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Firestone Air bags

poloace
Explorer
Explorer
I am contemplating putting a set on my truck. Just wondering if it is worth it or not.
We have a 2010 dodge 3500 4x4.
2013 Montana 285rld
We have pulled about 2000 mi, and there is no problems. It sags a little but not much.
I hear it takes some of the buck out.
We used to pull a 28ft savoy. which was lighter.
2013 Montana Mountaineer 285rld
2010 Dodge 3500 single wheel 4x4
41 REPLIES 41

Hondavalk
Explorer II
Explorer II
AZ T&T wrote:
Alley Fox wrote:
AZ T&T wrote:
I love mine! I installed mine with out the compressor, I used the T so there is only 1 air fitting to control both bags on the rear-end. Total time for instal was about 2 1/2 hours.


I had several knowledgable RV specialists tell me not to "tee" the lines together because it will affect handling adversely. It causes the air from one side to transfer to the other air bag when cornering, thus adding to "sway". I have to admit, I have never tried teeing the lines together, my only experience is with individual fill ports for each side.


I bought the T from Firestone when I got the airbags. It's been 2 years and I haven't had any issues.

Have mine with the T from Firestone also. My motorcycle with factory air also has a single valve.

B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Explorer II
I have them on mine. Not using a "T" in the lines as it can transfer the pressure from side to side and make the truck lean even more on a curve. I use mine to level the truck and keep my headlights down. I don't think it changes my ride at all just levels it. I only need 20 or so PSI to level it when towing. The best thing I have done for the ride is a Trail-Aire Tri Glide pinbox.

B.O.
Former Ram/Cummins owner
2015 Silverado 3500 D/A DRW
Yup I'm a fanboy!
2016 Cedar Creek 36CKTS

ianmac23
Explorer
Explorer
I love mine and I run around 25 pounds when towing my RV
2010 GMC Sierra, 1500, SLT, Crew Cab, Short Bed, 6.2L, Max Towing Package,2011 Keystone Passport Ultralight Limited Edition

AZ_T_T
Explorer
Explorer
Alley Fox wrote:
AZ T&T wrote:
I love mine! I installed mine with out the compressor, I used the T so there is only 1 air fitting to control both bags on the rear-end. Total time for instal was about 2 1/2 hours.


I had several knowledgable RV specialists tell me not to "tee" the lines together because it will affect handling adversely. It causes the air from one side to transfer to the other air bag when cornering, thus adding to "sway". I have to admit, I have never tried teeing the lines together, my only experience is with individual fill ports for each side.


I bought the T from Firestone when I got the airbags. It's been 2 years and I haven't had any issues.
AZ T&T
2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 29.5RKS
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax
B&W Companion Hitch - Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags
Honda EU2000i Generator

2112
Explorer II
Explorer II
I had air bags on a previous TV and found that if you don't carry a compressor you are stuck with a rough ride once you unhitch at the cg. If you do go with them drop the extra coin on the integrated compressor and gauge. It makes life easier. I installed timbrens on my last two TVs and have been pleased with them.
2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost SuperCab Max Tow, 2084# Payload, 11,300# Tow,
Timbrens
2013 KZ Durango 2857

Alley_Fox
Explorer
Explorer
AZ T&T wrote:
I love mine! I installed mine with out the compressor, I used the T so there is only 1 air fitting to control both bags on the rear-end. Total time for instal was about 2 1/2 hours.


I had several knowledgable RV specialists tell me not to "tee" the lines together because it will affect handling adversely. It causes the air from one side to transfer to the other air bag when cornering, thus adding to "sway". I have to admit, I have never tried teeing the lines together, my only experience is with individual fill ports for each side.
2012 Arctic Fox 29-5T
04.5 GMC Duramax SLT CCLB turbo brake Isspros
B&W Companion, Tekonsha, EFI Live by Rob Coddens, Ride Rite air
5th Airborne

AZ_T_T
Explorer
Explorer
I love mine! I installed mine with out the compressor, I used the T so there is only 1 air fitting to control both bags on the rear-end. Total time for instal was about 2 1/2 hours.
AZ T&T
2012 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 29.5RKS
2011 Chevy 2500 HD 4x4 Duramax
B&W Companion Hitch - Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags
Honda EU2000i Generator

Alley_Fox
Explorer
Explorer
I like them. Allows me to adjust suspension according to load/no load driving. I use about 25-30 psi when towing.
2012 Arctic Fox 29-5T
04.5 GMC Duramax SLT CCLB turbo brake Isspros
B&W Companion, Tekonsha, EFI Live by Rob Coddens, Ride Rite air
5th Airborne

big_bird_2
Explorer
Explorer
I have them on my 09 F250 with compressor and gauge. I pull a FW 13,000; no squat and great stability. I pump to about 30 lbs.
Big Bird 2

CANAMKID
Explorer
Explorer
We have a 01 F350 dully and they made all the differance in the world.
Also have the on board compressor which makes it nice to ajust to the
road conditions:B

Steve
CanAmKid

schlep1967
Nomad
Nomad
I pull a bigger camper with my Dodge 2500 with the firestone bags. I only run about 23 lbs in them. I think 100lbs is the max. Thing to remember is you already have a suspension holding the weight. You don't need the airbag to take it all or you will have a crappy ride. Honestly, if I had a 3500 I would not buy the airbags for hauling that trailer. You simply do not need them.

Edit: Just looked them up looks like 1 lb of air supports approximatly 40 lbs. So running at 23 lbs after the suspension takes part of the load I have an additional 920 lbs of support. Running at 50 lbs would be way too stiff and make for an uncomfortable ride. I guess it depends on the condition of your existing suspension.
2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ 3500 Diesel
2022 Montana Legacy 3931FB
Pull-Rite Super Glide 4500

fj12ryder
Explorer III
Explorer III
They were worth it for me. Our Fuzion put the rear of the truck down on the overload springs which resulted in a very rough ride. With about 50psi in the bags the truck is off the overloads which smooths out the ride considerably. Wouldn't be without them. YMMV.
Howard and Peggy

"Don't Panic"