looking for airbags recommondations

I use Firestone airbag.found a used set in Craigslist for 100. Ordered a new hose and fitting kit for 20 and I installed them.when we camp I carry a portable power unit with compressor for the car,camper and bicycle tires. Now I got a airhawk attachment to my impact wrench. Its small and works great .
I run them down most of the time and air them to 20 while towing.

When I put bags on my first truck I ran a tube with a gauge into the cab and used a $15 HF compressor under the drivers seat. I plugged it into the lighter receptacle when I wanted them aired up and let some out when I wanted them down. It worked great and I did that for 5 yrs before I built something permanent. Craig

ScottG wrote:
The compressor is really nice to have but you don't have to spend a fortune on one.
I installed Firestone bags but used a $100 Ride Rite compressor. Works great!

Regardless of what you spend, I agree its worth whatever you want to spend to have onboard air.

hitchikerman wrote:
I have a 2013 GMC Duramax and in need of airbags for my truck. I talked with SDtrucksprings and I told them I really don't need the compressor attachachment with it. They said that they strongly suggest that I need it for the truck. Your thoughts would help alot and I believe there trying to make $$$

Some seem to like adjusting the air manually, I didn't.

Have had two set of airbags Firestone, and AirLift would recommend either one. If you decide to go with a compressor, go with remote control. No wiring or gauge to have to run inside the cab.Money wise not that much more then the conventional gauge system. I have had both,and they both work well,I just prefer the remote control now.

IMO the compressor is the only way to go, but if wanting to save money ,then do it manually. I didn't last very long dealing with a portable compressor, and would not think a bicycle pump would be all that great either.

The remote control system I have is the Airlift 72000 air system. It maintains whatever air pressure its set at, whether its 5psi or 50. It programmable for preset air pressures that are used or just push a button to adjust the air up or down. I don't use the programmable feature, I like to be able to adjust air on the fly.

The compressor is really nice to have but you don't have to spend a fortune on one.
I installed Firestone bags but used a $100 Ride Rite compressor. Works great!

goducks10 wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
If you need air bags, or any supplimental suspension aids, then you really need more truck. Truck suspensions are designed to safely handle a specified load. Going beyond that and adding band aids is penny wise and pound foolish.

I was wondering how far down the page I'd have to go to hear this dribble.

Pretty common theme with the uninformed.

Durb wrote:
I wish I had put in air bags that had internal protection designed in so there was no minimum pressure required. I've yet to need them as an aid and keeping minimum pressure in them is just another thing to check. On board air with gauge certainly would help.

I have to smile at the ones that push the no onboard compressor, tried my first set of airbags without it, didn't last very long. Its also nice to be able to adjust the air pressure on the fly. Using a bicycle pump makes it a bit difficult :) I have improved the ride just by changing the air pressure for certain road conditions.

The Airlift internal jounce system allows for a limited amount running empty, not intended to run empty all the time, still would have to be monitored . I installed the remote Airlift compressor system, no worries about having to check air pressure it maintains whatever it is set at. Unless there is a leak that it can't keep up with, nothing to check.

From reading a lot of the replies, some really need to do some research on airbags, and compressors, they early have no idea how some of these systems work.

I added 1000# rated Hellwig helper springs to my truck (the Chevy 1500). The factory leafs are pretty tired, and sag easily, even with the little 3500# 17' Jayco attached.

We do fill the truck bed with camping gear as the RV has minimal storage, and add the kayak rack and boat etc. So I'm likely close to max payload, even with a tiny RV.

IdaD wrote:
I like Timbrens better than airbags.

I put a set of Timbrens on my Sierra 1500 and it rode like a rock with the trailer attached. I immediately took them off and returned them and traded up for a 2500HD.

I wish I had put in air bags that had internal protection designed in so there was no minimum pressure required. I've yet to need them as an aid and keeping minimum pressure in them is just another thing to check. On board air with gauge certainly would help.