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subversive's avatar
subversive
Explorer
Apr 27, 2013

How do I use air bags?

Hi all. We recently traded our Sierra in on a 2010 3/4 ton Yukon, as we wanted the extra passenger capacity. The previous owner had installed air bags and a compressor. Can anyone tell me how best to utilise these? I put some air in them a few times, the compressor seems to work fine. We haven't de-winterized our trailer yet, so I haven't had the chance to see if they make a difference in towing feel. The one concern I have is a friend who has air bags in his truck says it's a good idea to keep a bit of air in them all the time so the bags don't accidentally get pinched between a spring or something. The thing is, if I put any air in, then the compressor will start up at any time to keep the pressure up. Even if the Yukon is off, which worries me about draining the battery. So should I let all the air put whenever I turn the Yukon off, and is there anything to the springs/pinch theory? Thanks.
Tow Vehicles
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2013
    What brand air bags are these? My Air Lift bags require a min. of 10 psi at all times. Others are 5 psi apparently.
    My set up has a built in pressure switch that will turn on the compressor anytime the pressure drops below 10 psi. This ensures I always have the minimum in there.

    The trick with air bags is to add the minimum amount of air necessary to support the load and stabilize the vehicle. Too much air and lots of bounce and sway will occur. Too little and the suspension may bottom out on bumps. On my truck 25 psi will support the load fine but on bumps it bottoms out. I have to run 40 psi to prevent bottoming out but then it sways more than at 25 psi.
  • tgreening's avatar
    tgreening
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2013
    You're probably going to have to do some digging. Your compressor shouldn't be kicking on when the vehicle is turned off. Main power should be an ignition switched source, hot only when the key is in the on/run position.


    You may or may not have a leak. If the compressor kicks on a lot, maybe so. If it just kicks on now and again, that could be nothing more than ambient temperature changes which will affect the pressure in the bags, causing them to dump and/or fill erratically.

    When I hook up my toy hauler, which has a very heavy pin, the compressor will cycle on numerous times before settling down. Compressing air causes it to heat up, which raises the pressure. As it cools the pressure drops, and the compressor kicks back on to raise it again. Mine will generally kick on and off 2-3 times after I hook up.
  • Gemstone's avatar
    Gemstone
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2013
    If you are losing air, then check for leaks with soapy water....repairing leaks is easy. You should keep a minimum of 5 pounds of air in the bags, more as appropriate when towing. The sole purpose of air bags is to keep your tow vehicle level.

    Regards
    Gemstone
  • subversive's avatar
    subversive
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2013
    So why do I hear the compressor firing up all the time? Does that mean they have a leak?
  • mooky_stinks's avatar
    mooky_stinks
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2013
    They shouldn't leak any air. You can keep 5 lbs in them when not towing. Mine will hold the 5 lbs all winter. I have no compressor. Even with no air in mine they won't rub on anything, but that might just be specific for my make and model.

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