Considering adding air bags to my truck

[dpgllg]

Hello,

With spring just around the corner (2 inches of snow today) my thoughts are on possible projects / improvements for the upcoming season.

I added a set of Timbrens last year when I got our new 5th wheel. They definetly helped level the truck but the ride while empty is now pretty rough. I put bags of sand in bed of truck to improve traction over the winter and the ride improved but milage has slipped somewhat.

I wass wondering if air bags would help this situation. I started looking at differant systems and quickly became a little overwhelmed.

In looking at the Firestone Air-Ryte Air Systems they list 5 systems from light duty all the way up to xtreme Air system. Obviously the xtreme cost twice as more as the light duty.

Based on the trailer and truck listed in my signature how do I determine how much system do I need?

Under each system there are two systems equal pressure each side and Side to Side leveling. I am assuming the side to side would be better but again is it to much?

My goal would be to replace the Timbrens with an air ryde system to smooth out the ride particually when the truck is empty.

And before anyone blasts about searching the forums I did and could not get the answers I am looking for.

Thanks

Dave

[Veebyes]

Just ordered Timbrens for my dually. Not expecting any difference unloaded. Estimate 5er to be around 13,000# loaded so hoping to feel a difference then. Installed Sulastic springs some years ago. They took some of the harsh jolts out of road joints & going over RR tracks. They compress completely under load.

[ford_truck_guy]

I am running mine at 5 psi empty, 35 psi loaded

[Cummins12V98]

lee worsdell wrote:
I just put a set in my 17 dually they only had 6lbs in so went and put 20 just to see if I notice a different for the drive home tonight. Hope they smooth the ride with the fver on also

I ran 5psi UNLOADED, when adding my 4,500# pin weight the pressure would increase to 30#.

[garyp4951]

donn0128 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Don't understand why your 2103 2500 needs any added equipment for a 10K GVWR 5rv????

Simple really. He is adding around 2000 pounds plus hitch to a 2500 that probably has a max real world load capacity of around 2000 pounds.

Another vote for air bags, but with three cocker spaniels you might be in dually territory. Just kidding

[rhagfo]

donn0128 wrote:

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Don't understand why your 2103 2500 needs any added equipment for a 10K GVWR 5rv????

Simple really. He is adding around 2000 pounds plus hitch to a 2500 that probably has a max real world load capacity of around 2000 pounds.

Yea, but not near rear axle rating! That 2500 must have the ride like a Cadillac spring set.

[goducks10]

Don't understand how the ride could be rough empty. The Timbrens are designed to ride about 1" above the axle when unloaded. Sounds like a bad install. I've run them for several years on my 2500 and the ride was no different empty.

[2naEagle]

Air Bags and a good Sway Bar will make all the difference. Rancho rs9000xl adjustable shocks will help also.

[msjdbman]

On a previous truck I ran the 5000 lb AirLifts. I was very happy with them. On my current truck, I have the Hellwig 5000 lb bags. I haul other trailers besdies my 5er, but run 20 lb when the 5er is on. My 5er is also only a 10k unit, but the 20 lb in the bags restores the suspension height to pre loaded level, which makes for a much more comfortable ride whe hauling the 5er on rougher roads due to having full suspension travel. YMMV

[donn0128]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Don't understand why your 2103 2500 needs any added equipment for a 10K GVWR 5rv????

Simple really. He is adding around 2000 pounds plus hitch to a 2500 that probably has a max real world load capacity of around 2000 pounds.

[Old-Biscuit]

Don't understand why your 2013 2500 needs any added equipment for a 10K GVWR 5rv????

[Campinghoss]

I just put a set of Air Lift 5000 on my truck. I run around 35 to keep everything level and only 5 psi when empty. I cannot tell the difference in ride at 5 psi but if I run them up to 35 empty I can. I went with the wireless type. It does not require running air inside the cab and you can adjust while travelling if need be.

[lee_worsdell]

I just put a set in my 17 dually they only had 6lbs in so went and put 20 just to see if I notice a different for the drive home tonight. Hope they smooth the ride with the fver on also

[JIMNLIN]

Timbrens....air bags.....SuperSprings....Sumo springs.....adding extra leaf to the main spring pack..... or a host of other suspension mods may work on one truck but not another. Too many variables. And many responders don't have your same truck or carry the same load.

Check out some of the "towing forums" on various GM diesel websites. You can bet some one with the same truck has already tried the product.
Watch this thread for replies from those that have your same truck.

[laffman]

I have the Firestone airbags in the Chevy dually. Not to level the ride but to smooth it out. A dually rides like a tank, especially when empty. The airbags take the spring recoil out of the ride. It was a huge improvement to the trucks ride quality, with or without the trailer. Without the trailer, I keep the bags at 20-25 psi. With the 5ver, between 30-40 psi. You should never go below 10 psi per the Firestone documentation.