Portable Compressor for Air Bags

[thirtydaZe]

Im having the Firestone variety installed tomorrow.

The installer told me its best to get hitched up then air the bags.

So we're going to be on the road for 2 weeks starting friday early afternoon, am i to think that everytime we get to our site, im to let the air out of the bags, unhook the trailer, and then repeat the next day?

Just wondering if ill need a good 12v compressor, and if so what do you recommend?

We're trading out TT for FW wednesday. Lots to do and learn in a short time.

[ChooChooMan74]

thirtydaZe wrote:
good info everyone thanks. they are officially installed onto my truck. they're the Firestone Ride Rites. already i have some concern, they were aired up to 30psi last night after the install, i went to take the air down to 10psi this morning, and it appears they had already fallen to 20psi.

we're delivering out FW today in a couple hours, the last thing i need today is a leak.

these bags aren't by chance finicky with lower temps are they?

Keep an eye on them. They shouldn't lose much, if any, if the connections are tight. Did you soap and water the connections to make sure they don't leak? Airbags with no air like to tear. Been there, done that.

[thirtydaZe]

Thanks.

I gave the instructions a quick look through, it says you can lose 1-3 psi each time you check the valve for psi. i suppose i hit it a few times yesterday (you know, when playing), not to mention the fact it was likley not at 30psi specific, just a number i remember it being close to.

We'll see when i get hooked up i guess.

[momentum_rv]

I installed my own system and did a very careful job of making the connections and I have no pressure loss over several weeks and yes temps will slightly vary the pressure.

And to answer your original question, yes you can inflate before hitching and then just leave them like that for entire trip, unless you are going sight seeing or such and want to lower the pressure for a better ride.

Also, consider onboard compressor at some point cuz it is really nice to be able to fine tune pressure going down the road for best ride.

Enjoy!

[thirtydaZe]

good info everyone thanks. they are officially installed onto my truck. they're the Firestone Ride Rites. already i have some concern, they were aired up to 30psi last night after the install, i went to take the air down to 10psi this morning, and it appears they had already fallen to 20psi.

we're delivering out FW today in a couple hours, the last thing i need today is a leak.

these bags aren't by chance finicky with lower temps are they?

[marcsbigfoot20b]

My Tahoe has airbags but no compressor like my F350.
I already had a bunch of Ryobi tools so I got this inflator , it rocks and multi purpose.
http://t.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-Volt-ONE-Dual-Function-Inflator-Deflator-Tool-Only-P731/203060297

[ChooChooMan74]

I used a hand bike pump at first. Didn't take much to fill up to where I needed them. I now have an on board compressor, mostly due to the fact that in the winter, it is very easy to overlook the bags and maintain the minimum 5 PSI. Been there, had to replace the bags.

[Mr_MrsSchleppro]

Nothing to see here...

[Mr_MrsSchleppro]

OK, what I've learned about airbags. I installed the Firestone ride rites and love them. BUT... You can't hitch up and then air up your airbags, you have to set your camper on the ball, add air to level the camper.. Maybe a little nose down. Then set up your wd bars and hitch. I learned the hard way that if your hitch is properly set up and then you level it up using airbags it throws the dynamics of the hitch way off and you will be in for a white knuckle ride.

Also, airbag psi is relevant to how much tongue weight you have. So if one trip your tongue weight is a little lighter you may have to adjust you psi. If you're trying to get the bags equal, when you add a little to one bag, the other will read a little low. Just some food for thought.

[Helmsey]

When I had bags added to my last truck I initially used a bike pump and it was enough to get the job done. I could have both bags filled with it in the amount of time it took another person to get his pump out, plug it and inflate the first bag.
I eventually added an onboard system and it was great for making minor adjustments while traveling down the road.

[path1]

Make a list of what all your air compressor needs will be now and in the future.
You can get by with a bicycle pump for now.

Not uncommon for air bags to leak when you first install, Bring along a cheap spray bottle and dish soap to find leaks. Leak will probably at a fitting if you have one. I have an generator so I ended up with an elec compressor I think $140 at lowes or home depot or wal mart. Porter camble I think. Pancake style that's under 19 inches so it fits under pick up bed cover and extra 25 feet of hose. I can air up all tires including spare and don't have to lug it around, but still portable enough to use around house, like for nail guns. Also has enough "volume" that I use it to blow out water lines when winterizing. Has a twist valve on regulator that I can turn down pressure for blowing RV water lines, (so I don't blow them up). Not saying a in-dash mounted is not good. It's great, just that I didn't want to spend that much money and only have limited use of filling air bags.

If you go that route don't leave the store until you connect all the fittings. There are different styles of connections. Male and female connections have to match each other.

My air bags manufacture says don't run under 8 pounds (pac brake). I usually don't let air out when doing day trips near campground. If we're going to be at a place for awhile and if wife or I get tired of the stiff ride with air in bags in RV mode, I'll let out air for better ride but don't usually mess with it. Or maybe have to add air if we pick up fire wood to bring home. I have my tire gauges and air supplies in a little bag that is attached to air compressor so everything is in one place.

P.S. also handy for cleaning out burner tubes on hot water heater and frig.

OK hope this helps.

Something like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-150-PSI-Portable-Air-Compressor-C2002/203162815

[Bill___Kate]

A agree that a regular manual bicycle pump is plenty - they don't hold much air, and a couple of pumps does the trick. I had a regular manual one for the bikes, and I just bring that along. I also have a decent 12v compressor I use for the tires, but it is hardy worth getting it out and setting it up for the air bags ....

[Peg_Leg]

On my last truck I used a compressor from a Buick ride leveling system. Had it mounted on a tray in the pass side rear wheel well. A very durable little compressor.

I also ran a pair of lines from the license plate to each side and taped off the ends near the bags to keep them clean. These were a backup system in case of a failure on the compressor side, never used them.

[Dutch_12078]

thirtydaZe wrote:
I had originally asked about a compressor install, but they were talking big mo ey in just labor. I said forget about it. About a week later, after the FW purchase, i told them i wanted the manual bags. Id like to have had the onboard compressor, not at their cost.

The Firestone compressor kit is not that difficult to install, and well within the capabilities of nearly any shade tree mechanic with basic tools.

Firestone Level Command II Air Compressor System - Single Gauge

[thirtydaZe]

I had originally asked about a compressor install, but they were talking big mo ey in just labor. I said forget about it. About a week later, after the FW purchase, i told them i wanted the manual bags. Id like to have had the onboard compressor, not at their cost.