Use of air bags

[fjrjohnny]

I have a F350 with the truck camper certification. Prior to purchasing a used Lance 915, I installed an air bag kit, thinking that it would be needed.

When the TC was installed for the first time, the truck's over-ride leaf springs didn't touch the bracket on the frame, but did come within an inch or so. The salesman commented that the air bags weren't needed for this particular set-up, but added some air to them anyway. I think that he was trying make me feel good about installing them!

Since that time, I have always added 30 pounds or so of air in the bags because the instructions indicate that the must be a minimum amount of air in them.

When driving down the road, I find that the truck tends to rock back and forth a bit. I was wondering if I would be better off allowing the truck to ride on its own suspension (leaf springs) rather that's assisting with the air bags.

Any suggestions or experience with this condition?

Thanks!

[AnEv942]

fjrjohnny wrote:
About 3/4 to 1".

? Betweeen the top and bottom brackets? I have airlifts-I dont recall actual number needed just to install the bags, more like 7" or 9"? Im pretty sure with no air the distance would still be considerably more than an 1", . Something doesnt sound right, I would think with less weight you need less air- but unless your inflated distance is different than mine thats a lot of compression.
I run 80-85psi loaded 5-10psi empty, overloads only come into play if Im way off camber or huge hit to suspension.

[fjrjohnny]

Thanks again to everyone!

[billtex]

You want to inflate your airbags to the point just prior to lifting off the overloads. Each side may require different psi.
If you go too far off the over loads-you will be bouncy.

If you are not contacting the over loads-like the OP- then you would want over load extenders.

Shocks and swaybars may add enhanced damping/handling above and beyond this.

B

[Coastal_Wandere]

I would consider a good solid heavy duty sway bar. I upgraded the one on my truck and the handling is much better.

[ab257]

I have a F350 camper certified that originally had airbags. I think the major purpose is to level out side to side sag (one side heavier than the other). They don't seem to help the ride at all.

I added Stablelifts and Bielstein shocks, and they greatly improved the bounce in the ride, but still have problems on older concrete roads with seams and on some bridges. Still keep 90 psig on one side and 40 on the other. After reading the above, will try deflating them to 10 psig and see if it affects bounce.

The 08 350 4WD dually has a rear sway bar, and it looks like Helwig doesn't make an upgraded one for that model.

[sleekcrafter]

I just removed my stablelift's when I added the new Big Wig rear swaybar. I run air bags at 40 psi, and have no problems @ 3800 lbs. Unloaded the stablelifts would slap the overload spring, around town.... a bit annoying.

[fjrjohnny]

About 3/4 to 1".

[BradW]

fjrjohnny wrote:
Here is what I have decided to try. I can't go wrong keeping the airbags. They would be useful if I ever get a heavier camper, can use them as is for leveling at the campsite and going down the road, and can help to keep the truck at the right attitude. Based upon what most have offered, I will add the Stabile Loads and replace my shocks.

With your camper loaded and 0 pressure in the airbags, how much clearance do you have top and bottom airbag brackets? You may not have enough clearance to air them down enough to fully engage the stablelifts. You may have to remove the airbags to take full advantage of the stableloads and your oem overload springs.

[fjrjohnny]

Here is what I have decided to try. I can't go wrong keeping the airbags. They would be useful if I ever get a heavier camper, can use them as is for leveling at the campsite and going down the road, and can help to keep the truck at the right attitude. Based upon what most have offered, I will add the Stabile Loads and replace my shocks.

[skipbee]

I have found that the most useful aspect of our airbags is to level from side to side. Also after the air bag installation the addition of adjustable Rancho Shocks reduced the sway to almost nothing. We also found that air pressures in the range of 40 to 65 psi worked best for us. The shocks also help with the variations from loaded to unloaded, softening the ride as needed.

[HMS_Beagle]

I don't know what brand you have, but Firestone at least recommends only 5 lbs minimum pressure. I keep only 5 or 10 psi in mine, thinking about removing them as they reduce suspension travel by 30-50%. If you don't use them, they are a liability.

[Butch50]

Most likely if you you just let down the air in the bags till you are on your overloads you well have people flashing their lights at you when you drive at night. It well most likely put you headlights out of adjustment unless you aim them for when the the camper is on the truck. On my F350 I really didn't need the air bags but they are nice leveling from side to side as my camper is heavier on one side.

When I installed my stable loads I just soaped the pads down with a solution of water and soap and used a big screw driver and poped the pads right out of the slot. Now my truck rides on the stable loads and it is very stable and level.

[BradW]

fjrjohnny wrote:
Thanks for your responses. I will first try different pressures, and will include lowering the air to bring the overloads back into play. Sounds like I should be considering Stabiloads either way.

How much rear sag are you willing to live with? With airbags, you can bring the rear of the truck up. With non-adjustable overload springs, spacers, etc, you will have significant rear sag.

[billtex]

That is a lite camper for a 1 ton, as you found out you are not even contacting the overloads so you likely do not NEED air bags. As mentioned the over load extenders, in your case, would be the better option.

You have a couple of options;
* You do need to maintain ~ 10psi min to prevent damage to the bags (less psi = less sway also)
*install overload extenders in addition to above

If I were you, I would add the overload extenders and keep the bags as they will still be helpful side2side leveling.Usually Folks are over loaded and need suspension aids, in your case you are too light and not contacting the overloads. This, in combination with too great psi in the airbags, is likely contributing to sway. Add the overload extenders,start with min psi (10 psi one side, and more on the other if needed to level side2side. At vey least 10 psi both bags).

Good luck, Bill