Airbags- built in air compressor or manual fill?

I have had no on-board compressor, and have/had an on-board compressor. I recently changed Trucks, and moved my on-board compressor and added air bags.

On my current truck, I use my airbags to to level side to side when camping with my TC. It is very convenient having the on-board compressor. I do not need the airbags for my 4200 lb TC, due to the existing suspension. NOTE, DO NOT NEED. That said, should I tow a heavy trailer, it could be to my advantage having the air bags. There are circumstances that an on-board compressor is nice, if you want to spend the money.

I also have a 5th wheel. I have had occasions where I did not want to disconnect from the 5th wheel, but needed to raise the front of the 5th wheel. Rather than use blocks and other stuff, it was very convenient to simply raise the 5th wheel plate in the truck with the air bags.

Wayne

dave17352 wrote:
Seems a little over zealous. But oh well. You just deleted the original posters second question and my response. I don't understand that at all. Have a good evening.

Respectfully, you probably would be the first to complain about hijacking a thread. As for the OPs question, okay but feeds into the hijack. The OP can re-post if they want, and are satisfied their post is not being hijacked. It is the OPs thread, and the OP may choose to change direction.

Unfortunately, most Airbag threads get hijacked with obsessed nay Sayers, and die without reasonable discussion.

Wayne
Moderator

I have had both situations (no compressor and with compressor). If you can pay the extra for the compressor, here are my advantages having one:

1. No need to carry a pump
2. The simplicity of having a compressor means you can change air pressure on the fly
3. I like going down the road and when conditions warrant it, I can add or release air on the fly to adjust my ride while I'm driving.
4. When loading and unloading the camper, I have complete control over my bed height at the flip of a switch.
5. Some people have figured out how to tap into the compressor to use it for other needs; (e.g. Blowing up inflatable kayaks, balls, etc.)
6. If heavy winds come up while driving, you can add air to one side to reduce lean
7. Sometimes, I only need a bit of air to level the camper. Nice to do that inside the camper while watching my level.

Reddog1 wrote:

dave17352 wrote:
Seems a little over zealous. But oh well. You just deleted the original posters second question and my response. I don't understand that at all. Have a good evening.

Respectfully, you probably would be the first to complain about hijacking a thread. As for the OPs question, okay but feeds into the hijack. The OP can re-post if they want, and are satisfied their post is not being hijacked. It is the OPs thread, and the OP may choose to change direction.

Unfortunately, most Airbag threads get hijacked with obsessed nay Sayers, and die without reasonable discussion.

Wayne
Moderator

Respectfully Wayne, I don't think I have ever complained about a hijacked thread. Also my first response directly answered the OP first question and I mentioned the two other products I have used. My second post directly answered the the 2nd question the OP posted. As you could see I quoted him. But like I said oh well, it is what it is. So again have a good evening. I pm'd the OP with my thoughts on his second question.

Dave

dave17352, not worth arguing, which is a hijack itself. PMs can be a good thing.

Wayne
Moderator

When I only had the fifth wheel I rarely adjusted the bags. With the truck camper I use the onboard compressor all the time. I use it for leveling front to back and side to side. Adjust for different crowns in the road and even for ride quality on different surfaces. I love mine, plus I got a good rebate when I bought it.
Dave

Personally, which is personal, I'd like the on-board compressor for two reasons. To adjust the ride while...riding. And for leveling porpoises. Yes I know. In the meantime I use my tank of CO2 to air up the bags after airing down to off-road. Same as the tires. A bike pump is...too much work for an aging fellow, and I ran out of money for an on-board. Yet for the price of labor I'd certainly install the compressor myself. There, it had to be said, thank you. Also personally, I like AM's. I have Sundowners and PM's confuse me. Wait...what?

IMO only necessary if you're airing up and down while on the road.
Yes a bike pump would do the same, but I have a compressor for my exhaust brake that I tapped into with an air hose for the bags primarily.
Was really handy on this last trip, unloaded the camper a few times during extended stays in areas. Made it super easy to air back up once the camper was back on.
Never used it though before this trip cause never took the camper off except at home.

Johndanielscpa wrote:
I have had both situations (no compressor and with compressor). If you can pay the extra for the compressor, here are my advantages having one:

1. No need to carry a pump
2. The simplicity of having a compressor means you can change air pressure on the fly
3. I like going down the road and when conditions warrant it, I can add or release air on the fly to adjust my ride while I'm driving.
4. When loading and unloading the camper, I have complete control over my bed height at the flip of a switch.
5. Some people have figured out how to tap into the compressor to use it for other needs; (e.g. Blowing up inflatable kayaks, balls, etc.)
6. If heavy winds come up while driving, you can add air to one side to reduce lean
7. Sometimes, I only need a bit of air to level the camper. Nice to do that inside the camper while watching my level.

I agree with this totally. I also do adjust mine based on road conditions on the fly and when I back into my RV port to be able to get closer to the upper angle cross supports. I really like the in the cab option.

Dak

I have air bags installed along with Torklift Stable Loads.

The airbags, which I installed first, were not doing the job I wanted ... my F350 would decide to hunt this way and that. I had white knuckles most of the time. When I put on the Torklft Stable Loads all that changed.

But, my truck is used to transport materials to construction sites. I find that I can adjust the airbags for heavier loads, or release the Torklift for easier ride. Or a combination.

I like being able to quickly adjust the pressure in the airbags. So, I would suggest that you get an onboard compressor. However, you might try the Stable Loads first to see if they help.