Manual or automatic airbags for your truck?

[lacofdfireman]

Looking at getting some airbags for my 07.5 Chevy Duramax and wondering if I should get the manual fill or the system with guages and a compressor? Also I saw they now have a remote control or wireless fill system but it's $$$$. Hoping to hear some opinions from those of you that use the systems and what you like it don't like about it. Firestone or airlift? Does it really matter. Is one better than the other? We probably use our trailer about 10 trips a year. With the manual system how would you know if you've lost 10-20lbs without a gauge to look at and without getting out and checking with a tire gauge every once in awhile?

Also where is the best place to buy from? And is there a specific model number that is the standard that everyone seems to be satisfied with. Thanks.

[AMG1978]

Airlift Wireless Air or Wireless One. Both are fine. I have had airbags on 3 trucks, and I just in the last 6 mo added the Airlift Wireless One to my F-250 and I am happy I did. I would get lazy and not want to deal with inflating them manually. I did it a lot in initially I'd just get tired of it. Now so easy.

[lazydays]

I have the air compressor for no other reason than I'm lazy. All I have to do is hit a button to add air or dump air. Doesn't get much easier than that.

[Cummins12V98]

lacofdfireman wrote:
Curious how you determine the PSI to put in the airbags. I would think measuring the top of the wheel well unloaded then put your load in the back then remeasure then fill airbags until your back to stock height?

That is a recipe of a harsh towing ride. Trucks are designed to level out with a load. Pressure to maintain a level ride when hitched.

[cummins2014]

lacofdfireman wrote:
I don't mind paying extra if it's that much better. On the other hand sometimes I wonder if I really even need it. My fifth wheel pulls so good now. It's never been sketchy pulling it I was just always under the assumption that you should have them. Do you think there really that necessary if have no towing issues. Or are they more for fixing an existing problem?

IMO there is only ONE reason NOT to have an onboard compressor, not wanting to spend the money. Way to many advantages having the onboard compressor.

Have had two trucks with onboard air, first one I went a few months without, didn't take long to know that is was not the way to go for me. Big advantage is changing the air pressure on the fly, and have done it several times when towing to improve the ride.

Sounds like you don't need them , mainly they are to level up the truck, if thats not the issue I would save my money. Many tow fifth wheels without airbags ,they are not a must.

[byronlj]

I installed the air compressor on mine after I bought the truck camper. I like to adjust by feel as I drive. Also, I can level the camper with them. The 5th wheel didn't matter as much. Now I am spoiled and wouldn't go back. If you go this route, spend the extra for a remote system. The install will be ten times easier.
Dave

[73guna]

I use a bike tire pump also, it has a built in gauge.
Only takes 5-10 pumps depending on psi needed.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bell-Sports-AIR-ATTACK-650-High-Volume-Floor-Pump-with-Gauge-Yellow/183592799

[KD4UPL]

I've had airlift bags on 3 trucks now. The first 2 I had manual fill because I'm cheap. On the third truck I want ahead and go the onboard compressor and gauges. It was great for about 5 years, then everything started to leak: gauges, fittings, valves, etc. I'd fix 1 leak and find 2 more. I ripped it all out and got a $60 bike pump with a built in gauge. It works just fine.

[Colo_Native]

wanderingbob wrote:
The volume of air is very small , a bicycle pump works well . On board compressor not necessary unless you must use it a lot ? Or you have money to burn .

X2 I use a bike pump easy to use and only cost $5.

[artman]

lacofdfireman wrote:
Curious how you determine the PSI to put in the airbags. I would think measuring the top of the wheel well unloaded then put your load in the back then remeasure then fill airbags until your back to stock height?

My air bag said rule of thumb is 1 psi per 50 pounds of load.
So add 2000 pin weight put 40 pounds of air.

I have 3/4 ton not sure if its different for 3500

[GWolfe]

I have manual fill on mine, I carry a cheap 12 compressor and use an adapter in the trailer plug on my truck to power it. Simple and easy. If I towed more an on board compressor would be nice.

[burningman]

Well I've had airbags on several different trucks, both manual-fill and onboard air.
I'd never go back to manual fill! The compressor setup isn't that expensive and it's nice to be able to dial the pressure wherever I want it, wherever I am - not just at home where the compressor is!
Sometimes I use the ability to raise or lower the rear of the truck to my advantage.
Sometimes I unhitch a trailer and drive without it and I don't want 70PSI in the bags and the tail up in the air... but I want all the air back in when I re-hook. No problem, just press the button.
A bike pump has a hard time making high pressure. Portable 12V compressors are clunky and tedious. Pressing a button and making your truck as soft or stiff as you want, any time, any place is pretty cool.

[vonzoog]

The only reason I bought airbags on the old truck was when I bought the new trailer it made the truck squat. My new truck is a dually and there is no issue. So why would You need airbags if it's not necessary.

[fj12ryder]

I put mine on to level the truck with the toyhauler hitched up, and to get it off the overloads. It only needs around 45psi to get the job done, and with the weight off the overloads the truck rides much smoother.

I had a lighter 5th wheel before this one and didn't need the bags so I didn't install any. KISS.

[lacofdfireman]

I don't mind paying extra if it's that much better. On the other hand sometimes I wonder if I really even need it. My fifth wheel pulls so good now. It's never been sketchy pulling it I was just always under the assumption that you should have them. Do you think there really that necessary if have no towing issues. Or are they more for fixing an existing problem?