Forum Discussion

Flapper's avatar
Flapper
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016

New to airbags - some questions....

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?
Tow Vehicles
  • LIKE2BUILD's avatar
    LIKE2BUILD
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2016
    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's avatar
    Flapper
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2016
    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's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Sep 01, 2016
    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's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Sep 01, 2016
    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's avatar
    elivi8
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    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's avatar
    justafordguy
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    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.
  • Brisk's avatar
    Brisk
    Explorer II
    Aug 31, 2016
    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's avatar
    schlep1967
    Nomad
    Aug 31, 2016
    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.

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