what are good air bags

[tfdcc]

I've got a 2012 F250 CC 4x4 and I want to put air bags to assist with leveling my truck when loaded. What bags would you recommend, and would you get a compressor with them?

[cummins2014]

Miles Away wrote:
I have used "AIR LIFT" products on my last two trucks. They were an easy install and ran about $100 less than the Firestone product. If you hold them side by side, there isn't much difference in design and quality. I have never felt the need for an on-board compressor as it doubles the price of the unit, and is something else that can break. Since I only change the pressure in the airbags when towing, I'm only messing with them maybe once a month for five minutes or less. I have friends who have the Firestone brand and are happy with them. None of them use the on-board compressor.

I have the compressor, and have had no problems, if you never had a compressor then I doubt you know the benefit's of having one. I wouldn't be without one. I was happy with just the airbags, and a lot more happy when I installed the compressor, some like the hassle of dealing with an outside air source, I didn't . Push of a switch to inflate ,push of a switch to deflate. You will never know how nice it is to change pressure for different road conditions, unless of course you want to stop ,and experiment with pressure.

[nremtp143]

Firestone Ride-Rites here with a Viair 10007 a onboard air system that I installed myself in about a days time. I now have air anywhere I have the truck and can also adjust my airbags on the fly when road conditions dictate. Here is the link to the write up Viair Install

[Miles_Away]

I have used "AIR LIFT" products on my last two trucks. They were an easy install and ran about $100 less than the Firestone product. If you hold them side by side, there isn't much difference in design and quality. I have never felt the need for an on-board compressor as it doubles the price of the unit, and is something else that can break. Since I only change the pressure in the airbags when towing, I'm only messing with them maybe once a month for five minutes or less. I have friends who have the Firestone brand and are happy with them. None of them use the on-board compressor.

[RVing_Photograp]

I have Firestone air bags on my 2007 Tundra and pull a fifth wheel. Works great. No compressor on mine, just fill them before hooking up and I carry a small filled air tank in the cargo bay in case I need to adjust when traveling.

[dadwolf2]

I have Firestone bags and installed them myself. Initially didn't have the compressor. Couple years later I installed AirLift's remote control/compressor system. I really encourage you to get the compressor right away. You can ballpark it without the compressor but I really like being able to adjust it while on the road. You really get a good feel of what is the right pressure plus sometimes conditions change and you can easily change with it this way.

You want to have the bags plumbed separately.

[Cummins12V98]

PacBrake air bags, in cab controls, 2.5 gallon air tank and air horns.

Top quality!

[mdamerell]

I went with the Firestone Ride-Rites. Tied both air line together in a common fill valve at the back bumper and use a bike pump to air them up. They don't need much air so a couple of pumps and I'm good to go. There are two style for the Firestone, one with a gooseneck/5th wheel hitch and one without. So get the right one. Run about 8# (5# min) when empty and pump it up to 18# before I set the trailer on it.

We were about a 1/4" off the overload springs and so air bags gave me back that clearance to the overloads and much improved the ride.

[64thunderbolt]

I have firestones with cab controls. Comp is in my toolbox in the bed. Better ride and makes drop & hook a breeze.

[Bedlam]

popeyemth wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
I'm happy with my Firestone bags with no compressor.

X2 for $300 bucks I can add air mine don't leak down they have worked fine
Good Luck, Mike

x3

Firestone sells two kits: One mounts under your rail and replaces your axle bump stop for fifth wheel applications, The other mounts to the outside of the frame and sits on top of your leaf pack. Neither kit requires drilling and is a clean bolt on application.

[a64armt]

I'm not sure one air bag is significantly better than another brand. However, some kits will bolt in a little easier or with your other aftermarket equipment (5th wheel hitch).

I spent quite a bit of time researching brands, warranties, kits and compressors. Today I ordered Air lift's 5000 series ultimate (built in bump stops) and their wireless compressor set up. The internal bump stop allows you to run zero air pressure. Most air bags require at least 5psi to prevent damage to the air bags. I have heard that even wih only 5psi, air bags can give a harsher ride when running a truck empty.

Air lift will warranty their bags if you use their smart air compressor system as well.

Also, air lift has a $50 rebate on their bags and air compressors until 10/31.

I have a 2008 F250 CC 6.5' bed 4x4.

I'm not sure if this helps.

OJ

[Peg_Leg]

I put Air-Lift Super Springs on my old 97. The boy still has it. They must be at least 12 yrs old and never a problem. I took a load leveler compressor from a old Buick and mounted it in the right rear wheel well, nasty location, it still works. A couple of flow control valves and gauges, a check valve and a regulator. Being able to adjust on the move is the only way to go, lets you fine tune the ride.

[C_Schomer]

I have FS and I've had airlift. Both double bellow and no problems. I've seen single bellows but I wouldn't want them. I also have air-adjust rancho 9000s and a PRXB e-brake so compressor/in-cab controls was a no-brainer. I love every part of it! Craig

[Hondavalk]

Firestone here also

[turbopilot51]

fj12ryder wrote:
I'm happy with my Firestone bags with no compressor.

I guess I'm getting lazy. I like sitting in my truck and inflating or deflating my air bags from the driver's seat.