Air Bags / WDH

[sheehast]

I just purchased the Air Lift 1000 Air Bags to tow a 2015 Salem 27DBUD. Since this will be my first experience with the air bags, I'm wondering if you guys can give me the low down on on three things;

1. air pressure (what psi w/wo TT)
2. if an on board compressor is the way to go
3. and if make modifications with your WDH (I use the Andersen WDH).

TV is 2012 Ram 1500
3.92

[fast murray]

1. I'd use a little trial and error to see where you like the loaded psi. I ran mine at 65-70 when towing our Wildcat with a 2008 Ram 1500. I'd run 10-15 unloaded as the instructions on the bags said to run at least 10 which is unnoticeable.


2. I didn't have an onboard compressor and can't say I missed it. I aired up when I hooked up to go and aired back down when I unhooked at home. I had the air valves by the rear license plate which was pretty handy.

[sheehast]

fast murray, did you just fill up with air compressor at home? I have a smaller pancake compressor. I was thinking the same as what you did as well about running the lines to the license plate.

[Miller303KDS]

Look at the air lift instructions. I had them on my 2009 Ram 1500. I believe max psi was 35. I ran 35psi in the bags when hooked to the TT. I ran 5-10psi unloaded.


2014 Coachmen Catalina 303KDS
2014 RAM 2500

[sheehast]

Does the normal WDH you have play into this at all? do you hook up in one order or another.

[fast murray]

Yes I did it at home. Your pancake compressor will do fine, there's really no volume there. They air up really fast, way faster than a bike tire.

[Zolin]

I would not bother with any auto inflator. You will likely not need much air with your setup. I would guess your TW is less than 600-700 lbs so your WDH should accommodate this. I installed firestone bags on my 2010 f150 4x4 20 inch wheels. As it turns out, the 980 lbs of my tongue and 100 lb hitch still does not require much more than 20 lbs of air to raise it 3/4 of an inch. The more air you put in, the less load your bars will have, at least that's what I read. I run my bags at the minimum of 5 psi when unloaded, but then again I don't carry much in the back anyway.

[sheehast]

Zolin, do you notice much help then from the air bags?

[comfun1]

I had an f150 that I pulled a fifth wheel with. I added air until the truck was level, didn't take much. Kept the headlights out of the trees.

[lickem66]

I too have Firestone Ride-Rites and installed the valves in rear bumper area, actually the plate my trailer lights/brake plug is in. I don't inflate with a compressor since it takes so little volume to get to the 20 lbs I use in them when towing. I can pump them using a bike pump from 5 lbs to 20 lbs in about 5-6 pumps each side.

[mark0224]

Well this answers my other new add on that's coming. Only question I have left is how difficult is the install? Fairly handy at doing things like this so I don't envision a lot of difficulty.

[ChooChooMan74]

I have firestone bags. I don't use much air, about 12psi, but they make a difference. But, get an auto inflator to maintain the minimum 5psi. Easily overlooked in the winter, and I am replacing my bags in a few weeks.

[rblack22]

I have the same bags with an onboard as well as the connections in the rear in case the compressor ever craps out. Sure is nice having the ability to inflate and deflate while driving over different terrain without stopping and breaking a sweat and wasting precious drive time.

[The Crow 1994]

Air Lift 1000's

Max psi - 35
Min psi - 5

I run mine between 8-12 psi when empty on my Ram 1500. I have the Air Lift Wireless One System and absolutely love the ability to adjust the psi in the bags on the fly. I've got the wireless remote programmed for the max psi and min psi for each memory button.

[sheehast]

I had been thinking about just using a pancake compressor before i leave home before a trip, and then using hand/food inflator if needed on the road. Sure does sound nice and handy to have that in the cab of the truck though. Was that an easy install? Did you do yourself?

[rblack22]

Pops did it, real simple directions.

[lickem66]

Originally Posted by mark0224

Well this answers my other new add on that's coming. Only question I have left is how difficult is the install? Fairly handy at doing things like this so I don't envision a lot of difficulty.

The ride-rite install was pretty easy. took me about 1.5 hours or so. The first one took the longest then once I had it figured out the other side was quick. In the winter (or anytime for that matter) I check the airbags for minimum pressure when I check my tire pressures, once a month. Just part of the maintenance. If there is a drastic drop in temp, then I just check real quick for 5 lb minimums. No biggy.
Also, when you change or rotate your wheels and tires, or any time you jack up the back of the truck, I use a bottle jack to avoid full suspension sag by putting a little lift on the axle. Some say full sag can damage the bags.

[Stormrider151]

I have the ultimate 5000 bags on my truck and usually run about 15 to 20 lbs when towing. My TW loaded is 1050 lbs. but my WD hitch keeps everything level. I use the bags to help with ride quality. The 27DBUD is a very nose heavy trailer and the ride was pretty harsh. The bags helped with that a lot. As far as an on board compressor I never saw the need. If I was adjusting pressure everyday that would be one thing. But every now and then just doesn't justify the expense.

[1l243]

I have the Air Lift 5000 they inflate to a higher PSI than the 1000/s... I ran the air lines out by the real license plate, one for each bag. I did not go with the onboard air compressor. I use the Craftsman 19.2 portable air inflator. I also use the Craftsman 19.2 drill for raising and lower my stabilizer jacks so it works out pretty well.

Click on this
Sears.com

The max psi for the 1000's is 35psi. I would measure the distance from the top of your rear wheel well to the ground without the trailer loaded. I would load the trailer and set the WDH and measure again and see where your at.. I would add PSI up to 35 lbs till the truck raises to or close to the first measurement..

My bags were not a total plug and play I had to drill some holes took me about 3/4 hours...Your setup may be different..

[Zolin]

Sheehast, can't really tell much of a diff. They were not too difficult to install, maybe 2 hrs tops. I was concerned about my nearly 1 k hitch weight so installed to save my shocks and leaf springs. I can run 12-15 psi while towing and it does seem to help damper bumpy roads or interstates with constant expansion joints in the concrete. I noticed that for every 20 psi it will raise the rear by 3/4 of an inch. The air goes in super easy, even with a common bicycle pump. My WDH probably would have been sufficient to avoid the sag but I just added them for extra insurance and to put an extra buffer in there for my leafs and rear shocks. These Firestone airbags are extremely durable and have a lot of expansion capability. Hope this helps.