Air ride

[Boss1]

Just bought a 2017 FR Wildcat 311RKS!!

I have a 2015 Ford F 150 XLT = 10,200 rating
Anti-sway system hitch rated at 10k

Wildcat= 6735+730 (hitch) + 2,795 (ccc) = 10,260

We travel lite=500 pds (150 just for my tools)= All in at about 8,000 for us.

Friend tells me to get a simple air ride for my truck to improve ride & safety= Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs...

Dealer says: The system isn't needed...

Unit is being built...I haven't pulled it yet...

Family has about an 800 mile trip planned. We camp a lot, but we don't pull the rv very often...= permanent spot at a campground...

Any opinions on your experience would be appreciated!!

[emm-dee]

I'm not familiar with the 150 suspension. But, air bags shouldn't hurt anything. You don't get increased weight carrying capacity and with a proper WD hitch you shouldn't need leveling. But, you will definitely get a big increase in stability. Everyone I know who has installed them mentions the reduction increase in lateral stability, even when not towing.

[Dmaster79]

I have the airlifts on my 2013 F150. Run about 30psi in them when towing my 26RR. Helped firm things up along with LT tires you can't go wrong.

[rmac04401]

I have firestone ride rite air bags wit LT tires. Helps a lot with any extra sag. I run about 40psi while towing. Provide much better handling. I have a 2002 f150.

[Seachaser186]

I am towing a similar setup, a Salem Hemisphere 282RKS and 2016 F-150 3.5 EB. This year I will be installing LT E load tires and upgrading to a Propride hitch. I was able to do it with the P tires and round bar WDH with friction sway controls but it was more white knuckle than I cared for. These trucks do have a sag issue when you hook up 900 lbs of tongue weight so I went with progressive helper springs.

[thestrangebrew]

I'm running airlifts pulling a 2014 233s with my 2014 F150 EB. Also have an Andersen WDH. It's great combination IMO. I usually drive with 10-15 psi when not hooked up and about 30 psi when towing. Next up when OEM tires wear out will be LT tires. I don't think you can go wrong with airbags, just don't expect them to transfer any weight (not what it's supposed to do).

[Sawtooth]

I installed Air Lifts in my 2014 Ram - coils just squat too much. Dont know about the Ford, but I'll tell ya - Wildwood 28RKSS (34 feet 7000#) doesn't wallow or sway and the ride is level.

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

I'm not familiar with the 150 suspension. But, air bags shouldn't hurt anything. You don't get increased weight carrying capacity and with a proper WD hitch you shouldn't need leveling. But, you will definitely get a big increase in stability. Everyone I know who has installed them mentions the reduction increase in lateral stability, even when not towing.

....and they last a long time too...

I installed the Firestone bag kit (with on board compressor) on my 1997 F350 in 1998 and they are still going strong.. no issues at all. Lets see, that is almost 20 years... Not a bad ROI in my opinion.

[Dwilcox]

I put bags and on board compressor on my 06 f-250 and hope I get that long out of them.