Air Bag Pressure

JIMNLIN wrote:
With only 2750 lbs of pin weight I wouldn't think the truck would need air bags unless your carrying more "stuff" in the trucks bed over the rear axle or have a badly designed suspension lift kit.
I used bags on my trucks when I was on the roads but just to level the truck and make it less of a DOT target going through a scale house.
I seldom ran much over 25 psi in the rears on one ton DRW trucks/heavy GN trailers.

It is the soft spring issue with F250’s, carried that much pin and about a 600# in bed tool box, and didn’t need bags the difference between a Ram and a Ford

My Dually rides much better when loaded than empty and I'm on OEM suspension with no add-ons now pulling 19.5K.

My pin weight is about 2900lbs I put about 30lbs and that seem to work find, don't need them but I had them from my other truck so instead of letting them sitting around I use them, well not my air bag but my controller by airlift.

Super_Dave wrote:

TXiceman wrote:
I am a retired mechanical engineer and I go with numbers and ratings. Equipment is designed and rated to be safe by engineers, not backyard mechanics. Believe what you wish and the best of luck on the air springs and over loaded trucks.

Ken

Ken, just curious, what's your response to severe truck squat well before your numbers and sticker ratings are reached?

First thing is to make sure of the weight and you are not overloaded.

I run air springs on my DRW to help the ride. My pin weight and fuel load put me close on the trucks capacity, but I am under. I run 35 to 40 psig which is enough to lift the truck enough to get it off the overload springs and get a less harsh ride. Without the air strings, it rides rough under load.

So if it is to improve load, fine, but don't count on them to handle overloads.

Ken

I added air bags to a 2500HD when I got a lance camper. The specs say it was 2500 pounds so I would put 50 psi in them. I seem to remember the spec sheet said 1 psi for every 50 pounds. Now I have a small TT and I use 20 to keep it level. I quit using the load leveler bars as they are a pain. No problems so far and it has worked for 10 years.

Hello,

Appreciate all the answers. I have about 300# to 400# RAWR reserve, so this is just a matter of the best ride. With the bags at 5 PSI, the ride is poor. 30 PSI is better and I now seem to like 38 PSI. The truck is fairly level at 38 PSI.

I think the best level is from 30 to 45 PSI for the air bags and the best ride. One of the YouTube popular shows for Rv's uses 45 PSI on an F-350 with a toy hauler.

Best,

Crespro

TXiceman wrote:
I am a retired mechanical engineer and I go with numbers and ratings. Equipment is designed and rated to be safe by engineers, not backyard mechanics. Believe what you wish and the best of luck on the air springs and over loaded trucks.

Ken

Ken, just curious, what's your response to severe truck squat well before your numbers and sticker ratings are reached?

FlatBroke wrote:
I leave mine at the minimal when riding around empty, when I hook up it goes to 30, I just leave it there. Haven’t touched the buttons in years.

That is what I did with the 11 DRW. Empty 5psi and it would go to 30 when loaded. Wife would make basic adjustments from inside the cab.

First pic no air bags, second bagged at 30psi. Basically same ride height with 4,500# pin. Same roads with bags and Bilstein's made an amazing ride quality difference.

I am a retired mechanical engineer and I go with numbers and ratings. Equipment is designed and rated to be safe by engineers, not backyard mechanics. Believe what you wish and the best of luck on the air springs and over loaded trucks.

Ken

JRscooby wrote:

TXiceman wrote:

garyp4951 wrote:
I run 20psi just to help the coil springs on the dips at bridges.

TXiceman, my air bags say I can carry 5,000 lbs more. LOL

The air springs DO NOT increase the load capacity of the truck.
All you can say is the air springs an carry 5000#.
The truck is rated for what is stamped on the stickers inside the door jamb.

Ken

But all that means is if the manufacturer can prove you went over their rating they don't pay warranty claims. The only rating the law will enforce is the tires.

Ken, do you know what LOL means?
I was not serious, just kidding, laughing out loud.:)