On Board Air Compressors

When I bought our truck used, it already had airbags on it, but I don't know what brand. I bought an Air Lift onboard compressor kit and added it to the system. I'm very happy with it, works great.

After I hook up, I pump more air into the airbags with the push of a button in the driver's compartment, while I watch the gauge to get the pressure I want. Then before I unhook our TT, I lower the pressure. Also can add or remove air on the fly while driving. I would recommend the Air Lift system.

If ALL you do is fill the bags, there is none. If you do anything else, the tank acts as a buffer for the compressor. Like when filling tires, a pressure switch turns the compressor on and off to maintain 100-120 psi in the tank, you use whatever is needed to fill a tire. The lighter plug compressors attach to the tire, then you turn them on and leave them on until the tire is at the correct pressure, then you turn it off. With bike tires the tank fills them all without needing the compressor to cycle, pool toys (small) need more then the tank holds, but the tank does most of the work with the compressor finishing. A tank also gives you the ability to run air tools (impact, air jack, etc). The compressor can't by itself run those, but the compressor can fill the tank , run the tool for 5 seconds, then the compressor runs for 20-60 seconds refilling the tank before running the tool again. Useful for tire changes on the road. I have an air powered bottle jack for tire changes as well.

What's the advantage of having an Air Tank

I burned up a firestone compressor on a road trip. Really bad because I have an air suspension, with auto level valves. I replaced it with a pair of Viair compressors - if one fails the other keeps chugging along. I think it is a 2 or 2.5 gallon tank. The compressed air is useful for toys and tires away from home as well as the airbags.

I have the Firestone air bags on my truck with frame mounted compressor and extra tank. I only use about 30 psi at most, but I'm not hauling as much as you.

Best part is raising and lowering from the inside the truck, while still or moving.
Also raising high, lowering the trailer tongue jack under no load, then releasing air is fast and simple to unhook, or to hook up.