"Air Lift" air bags vs. "Firestone" air bags

Just my 2 cents and am sure they are both good but I have had no issues with the Firestone bags. I have them on both of my trucks. If anything helps the ride when going down the road loaded with the TT. :)

prier5 wrote:
I have both and they each have worked very well with no issues over the past 6 to 8 years. Just to get it strait, the kits are 5000# kits with each bag being 2500#. I would never pull my overload springs off or remove springs. I normally run my bags at 10 pounds when empty and sixty pounds when pulling our trailer.

Do you Have a 5th wheel? is so, What's your pin wt. ?

I have both and they each have worked very well with no issues over the past 6 to 8 years. Just to get it strait, the kits are 5000# kits with each bag being 2500#. I would never pull my overload springs off or remove springs. I normally run my bags at 10 pounds when empty and sixty pounds when pulling our trailer.

Quote: "...DO NOT CONNECT THE BAGS TOGETHER. Connecting or Teeing the air lines of both bags is very dangerous. It will allow the air to transfer from one bag to the other causing severe body roll."

Well, I have the Firestone's on my F250 tied together for towing a trailer. No problems with roll or anything else. They really work well for stabilizing my setup.

I actually like the airbags tied together because it's so easy to check the pressures and have them always automatically equalized. Also, should one bag go flat for some reason, I won't be off balance on one side compared to the other. For me, it's the best compromise.

Now, if I had a top-heavy truck camper especially where one side is heavier than the other, then I'd have separate systems. It's the top-heavy and/or uneven loads that need them to be separate.

I bought Firestone Ride Rites. Less money than Airlifts and the installation was a "no drill" for my truck. If memory serves, I don't think that was the case with the Airlifts but may be wrong.................

Here is an older thread but should still apply.

http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24728299/gotomsg/24728901.cfm

There really isn't a difference in the product lines from the double convoluted style or sleeve style.
The only thing that is obvious is how the top and bottom plates are attached.
Firestone uses a crimped steel where airlift uses a press formed plate.

Also, when it comes to buying and installing these "kits" you should know a few things first.
Both companies will sell you a 2500# bag kit, this is a smaller set of bags which to allow for leveling or lifting, will actually stiffen the suspension due to the amount of air required. In all cases it is best to remove the overload springs and maybe one to two leafs from the pack.
A better option, but is more work is a Inside the rail system, this way you can use a larger diameter bag which requires less pressure.

Although I am not associated with this company, I have used the products on several occasions. They are made in the USA in Arizona and I have visited their plant on several occasions. This site is very informative if you look around, they build all of their own kits, the bags are firestone rubber but they build their own hats, they also make bags with removable ends and such.
http://www.airbagit.com/v/vspfiles/pages/TowKits_PAGE.html

In closing, You don't need an on-board air system. Most people I know, after a few trips know the required amount of air in the bags. They then will air out the system when not in use. This is very common for guys who buy the bolt in 2500# kit that you see everywhere. If you buy a kit and install your self, it is very easy to do. DO NOT CONNECT THE BAGS TOGETHER. Connecting or Teeing the air lines of both bags is very dangerous. It will allow the air to transfer from one bag to the other causing severe body roll.
A most basic bag kit with brackets should be around $300. A compressor and paddle kit will run another 200.

I have the Firestone bags on my Ford, but have heard from two GM owners the fit is better using the AirLift bags on their trucks. The Firestones have a model exclusively for fifth wheel use and then one for other applications. Make sure you order the correct kit regardless of brand to avoid interference issues.

Firestone makes two types:
Bellows and rolling-sleeve airbags.

I believe AirLift only makes the bellows type.

99% of folks have the bellows type.

nremtp143 wrote:
Both will serve you well. I bought the ones on sale. They both do the same job!

What he said.