Going without air bags

no stableloads or air bags - my truck handles my 4000 lb camper just fine

If you have one bag functioning and the other not due to a puncture, you may experience some induced sway from side to side as the truck bounces along the road with an unequal suspension. Having a working bag on one side will resist travel more than the other side with the broken bag inducing side to side motion. No countering force from the other side will induce side to side motion as the truck travels the road. I'd get it fixed, remove the Schrader valves on both bags to free flow air in and out but then you don't have the minimum inflation recommendation so that idea's out, or remove both air bags before going anywhere.

dpgerson wrote:
What are stAble loads and would they have come with my truck? I did buy the camper package.

no they would not come with the camper package but you will have the proper leaf spring pack to make use of them

Stableloads

What are stAble loads and would they have come with my truck? I did buy the camper package.

On my old SRW I had a blowout and that ripped out the airbag lines to both sides. I drove home over 400 miles on just upper stable loads and sway bars. The ride was softer than I like and the steer axle was slighly unweighted. It was more than driveable but I did keep the speeds down. That's why I went to upper and lower stable loads and no need for airbags on my new truck. I did replace the air lines and kept using the same bags when I got home. that was 4 years ago. I still have that truck with those bags as my daily driver with no issues

I'm contemplating upgrading my suspension and doing away with aribags and TL stableloads. Attached pic shows upgrade on same type of rig as mine...2016 F450 w/ Lance 1171. Cost is about $900. Fab was performed by Deaver Suspensions Santan Ana, CA

Thanks Wayne that's what I was asking. What it would be like without them.


Thanks for all your replies guys, but I don't need to know about replacements, what your experiences are with them, etc. I ask a simple question. What would it be like with them deflated. Anyone else like to reply to THAT question? No offense intended to all who replied with other info.

dpgerson wrote:
.... What differences can I expect if I go with the airbags uninflated?

Each truck/TC will be different, depending on the springs. I have a 3900 lb TC on a '04 Dodge 4x4 dually. I have air bags, upper and lower OEM overload springs. It has upper Stable Loads.

Without the airbags, the Stable Loads reduce the rear squat by about two inches less than without the Stable Loads. I think overall, my truck with Stable Loads squats about 2 inches.

With the airbags at 70 psi, the Stable Loads are about 1-1/2" from the overload. The airbags reduce the squat by at least two inches, which is the trucks normal height. The rear of my truck is higher than front without the TC.

The overall ride with the 70 psi in the airbags is smoother. There is noticeably more sway. The additional sway is very little, but is noticeable. I have not experimented enough with the air pressure, but it is obvious to me airbags will be smoother than just overloads.

With no air in the airbags, the ride is not as smooth. I feel more of a stiffer ride. It is definitely not as soft. With no air in the airbags, the sway is obviously reduced, not eliminated. The rear of the truck is about 2 inches lower than with the airbags.

Bottom line is it really makes me no difference if I do or do not use the airbags. My wife prefers no airbags.

Wayne

Bedlam wrote:
Using upper and lower StableLoads on my Ford allowed me to carry 4000 lbs without airbags.

X3 with a 4600# Lance 1055. only time I put air in my airbags is when towing my 3 horse trailer

What about green slime tire repair????? hmmm what could it hurt to try?