air shocks or air bags

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by transamz9

Sounds like a Ford ad.

If you are so confident about the Ford rear springs, put you a roll of wire in the bed and run the track they did in the Dodge. Notice they didn't show the Ford running it.

Here you go. It's a longer video that shows other tests but if you want to "fast forward" it to about 5'30" thru about 7'45" you can see all of the brands go through the payload stability test. It is obviously Ford advertising and some of the language is therefore "unfortunate and slanted" but some of the tests are interesting and perhaps informative. Whether you buy into it or not is of course up to you. I suppose we should get back to the actual topic by the OP here! Sorry for the side-track.

2009 Ford F-150, Mike Rowe compares the competition - YouTube

[Rest and Relax]

Originally Posted by bsmall

since the concerns of safety was brought up, i checked with the manufacturer regarding the safety aspects associated with using a single fill line or independent air lines.

ok, firestone technician said that as far roll you won't even notice it. He said you have to remember you're not driving a nascar vehicle and you're in a 1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton truck. You're not putting your suspension into that drastic of a lean at very high speeds which would likely to induce weight rolling. He further said that while towing especially with a fifth wheel the weight of the trailer is somewhat isolated and it pivots at the pin/fifth wheel receiver and not distributed that unevenly from one side to another. He also said they do not recommend the single line on trucks that are hauling an in the bed large camper. He said sometimes the weight of these campers tend to be heavier on one side and could lean toward the heavy side, so the independent line to fill the heavy side up is used.
he said that he fields many calls like this one from members on forums think you're going to get an large volume of air escaping from one bag to the other with a single line utilizing the t.

so basically i am not worried about it one bit. However, everyone has their own opinions and that's fine. If you feel better running two lines, and it makes you feel safer, then run the second line.

i agree totally as i drive a big rig and air suspension
is all controlled by one line and have never seen more
than one pressure regulator to ajust the air.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by bsmall

He also said they do not recommend the single line on trucks that are hauling an in the bed large camper. He said sometimes the weight of these campers tend to be heavier on one side and could lean toward the heavy side, so the independent line to fill the heavy side up is used.

But doesn't this kind of support Crocus's point? When conditions get more extreme there could be a reaction between the 2 sides? This may actually be a bigger concern for a slide in camper with a high center of gravity than it would be for a 5th wheel? Probably not normally a worry but maybe in an emergency maneuver?

[bsmall]

This was a reply from someone else regarding the single line running both air bags. "I think one of the things you need to keep in mind is that this is a secondary system is as such is not going to experiance as much of a issue with air moving side to side."

[crocus]

Didn't mean to start a "my hose is better than your hose" debate!
I am a structural engineer, and we tend to always lean towards the side of caution. Occupational hazard!

[bsmall]

Originally Posted by crocus

Didn't mean to start a "my hose is better than your hose" debate!
I am a structural engineer, and we tend to always lean towards the side of caution. Occupational hazard!

I didn't take it that you started anything Crocus, all opinions are good with me. That's what makes these kind of sites so great.

[transamz9]

I am putting bags under my '05 Ram but I am going totally air. I will not have steel springs at all. The system I'm going with has a valve for each bag. I'm doing the install right now so can't give you any opinions yet.

[crocus]

transam, I assume you realise that if you cut an air bag you will have no suspension at all?

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by transamz9

I am putting bags under my '05 Ram but I am going totally air. I will not have steel springs at all. The system I'm going with has a valve for each bag. I'm doing the install right now so can't give you any opinions yet.

Is that something you are having fabricated? Or is there a kit manufacturer out there doing that?

[gtkato]

Air Bags can be rated for over 5000 lbs, and are adjustable (giving you the correct height when loaded, and can be deflated when not under load) ie. Firestone 'Ride Rites'
Air Bags with HD gas shocks (ie Bilstien, or Rancho 9000XL) will also help with handling. I have used Rancho 9000XL on my previous Dodge and loved them. The ranchos are also adjustable according to loads on the rear. The ranchos were the best upgrades for handling on my previous Dodge. Both will help your Dodge 1500 You may want to add some Super Springs also (They only engage under heavy load so you have a softer ride when not under load).

[DF5.4]

Originally Posted by crocus

transam, I assume you realise that if you cut an air bag you will have no suspension at all?

My Expedition has the rear air suspension. No steel springs, just bags.

[acadianbob]

Bilstein makes a fabulous shock absorber!

[wneise]

Tranzams9, the reason I put that on was Dodge's recommendation not to tow a 5er.

[JFM-jr]

Originally Posted by transamz9

I am putting bags under my '05 Ram but I am going totally air. I will not have steel springs at all. The system I'm going with has a valve for each bag. I'm doing the install right now so can't give you any opinions yet.

Whats going to hold the rear axle in the truck? I put the Ride Rites in my '04 took no time to install and will hold 5K pound wich is almost 5X the payload rating for my truck.

[transamz9]

Here is the kit I just put on my truck. I know I'm going to get some slack from people but this is going to be great. Ride like a 1/2 ton when unloaded but still carry the 3/4 ton weight.

4LK 2003-2010 DODGE R2500,R3500 2WD/4WD SINGLE & DUALLY, & 1500 Mega Cab New Body 100% Bolt-On Frame 4Link Note: Exhaust may have to be re-routed on some trucksShip Raw unless upgraded to Powdercoat

[transamz9]

Originally Posted by crocus

transam, I assume you realise that if you cut an air bag you will have no suspension at all?

Unhook air line, remove four 3/8" bolts and old airbag is out in with a new. I've been driving big trucks for a long time and have never had a bag go. The big truck I drive now has over 500,000 miles on it and it is a heavy hauler (require 98,000# permit). I will have a spare bag in the truck with me just in case along with extra air fittings.

[JFM-jr]

Judging from that link you own a 1500 "MEGACAB" and if thats the case most on here wont realize that your truck is only a 1/2 ton in name. The Megacab 1500 has a 3/4 ton chassis (2500 series) solid front axle and all the one and only component on that Megacab that is from a 1500 series truck is the leaf springs in the back. Basically put a set of 2500 series rear leaf springs in a Megacab (and remove the "1500" from the door lol) and it's a full fledged 3/4 ton. I have no idea why Dodge even classified that truck as a half ton. That kit is expensive but looks pretty sweet.

[transamz9]

Originally Posted by JFM-jr

Judging from that link you own a 1500 "MEGACAB" and if thats the case most on here wont realize that your truck is only a 1/2 ton in name. The Megacab 1500 has a 3/4 ton chassis (2500 series) solid front axle and all the one and only component on that Megacab that is from a 1500 series truck is the leaf springs in the back. Basically put a set of 2500 series rear leaf springs in a Megacab (and remove the "1500" from the door lol) and it's a full fledged 3/4 ton. I have no idea why Dodge even classified that truck as a half ton. That kit is expensive but looks pretty sweet.

The kit in the link will fit all of the trucks stated in the link. Where they get you is that on the QC SB trucks like mine the front 4-link mount that is added to carry the lower link has to be welded on. So much for the "100% bolt on" they state in the ad. LOL It also states that some trucks may have to relocate the exhaust. I didn't have to on my truck but I had to move 2 brake lines, axle vent and e-brake cable.

One more thing that I am working on right now is that the air fittings that they ship with the system are cheap and junk so I am replacing all of them. Switches are cheap also. I'm going to use them for now because I am getting ready for my first week long trip of the year and I want to make sure I have all the important stuff bullet proof first.

[baldy]

Just put the firestone air bags in my dad's 06 Burb LTZ. It has air shocks and coils all stock. Install was fairly easy. Just have to hook up the trailer. Puffed them up to the max 25 psi and went for a drive. Rode like a truck instead of the Burb feel.

[JFM-jr]

Originally Posted by baldy

Just put the firestone air bags in my dad's 06 Burb LTZ. It has air shocks and coils all stock. Install was fairly easy. Just have to hook up the trailer. Puffed them up to the max 25 psi and went for a drive. Rode like a truck instead of the Burb feel.

The Firestone Ride Rites I have in my truck allow up to 100psi