Air bag suspension question?
I have a 03 CTD and tow a 03 Carriage Compass that has a GVW of 14,700lbs. I am thinking of putting in an air bag suspension. This is not to increase my tow capacity, it is only to help with the load ...
Forum Discussion
I don't tow a 5er but do put about 3K in the bed/hitch and have airbags on my 05 CTD.
They where one of my first mods and I really like them. I never have to use too much air, but they do help with leveling and stability.
I have the Firestone bags, no controller. If I where to do it over I would go with Firestone or PacBrake bags and an airlift wireless controller.
One thing to mention is I often see people running TOO much air in their bags and then complaining about the ride, so a couple of comments.
1. Don't prefill your bags, the air pressure will increase greatly. I have seen 30psi go up to over 80 once loaded. It also raises the hitch height for a bigger pain unhooking.
2. Don't return the truck to the empty height, let the truck suspension squat an inch or two. This spreads the load between the truck suspension and bags, making a smoother ride.
3. If you find you need a lot of air, over 50-60 lbs, then I would let some out prior to unhooking so the truck doesn't come up 2 or 3 inches when you remove the pin weight.
4. Be sure to plumb them separate, it will help with sway control. Plumbing them as one does nothing to help it and on long corners can increase the time it takes to return to level.
They where one of my first mods and I really like them. I never have to use too much air, but they do help with leveling and stability.
I have the Firestone bags, no controller. If I where to do it over I would go with Firestone or PacBrake bags and an airlift wireless controller.
One thing to mention is I often see people running TOO much air in their bags and then complaining about the ride, so a couple of comments.
1. Don't prefill your bags, the air pressure will increase greatly. I have seen 30psi go up to over 80 once loaded. It also raises the hitch height for a bigger pain unhooking.
2. Don't return the truck to the empty height, let the truck suspension squat an inch or two. This spreads the load between the truck suspension and bags, making a smoother ride.
3. If you find you need a lot of air, over 50-60 lbs, then I would let some out prior to unhooking so the truck doesn't come up 2 or 3 inches when you remove the pin weight.
4. Be sure to plumb them separate, it will help with sway control. Plumbing them as one does nothing to help it and on long corners can increase the time it takes to return to level.
