Airbags- built in air compressor or manual fill?

[cartmancartman]

Which is the best to go for a truck camper, built in air compressor or manual? It is roughly a $800 price difference between the two (including labor), I dont mind spending the money if it is put to good use. How often do you adjust the air bag settings?

I like to keep it simple as one of the parts or if the compressor goes out.

[Reddog1]

I have had no on-board compressor, and have/had an on-board compressor. I recently changed Trucks, and moved my on-board compressor and added air bags.

On my current truck, I use my airbags to to level side to side when camping with my TC. It is very convenient having the on-board compressor. I do not need the airbags for my 4200 lb TC, due to the existing suspension. NOTE, DO NOT NEED. That said, should I tow a heavy trailer, it could be to my advantage having the air bags. There are circumstances that an on-board compressor is nice, if you want to spend the money.

I also have a 5th wheel. I have had occasions where I did not want to disconnect from the 5th wheel, but needed to raise the front of the 5th wheel. Rather than use blocks and other stuff, it was very convenient to simply raise the 5th wheel plate in the truck with the air bags.

Wayne

[dave17352]

Seems a little over zealous. But oh well. You just deleted the original posters second question and my response. I don't understand that at all. Have a good evening.

[Tom_Anderson]

BTW, I bought the single compressor and installed it myself, so my cost was closer to $300. I didn't need the ability to adjust leveling side-to-side, or wireless remote control, or any of that fancy stuff. If it were going to cost me $800, I'm not sure I would spend the money.

[dave17352]

Wow Reddog1 you notice his last question the OP posted himself.

[Reddog1]

It can be argued forever if you should or should not use air bags. Your question was "Which is the best to go for a truck camper, built in air compressor or manual?". Post that do not address your question (Which is the best to go for a truck camper, built in air compressor or manual?) will be deleted as Off Topic. For members that want to argue Pros and Cons of airbags, I suggest you start another thread and not hijack this one.

Wayne
Moderator

[Buzzcut1]

I use a bike pump. I use three pressures. one for no trailer (zero psi) one horse in the trailer (25psi), two horses in the trailer (35 psi). It takes about three pumps per bag. That to me is not worth spending 800 for a compressor system

[Tom_Anderson]

I only carry my camper occasionally, and sometimes tow a trailer behind it. So my airbags aren't always at the same pressure. I used to fill them with the external valves and my garage air compressor, until I got the onboard compressor. The convenience of the onboard compressor is well worth the cost, IMO.

[cartmancartman]

Came across this on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydQMZ_fAUH0

[dave17352]

I love gadgets. If you have plenty of money and like gadgets get one for sure. But for air bags you don't need it. Might come in handy for airing up a tire. When I use to have them I would put on the TC and pump them up to where I wanted them and that was it. They are good for leveling the load. There certainly are other options. I have used timbrens and now lower stableloads from Torklyft. I like both of these products. Cheap and work well.

[jimh406]

I rarely change my pressure. I'd say never, but I guess I've changed it before. They hold a tiny bit of air, so any pump works.

[Colo_Native]

I just use a $10 bike pump, you buy a lot of them for the price of a compressor