airbags and stableloads

msiminoff wrote:

thejustin wrote:
Does anyone out there run the uppers lowers and airbags at the same time and have any experiences with the ride quality?

I run run airbags and extended upper and lower overload bump stops that are nearly identical to upper/lower StableLoads This combination offers great ride quality and allows me to keep the pressure in the airbags to 25-30psi or less. Of course my truck is a RAM so YMMV.

Note that you should run your airbags at as low the minimum pressure that will restore your desired ride height. High airbag pressure causes a harsh ride due to them having a rapidly rising spring rate.

Cheers
-Mark

Just got back from my first test run and I am very very happy. Was kind of bummed that apparently my truck spring back isn't a good candidate for the no drill 7310 stableloads, so I ended up skipping those and just doing the Firestone 2550 Ride-Rite bags. It was pretty neat putting the air compressor on the valve and watching them bags almost instantly raise the camper level. Anyway, put just enough air in each bag so the upper stableloads are touching the upper overload. Comes out to ~ 50 psi in each bag (I am already dead level left to right probably due to having slides on both sides of the camper). Im guessing if I had the lower stableloads I could run 25-40 psi, but I am happy staying in the 50-ish threshhold and not having to run a crazy high number like 90 psi in each bag.

I drove 50 miles from Anchorage out towards Portage and it handled beautifully. Absolutely zero sway so I'm guessing I have the perfect amount of air in each bag and its not over inflated. The truck felt much more solid, especially maneuvering around the tight gas station out in Girdwood. I did notice some bucking when I hit some dips so I think I'll forgo the hellwig for now and do the Rancho's. Rides very comfortably now and its level. I am a happy camper.

I am glad I did not get the on board compressor. I have a generic Walmart compressor that my Onan and Yamaha generators power just fine. I can fill both air bags up from one full cycle of the compressor (and it only takes a matter of seconds).

Just a heads up to anyone with a Ford considering the Firestone bags. There are seperate part numbers for the Diesel and Gas trucks, I believe due to the different exhaust configurations. I almost ordered the diesel airbag kit (2535). The correct 6.2L gas kit is part 2550. Additionally, my truck did not come with the OEM Ford 5th wheel prep package. I bought the Reese elite underbed gooseneck/5th wheel rail kit and had it installed after the fact. My RV installer said it added an hour or so of labor in time and materials and some drilling was involved. This may have been the fault of the goober shop I had install my hitch kit though. Something you will want to consider.