Posted 2007-06-27 9:25 PM (#2007) Subject: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 17
Location: Ft. Lawn, South Carolina
Looking for some comments (pro/con) about the air suspension system for the rear of a truck.....I have a 1999 Ford F-350 SD 4 x 4 dually and just bought a new trailer with 10' LQ. Any and all advice welcome. (The one I looked at was by Firestone)
Posted 2007-06-28 4:53 AM (#2008 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 41
If you are talking about air bags, I have had them onthe last three trucks I've owned. Put about 200,000 mile on each one with no problems. I just bought a new 3500 and drove it two week then off to the shop for air bags! You can get them with "nipples" on the bumper to air them up but I go ahead and pay the extra for the compresser, just mash a button to go up or down. I keep about 20lbs in mine all the time and it sure helps the ride!
Posted 2007-06-28 7:58 AM (#2009 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 96
i too have the air bag system in my truck. it came with the truck when i purchased it last august. [the truck is a 3/4 ton chevy duramax.] i pull a sundowner 30 ft with lq and it's a three horse. i can tell you honestly that i love the air bag system, it makes a huge difference in pulling. i also have the compressor with the two gauges and keep mine at about 20 on each one. good luck with your purchase.
Posted 2007-06-28 11:39 AM (#2010 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 29
Location: Northern CA
I just bought the Firestone air bag system with compressor...going to install it myself. The only thing that looks like a pain is the airlines, otherwise it appears to be a bolt on application. I have heard so many positive reports on this system, that I can't wait to get mine installed!
Posted 2007-06-28 3:40 PM (#2012 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 10
Location: Charleston SC
I purchased the Air-Lift kit and paid $385.00 and that included the in cab air gague and compressor system. I did the install myself in about four hours.
Posted 2007-06-29 7:05 AM (#2014 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 216
Location: Northern IN.
I put a set of the Firestones on one of our rigs. Just the plain-jane version, no pump or guages. Set mine up so that the valve stem assemblies for filling are on either side of my rear license plate, up toward the top. Works just fine for us. I believe we ended up getting ours to the ranch for about $250.oo. Just make sure to order the right set, cause there are some differences in trucks and years, and such. Good luck, it will be money well spent!
Posted 2007-06-29 2:19 PM (#2015 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 15
Location: Elizabethtown, Kentucky
I recomend air bags to all my customers who buy a larger trailer. I have a set on my 1/2 ton to pull my little 3 horse with a 4ft shortwall, it makes a huge difference... I would definatly get the compressor set-up, I didnt on mine and wish I had.. I drive alot of different trucks and every other truck has had the compressor and its just convienent...
Posted 2007-07-01 8:31 AM (#2016 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 17
Location: Ft. Lawn, South Carolina
Thanks everyone for your comments!! Absolutely EVERYONE sings the praises of the air bags..sooooooooooo..getting them installed on Thursday!!!!!! I'm very particular about my "stuff" and do everyting I can to take care of things properly......I didn't want to put something like "helper springs" (added leaf) on because it was cheaper and then down the road want to kick myself! I feel good about spending the extra money...... Thanks again...gotta go ride now!!!
Posted 2007-07-02 11:10 AM (#2017 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 95
Location: missouri
We have airbags on two of our trucks. On the new Ford dsl/dually we also chipped it w 80 HP so our huge trailer feels like pulling popcorn instead of dead weight. I highly recomend both... however, if it is not all paid for you may want to check on warranty issues.
Posted 2007-07-03 7:56 AM (#2018 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 142
Location: El Paso, Texas
We would not pull a LQ trailer without them. I have them and love it. I borrowed my buddies tyruck a couple of weeks ago because mine was in the shop. He dont have air bags and what a difference, his truck (same exact truck as mine) squatted in the rear and made for a bouncy ride the whole way.
Posted 2007-12-31 11:04 AM (#2206 - in reply to #2007) Subject: RE: Truck rear air suspension systems
Posts: 21
Location: Summerfield, NC
Hi I also have the Firestone Ride Rite air bags on my F250. They ride great, but I have a question for the experts on this site. They appear to lose air if my truck sits parked for a week or so. I do not have the gauges in the cab or compressor. I have the manual fill valve at the license plate. I had the air lines checked and replaced. (I purchased them in Ohio at Congress) and once I got home to NC had the airlines replaced. The air bags will hold 50 or 60 lbs while pulling my trailer, they just deflate once the trailer is parked. So it appears the problem is not corrected. Thanks for your help.
Truck rear air suspension systems
