Should I consider an onboard air pump??

renojack wrote:
My question is how practical is the extra expense for blue tooth controlled pump when the use is seasonal and not daily movement??.

I haven't seen or heard of a Bluetooth system

I run the Airlift Wireless controller and compressor. It's been flawless for the 10 years I've used it. I would never want to deal with manually inflating the airbags. I can change pressure on the fly.

Get a wireless system and go camping!

Need to be very careful using a high powered air pump on air bags. I use my bicycle pump. For tires, a portable, Ryobi battery operated pump works great. Ryobi battery also powers my saw, impact drill. Recharges via 110 outlet in truck when driving.

A bike hand pump will do easy . I have the same truck with bags and can get them up to 50 lbs in seconds . Onboard air is not for REAL MEN !

time2roll wrote:
I would see how it goes. Add the air if needed.

Agreed.

Unless you have other needs, pumping up the airbags doesn't take much. A cheap 12v or even a bike pump will air them up very quickly.

Now if you take the truck off roading and regularly air down the tires, it starts to make sense to have a built in high capacity system as that takes a lot more air.

We do have a small 120v compressor (non-installed) in the 5er underbelly to air up tires and run an impact gun.

I think time2roll has the answer.

BTW, I use one of the elcheapo 12V air pumps that plugs into the 12V outlet in the truck. Air them up on hook up and you are good to go.

renojack wrote:
I am considering a FW with a pin weight of 2000 lbs.
My vehicle is a 2016 Ram 2500 diesel with a rear axle of 6500 gawr. I plan on installing firestone air ride bags.
My question is how practical is the extra expense for blue tooth controlled pump when the use is seasonal and not daily movement??.

First of all you might try the 5er without the bags and save the cost. The coils on the 2500 are pretty good at supporting weight.
As to the on board air I would look at a Viair unit, I have one that provides 150 psi and a 2.5 gallon tank, it will operate my impact wrench. This is a 12 volt unit.

I would see how it goes. Add the air if needed.

I put onboard air, with a tank and mechanical controls, on my trucks for bags, shocks and the ebrakes. I put a schrader on the back of this truck and I made a hose so I can air up my bike tires. I love it! Craig