that say you cannot use them to increase your weight are correct. However, they make a hell of difference in how well that weight is handled.

Air bag suspension for trucks question | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Inthecountry
Explorer
Mar 19, 2016
OK, now I'm confused, some are saying air bags are not correct, that they are air springs, but some are saying air bags. Are they one and the same?
SH
Explorer
Mar 19, 2016
Homer wrote:
Those that say you cannot use them to increase your weight are correct. However, they make a hell of difference in how well that weight is handled.

And...it's nice if you tow at night and you can level the truck to keep others from thinking your bright headlights are always on!
Homer1
Explorer
Mar 19, 2016
I can tell you I had airbags on my 2007 Cambria Class C. It made all the difference in the world when they were inflated properly. Proper inflation depends on how much weight is involved. With out the Air bags the rig was a bad handler. With 55 psi it handled like a dream. Those that say you cannot use them to increase your weight are correct. However, they make a hell of difference in how well that weight is handled.
Inthecountry
Explorer
Mar 19, 2016
Thanks. This is what comes up, still unsure about which one they are suggesting, but, can call and talk with them when they are open:

FordF-2501999 to 2004 4WD4x4In-bed Hitch
Pickup Truck Over 8500 GVWR
Air Leveling
Front
RideRite 2223 - install manual
2 Hours
Spring: W21-760-6762
Rear
RideRite 2550 - install manual
1.5
No Drill Kit
Spring: W21-760-6401
Hybrid Suspension System
Rear
WorkRite 8613 - install manual
1 Hour
No Drill Kit
Suggested Air Accessory
Heavy Duty Air-Rite Air Control Systems
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2016
You might find this link helpful in understanding what benefits air springs provide. There's a bit of hype for their particular product there as well, but the basic facts are correct. As it happens, Firestone's Ride-Rite air springs are the ones I use and recommend when called for.
donn0128
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2016
Is is not air bagmsuspension. It is air bags plane and simple. Rear air bags help level a loaded truck out when it is at or over its capacity to safely handle a load. They do not increade a trucks load carrying capacity. Depending on age and configuration, and passangers you may be OK or overloaded.
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2016
They increase the spring capacity to help keep the rear end from sagging under the load and improve handling under load. Technically, they're called "air springs", not "air bags". Properly inflated, they do make a difference on many setups. Without more specifics, there's no way to say how much they might help your setup.

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Air bag suspension for trucks question

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