New to airbags - some questions....

[Flapper]

Ford F-150 SC, 4WD, HD Payload, Max Tow.

Just added Firestone air bags.

While I know a lot of the adjustment will be on my perception of the ride and truck level, what initial pressures do you recommend for a) no load (daily driver) and b) max. load of about 2100 (near rated capacity of truck)?

I'll be using a hand bicycle pump initially. Don't anticipate varying pressure much otherwise, except when camping. Any recommendations for a light 12v compressor to use for the bags as well as bicycles?

Will be stopping at many places for 3-4 day periods on the upcoming trip. Do you adjust pressure for times when you are off hitch, or just leave it?

[LIKE2BUILD]

Flapper wrote:
Ford F-150 SC, 4WD, HD Payload, Max Tow.

Just added Firestone air bags.

I'll be using a hand bicycle pump initially.

Do yourself a favor and get a 12V powered air compressor. You could also get an air chuck with built in gauge so you can easily see the pressure as you fill.

[Flapper]

So...if I put my handy carpenter level on the side rail of the bed, and pump her up when on hitch, that should be a good starting point?

BTW - the Firestone instructions say to run with a min. of 10lbs. I've done that for the last few days, and don't notice anything different from when it was stock....

[Cummins12V98]

Completely disagree with raising to "STOCK" HEIGHT. Truck should ride "level" with a load on so all your springs are doing their job. I would run 5psi empty on my 11 dually and it would increase to 30 just by hooking the 5er with 4,500# pin.

I see people running down the road truck AZZ high and RV nose high. Then they wonder why their ride is so bad.

[Grit_dog]

Sheesh, what's with running all the air when empty?
On HD pickups any air when empty is unnecessary. You'd have to jump the truck like the General Lee to even think about bottoming out the suspension and damaging the bags. And your kidneys will thank you if you don't!
20lbs in a f150 empty, same thing.

[elivi8]

I run 20 psi when empty. The key to air bags is to put the trailer on the truck then add air to raise the truck up to stock height. Then add the weight distribution. For my setup I need 70 PSI to raise back to level.

Ryan

[justafordguy]

I have airlift 5000 bags on both my trucks and run 10 psi while empty. When towing (2500 lbs pin) I run 55 psi in my f250 and 20 psi in my F350 DRW.

[pianotuna]

I run at 65 lbs.

[Brisk]

10psi empty and I would start at 25psi loaded and adjust from there. I left mine (old truck) filled while camping unless we would be driving a lot.

[schlep1967]

Camping season (mid April to mid October), tires aired up to max inflation and air bags at 20-22 lbs. Remember your suspension is still there. You do not need to support the whole load with the air bags. Once winter comes the tires get deflated to 40 psi and the bags to the 5 lb minimum.

[Colo_Native]

I keep about 10-12 psi all the time including towing, works for me

[BenK]

Firestone has had internal bumpers on their industrial air bags for decades and
am surprised that some for this app does not...

[WNYBob]

If you would have asked first I would have recommended Air-Lift's with an internal bumper, then you could have run 0 pressure when empty with no damage.

Regretfully I got mine just before they came out,

[donn0128]

5PSI empty.
Loaded could range anywhere from 45 to 70 PSI loaded depending on load.