Air bags vs payload capacity

I have my Ride-Rites connected with a "T" and only need one Schrader valve to keep them perfectly equalized. I've experienced no problems whatsoever in handling. The theory about the air moving from one bag to the other is simply the weight shifting during turns. It is no worse than without the bags.

I think the advice about not tying them together with a "T" applies to trucks which are unusually topheavy, such as pickups with campers in the bed. In such cases, separating the air bags can help when cornering or in evasive maneuvers by preventing the air moving from one side to the other. However, a problem arises if the air bags are not kept equalized all the time, so a leak in one side can cause an unbalanced side-to-side situation and create undesired difficulties.

As usually, there are pros and cons for each case.

I have Ride-Rites on my class C. They seem to do a fine job there. Of course, with a class C, there's little need to adjust them for varying loads; the vehicle is pretty heavily loaded even when unloaded. I only need to check them occasionally to keep up with any slight leakage (similar to checking tires).

I would suggest avoiding a setup where the two sides have the air lines tee'd together. That can lead to rather strange and potentially dangerous handling in situations where the load on one side is temporarily heavier than the other (a sidehill, or a bump on one side of the road) and the air moves from the loaded side to the unloaded side.

azjeffh wrote:
I'm considering putting Ride-Rite air bags on my truck and I see they're only rated to 5K lbs. My vehicle has a payload capacity of 5800 lbs and I'm not really sure if the bags would help. I imagine we'll be at of near the truck's max payload.

Input appreciated.

(from FAQ's) IF I CHOOSE TO INSTALL THE AMP AIR SUSPENSION KIT, CAN I INCREASE MY MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY?

No. You must never exceed your GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The air springs simply provide you with added support and therefore better control for an overall smoother, safer ride.
(from pac brake)

I looked at ride-right and decided on pac brake. But in IMO much harder to put on than ride-rite. Pac brake...Not as good as price and fewer dealers, but more sturdy IMO. Absolutely zero problems on mine.

If you put them on yourself no matter brand...use a tubing cutter ($20.00) for air lines, saves messing with air leaks later. Pocket knife doesn't make as good 90 degrees cuts.

http://pacbrake.com/air/air-suspension/

I have both a 5thW and a truck camper. My 5thW pin weight was about 2200 lb. so had no issues with it. My first TC was about 3300 lb loaded and I had no issues with it. My current TC falls in there at about 4500 lbs loaded.

With no additions other than tires,the truck handles the camper well but the rear is down about 4 in. on the left and by 5.5 in. on the right. Fresh water, fridg, furnace, and generator are on the right. And the headlights are a bit too high.

I installed the 5K air bag and they do a great job in leveling the truck. In addition, I installed a sway bar on the rear which made a big difference in carrying that load. Since you have DRWs and less in bed weight, I don't know if the sway bar would do anything for your RV towing.

I air the bags until the overload spring are not touching and then let air out until they barely touch. That levels the it side to side and puts the headlight back on the road for our truck camper combination.

That truck is the wife's daily driver and she likes it with the air bags even when unloaded. I think the air bags are well worth their cost.

I use my airbags to level my truck after it is loaded but before I hitch up. Agree with MFL that they are only carrying a portion of the weight.

Jeff...

I'm not an expert (but I do live in Chandler :B.). I put the ride - rites on my 2500HD , was not having a problem with level and, to be honest, was not engaging my bump stops (removed to place bags). Not really sure there is that much "gain". I can say, the bride passenger lets me know when I have them over inflated. :W

If I had a do-over I'm not sure I would. Unless, I had an in cab dial with compressor to tweak (on the fly) as necessary on some less then compliant AZ roadways. (then again , that is more spendy). Matching the air bag pressure to the bladder pressure in my Reese Airborne has been a trial and error experiment. PSI Numbers frequently mentioned on this forum have led to bridal dissatisfaction.

Just my opinion. Good luck.

Charles

I think the air bags will help to level as a supplement to the OEM suspension. The bags will only have to carry a portion of the weight, certainly less than 5,000 lbs.

Jerry

downtheroad wrote:
It is my understanding that Air bags don't increase your truck's payload...they may help with sag issues.

Agree. Not trying to increase the payload, just keep it level.

It is my understanding that Air bags don't increase your truck's payload...they may help with sag issues.