air bags

skipro3 wrote:
Carlos, it depends on what you want to accomplish. If, after loading your new truck, you have any issues, you might find that airbags are worth installing to resolve them.

Messing with mine this past weekend on a 300 mile road trip, I was able to eliminate some, what felt like, front wheel vibration I thought was out-of-balance tires.

I also used 'em to level my rig at the campground we stayed at this weekend as well. Easier than setting up ramps, moving and trying to get things level. I just used my remote control and adjusted each until the camper was level.

On the way home, there was a cross wind with high wind advisaries and the air bags were adjusted stiff on the down-wind side to help stabilize the ride.

Those are a few of the uses I've found for my airbags besides the obvious of putting the ride height back to a more normal position. Makes my headlights right as well!!

TY...you make a good arguement!

Carlos, it depends on what you want to accomplish. If, after loading your new truck, you have any issues, you might find that airbags are worth installing to resolve them.

Messing with mine this past weekend on a 300 mile road trip, I was able to eliminate some, what felt like, front wheel vibration I thought was out-of-balance tires.

I also used 'em to level my rig at the campground we stayed at this weekend as well. Easier than setting up ramps, moving and trying to get things level. I just used my remote control and adjusted each until the camper was level.

On the way home, there was a cross wind with high wind advisaries and the air bags were adjusted stiff on the down-wind side to help stabilize the ride.

Those are a few of the uses I've found for my airbags besides the obvious of putting the ride height back to a more normal position. Makes my headlights right as well!!

Need advice. Sold my 2011 F350 Lariat FX4 SRW and bought a 2012 F450 Lariat 4x4. I'm planning on buy a 2016 Lance 1172 wet wgt about 4400#. Also plan to tow with camper a small atv trailer tongue wgt 300#

Do you think is worth installing airbags?

TY,

Carlos

Got my wireless installed today. This thing is GREAT! So easy to assemble in the tool box, on a workbench and not laying under a truck. Took my time and it still only took an hour at most.
Once built on the bench, I attached it to the top of my receiver hitch cross bar behind the rear bumper and tied power into the 7-pin trailer connector's hot and ground. Then T-fitting into the existing air bag lines and it was done. Maybe 20 minutes laying on my back to hook the stuff up.

Tom_Anderson wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
I keep scratching my head what would be the advantage of having wireless control for bags?

Maybe you can use them for leveling from inside the camper?

I would believe with engine off, the compressor is disconnected.
The installation above doesn't look like simplifying at all.

Kayteg1 wrote:
I keep scratching my head what would be the advantage of having wireless control for bags?

Maybe you can use them for leveling from inside the camper?

I've found that by using Lithium batteries, they last years. I also keep an assortment of batteries in my camper for 'emergencies'.

I don't have photos of my install, I just got the parts yesterday. But I will take some photos while I do the work. Hopefully today!

Basically, there is a compressor, a manifold and a relay with some wires to connect them.

Here is a photo of an installation and like how I will try to do mine;
The guy used a plastic tool box to mount the equipment in. There is a hole for the power wire and two holes for the two air lines running to each air bag. The parts are mounted in the tool box lid, so they flip down for service, then back up when stowed.





test

I personally am trying to avoid remotes as the batteries seem to die in most inconvenient moment.
What you describe sounds interesting. Do you have pictures?
Other experience about self-inflating system is wife Mercedes.
It has computer-monitored compressor where driver has no indication what is going on.
With big leak the computer will post message, but with small leak it will keep adding the air every few minutes.
So few months later the owners gets final warning and $900 estimate for compressor replacement.
I rebuild the compressor and added T on air line with tubing going inside the cabin ending up with monitoring pressure gauge.
MB is using 4mm tubings - much easier to route than those used by airbags.

You asked what the advantage is. I told you what they are for me;
co-located equipment, easy installation and a clean dash. I use three hoses and 6 points of potential leaks. The mechanical set-up in the photo I provided has 18 points for potential leaks. (Where the hose connects to a joint of some sort)
I won't need to worry about the long hoses from the cab to the rear air bags rubbing, wearing or something snagging them under my truck either.
I forgot to mention the wireless system constantly monitors the air setting and adds or removes air as needed to maintain the set pressure to within 3lbs.
There is also 3 presets you can use depending on your loads.
There is a warning program to alert you if there is a leak in the system.

Besides, it was cheaper for me to go wireless. Cost me under $250 total with the rebate and purchasing from Amazon.

skipro3 wrote:
. Wired systems require you run the air lines to your mechanical gauges in the cab. Very bulky, very hard! And requires a large amount of space since those air lines don't bend sharp. Wireless puts only a small remote in the cab a d it's designed to clip to the visor. No dash real estate is needed.

Took me about 60 seconds to push small tubings via cabin vent hole inside the cabin.
I did not want to make compressor permanent, so put the manifold with gauges on the floor, next to the seat.
Each time I was entering the truck I would see the bags pressure.