And the Airbags are installed

MN Ben wrote:
As you were adjusting, were you at a level load (no sag) all the time. Actually I think you mentioned you have no sag unless you have the horses hitched.

Had to drive over to a big flat level parking lot to actually see how the rig sat, my driveway is sloped and the street has a high crown. I knew it had way too much pressure from the get go. From that point on I slowly played with reducing the pressure, driving about then back to the same parking lot until I was almost back to level from the inital tail high when I reloaded the Lance after the install.

Mostly I was just playing with the system and getting the feel for what different pressures would ride like. I was hoping the best feel would with the upper and lower stable loads engaged and the bags just there for when I am towing and it is.

As you were adjusting, were you at a level load (no sag) all the time. Actually I think you mentioned you have no sag unless you have the horses hitched.

Well I went out driving on Sunday after reinstalling my roof rails and rack. The installers left air in the bags and with the 1055 the gauges showed 39 psi. the tide was bouncy, stiff and too much sway. I walked arounf the rig on flat ground and the upper stable loads were not engaged in the front. Dropped it to 25 psi. still to rough and not enough engagement of the stable loads. 15 psi got better. 8 psi was just about right. This is what I had hoped for. No need or barely any help from the bags when just carrying the TC. We will be trailering out the horse on Saturday and I am guessing 15 to 20 psi will be more than enough to re level the rig and not have a crappy ride

Bedlam wrote:
Firestone actually sells two models for most trucks. One model goes on top of the spring pack and the other replaces the bump stop. The latter one must used if you have a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch to avoid interference. Other manufacturers usually choose one method or the other.

true but as far as I can tell only Airlift makes airbags with internal bumpers that allow you to use them at zero psi without damaging them. This is f benefit to me as I only need the leveling capability when towing the horse trailer. I sit level with just the TC on board and the leafs give me a great ride.

Firestone actually sells two models for most trucks. One model goes on top of the spring pack and the other replaces the bump stop. The latter one must used if you have a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch to avoid interference. Other manufacturers usually choose one method or the other.

Tom_Anderson wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

Looks to me newer the truck - harder to find space for bags.

I have the same system, but my truck is a 2002 F-250. My upper brackets bolt on the outside of the frame rails, and the lower brackets are directly on top of the leaf springs. Much simpler, and having the bags farther outboard may increase stability slightly.

I also have an 03 with the set up that you describe. My 11 has a different attachment system for the spring pack that precludes putting an airbag on top of the springs


the view from below with the Lance 1055 loaded up in the bed

Kayteg1 wrote:

Looks to me newer the truck - harder to find space for bags.

I have the same system, but my truck is a 2002 F-250. My upper brackets bolt on the outside of the frame rails, and the lower brackets are directly on top of the leaf springs. Much simpler, and having the bags farther outboard may increase stability slightly.

MN Ben wrote:
Do you have your air lines running towards your back bumper so you can fill them with an air compressor?

The instructions with the Airlift Loadlifter call for that type of rear bumper mounting but his photo shows both valves on the passenger side just forward of the rear wheel fender:

The camper over-hangs the rear bumper which makes that a poor spot for mounting the valves.
My truck has the same system and one valve is on each side of the truck, just forward of the rear wheels. I prefer that way so that I can see the truck height change with the inflate/deflate of the bag.
An onboard compressor with in-cab controls is an option with airbags but is very $pendy.

MN Ben wrote:
Do you have your air lines running towards your back bumper so you can fill them with an air compressor?

No they are both in front of the passenger side wheel well. My TC hangs 3' behind the back bumper. It makes no sense to put air fill nipple anywhere you would have to crawl underneath the TC or stand in traffic. I have them where I do for safety and for ease of use with the bicycle floor pump that I use

Do you have your air lines running towards your back bumper so you can fill them with an air compressor?