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08-10-2008, 09:44 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
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Is anyone using airbags?
Hi Guys
Looking for advise on purchasing rear airbags, will it make a difference? Info T/V 08 GMC 2500 Sierra CC Diesel, towing 08 Silverback 5th with 5th Airborne coupler. Hitch weight loaded 2159 lbs. Hoping to level the T/V better and reduce or eliminate the jouncing and chucking that I am experiencing.
Thanks guys
Coop
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08-11-2008, 06:35 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southwest Alabama
Posts: 9,850
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I don't have them personally but know several who do. Most use the firestone bags. It'll definitely help the leveling and maybe the "jouncing" but I'm not sure the chucking is gonna get any better with them. That hitch is an anti-chucking hitch so I'm not sure what's going on there. Check your hitch for wear and fit and make sure it's adjusted properly. The 5th Airborne has an adjustable "air spring" make sure it's adjusted properly too.
__________________
Salem 29RKSS Pushing a GMC Sierra 2500HD!
Gotta go campin!
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08-11-2008, 07:10 AM
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#3
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Biker trash
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Hiltons VA
Posts: 82
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This is only my 2nd year of pulling a camper. I just put a set of air bag's on my truck this year. They work great for leveling. I never had any other handeling trouble with my set up. My brother uses the same bags that I do. Made by air lift. I think I paid $219 on ebay. That's just for the bags not the auto leveling set up.
__________________
2006 32 SRV Forest River toy hauler.
2007 Chevy Duramax LT.
1989 Harley FXSTS.
Garage full of RC planes
Bella female Boston, Nick male Great Dane Boxer mix.
two girls all grown up.
Wife of 26 years, without her all of the above would be just a dream.
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08-11-2008, 01:55 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
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I tow an ultra lite that only has ~400 lbs hitch weight.
Then sometimes I add a 500 LB motorcycle in the back of the truck.
Then sometimes I add motorcycle AND a bunch of fire wood....
I have airlift air bags and they do a GREAT job of leveling my truck.
They were easy to install but I didn't go for the on-board air pump.
I just pump them up with a bicycle pump or my home compressor.
They don't seem to help with that bouncy rocky horse feel though (sigh)....
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
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01-22-2009, 04:37 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6
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I just bought Air bags. I havn't installed them yet on my 2008 chevy duramax. I went with Airlift.
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01-22-2009, 08:18 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 74
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I have a 2000 Excursion 7.3L PSD with firestone airbags. I tow heavy 12K+ and they do a great job at leveling the vehicle. I did not go for the on board air pump i just check the bags before each tow and use the home compressor or if at the camp site I cary a 2-gallon compressor with us.
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01-23-2009, 07:08 AM
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#7
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CLASS "A" Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upperco, Maryland
Posts: 3,136
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I installed a set of Firestone Air Springs on my motorhome and it really helped with the rocky feeling when a 18 wheeler goes by. They really helped to improve the ride. I keep my curbside springs at about 10 lbs higher than the roadside to help balance the feel for the low side of the road. I don't feel like I'm constantly correcting the steering as I go down the road anymore.They are definitely worth the expense.
__________________
2007 Georgetown 370TS
aka - RAYNMKR
Driver: Charlie
Navigator: Sheri
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01-26-2009, 11:06 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,630
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The airbags will level your truck with the 5`er attached. I use Air Lift air bags. if your still having problems with "chucking" with the 5th Airborne then you have some other issues going on.
__________________
2012 Georgetown XL 350TS, Hellwig front/rear sway bars, Sumo Springs, Blue OX True Center steering damper
2013 Ford Explorer LTD toad, Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP><Tow Brake
Better to have a bad day of camping than a good day at work!
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01-30-2009, 11:24 AM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 71
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I installed a set of Airlift air bags, and the have been great for me. I mainly use them when we bring the golf cart with us.
__________________
2007 Forest River Cherokee 30F
* 14K Equal-i-zer hitch
* TST tire pressure monitor
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax
* 4" MBRP exhaust
* AFE stage2 air intake kit
* Hypertech III, set on stage1
* back-up camera
* Putnam XDR class V hitch receiver
* Airlift air bags
2004 EZGO custom electric golf cart
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01-31-2009, 11:34 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Enumclaw, WA
Posts: 2,615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfsoistman
I installed a set of Firestone Air Springs on my motorhome and it really helped with the rocky feeling when a 18 wheeler goes by. They really helped to improve the ride. I keep my curbside springs at about 10 lbs higher than the roadside to help balance the feel for the low side of the road. I don't feel like I'm constantly correcting the steering as I go down the road anymore.They are definitely worth the expense.
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Awesome! I had installed air springs on our old motorhome just before we sold it and the difference was incredible. Going over a twisty mountain pass close to home was much nicer as they helped to control the swaying of the rig. When we ordered our new GT378 I looked into them but I could not find any. Due to cfsoistman's post I found them! Happy Happy Joy Joy, I'm going to order a set......
Thanks cfsoistman....
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01-31-2009, 05:37 PM
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#11
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CLASS "A" Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upperco, Maryland
Posts: 3,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NWJeeper
Awesome! I had installed air springs on our old motorhome just before we sold it and the difference was incredible. Going over a twisty mountain pass close to home was much nicer as they helped to control the swaying of the rig. When we ordered our new GT378 I looked into them but I could not find any. Due to cfsoistman's post I found them! Happy Happy Joy Joy, I'm going to order a set......
Thanks cfsoistman....
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I'm glad it helped you out. I'd like to take credit for thinking of it but the credit goes to Gary Bunzer, THE RV DOCTOR, I spoke with him after a seminar at the 2007 Hershey RV Show and he highly recommended it to me.
__________________
2007 Georgetown 370TS
aka - RAYNMKR
Driver: Charlie
Navigator: Sheri
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01-31-2009, 10:16 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Enumclaw, WA
Posts: 2,615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfsoistman
I'm glad it helped you out. I'd like to take credit for thinking of it but the credit goes to Gary Bunzer, THE RV DOCTOR, I spoke with him after a seminar at the 2007 Hershey RV Show and he highly recommended it to me.
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cfsoistman,
Does your set have one or two air springs per side. I went to Firestone's web site today and did a search for 2008 F53 Chassis. Because the 37' Georgetowns are built on the 22000-26000 GVWR chassis the kit that comes up for it has 2 springs per side in the rear. The kit for the smaller chassis is only one as it was with our older 31' Fleetwood. The kit is for up to 2009 model year which ours is considered but the chassis in all actuality is probably a 2008.
I can't find the kit online anywhere to get a price but I would have to assume over $400 due to the extra bags.
One plus I can see is that the air compressor that Firestone has for the bags is the same one used with the air horns I just installed so all I need is the switches and gauges to be able to fill them from my seat.
I can't wait to get a set on my rig, they make such a big difference.
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02-01-2009, 02:05 PM
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#13
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 10,525
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I also have the air lift airbags.
I occasionally haul a 450 LB motorcycle in the back.
I almost always haul firewood right on the tail end.
The air lifts allow me to level my truck when it's loaded
heavy. They also allow me to haul "stuff".
Example-- one time I went to our local land fill where they were selling
pick up truck loads of compost- mostly composted leaves and ground up
tree branches. They guy in front of me had a 1/2 ton truck and when they
dumped the load in his bed, I thought his back bumper would drag the ground!!
I had 90 psi in my air bags and my truck settled down to just level.
Drive home from there was no problem at all.
I can't really say they do much for the bouncy rocking horse feel you get
when towing..... it may be less noticable when we're hauling the motorcycle
but they don't help much when I'm just towing my light weight trailer.
With just the trailer I don't have much air in the air bags anyway.
__________________
Peace!
Dan & Rita D
2017 Nissan Titan 5.6L King cab 4wd
2016 Evergreen Everlite 242RBS
29' empty nest model. Blue Ox WD hitch
(1 queen bed, large main cabin and huge bathroom)
Camping days 2010-53, 2011-47, 2012-41, 2013-41, 2014-31, 2015-40, 2016-44, 2017-63, 2018-75, 2019-32, 2020-41, 2021-49, 2022-43, 2023-66
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02-01-2009, 10:52 PM
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#14
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CLASS "A" Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upperco, Maryland
Posts: 3,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NWJeeper
cfsoistman,
Does your set have one or two air springs per side. I went to Firestone's web site today and did a search for 2008 F53 Chassis. Because the 37' Georgetowns are built on the 22000-26000 GVWR chassis the kit that comes up for it has 2 springs per side in the rear. The kit for the smaller chassis is only one as it was with our older 31' Fleetwood. The kit is for up to 2009 model year which ours is considered but the chassis in all actuality is probably a 2008.
I can't find the kit online anywhere to get a price but I would have to assume over $400 due to the extra bags.
One plus I can see is that the air compressor that Firestone has for the bags is the same one used with the air horns I just installed so all I need is the switches and gauges to be able to fill them from my seat.
I can't wait to get a set on my rig, they make such a big difference.
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I bought mine at Trucksprings.com I purchased the #2170 kit for the rear and #2070 kit for the front. I checked for a 2009 chassis and they don't list the 2070 kit for that year chassis. I'm not sure what change was made on the chassis. Hopefully they have something in the works for the front end on the 2009. A 2008 chassis lists both kits on their website.
__________________
2007 Georgetown 370TS
aka - RAYNMKR
Driver: Charlie
Navigator: Sheri
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02-02-2009, 04:56 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Enumclaw, WA
Posts: 2,615
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfsoistman
I bought mine at Trucksprings.com I purchased the #2170 kit for the rear and #2070 kit for the front. I checked for a 2009 chassis and they don't list the 2070 kit for that year chassis. I'm not sure what change was made on the chassis. Hopefully they have something in the works for the front end on the 2009. A 2008 chassis lists both kits on their website.
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O.K.
The 2070/2170 kits per Firestones web site is for the F53 chassis 16000-18000 GVWR. Our F53s are the newer chassis that is 24000-26000 (at leas mine is and I though the '07s were too) and they list the kit for the rear as a #2474 which due to the weight of our rigs has two airbags per side. The fronts are listed as a #2476
Neither one was listed 4 months ago when I first started looking (that I can remember) they only listed the ones you had which I knew weren't right due to the weight of the rig. I have searched for the 2474s online and can't find a price so I guess I will have to call a local tow shop and inquire for a price.
Thanks....
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02-02-2009, 10:29 PM
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#16
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CLASS "A" Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upperco, Maryland
Posts: 3,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NWJeeper
O.K.
The 2070/2170 kits per Firestones web site is for the F53 chassis 16000-18000 GVWR. Our F53s are the newer chassis that is 24000-26000 (at leas mine is and I though the '07s were too) and they list the kit for the rear as a #2474 which due to the weight of our rigs has two airbags per side. The fronts are listed as a #2476
Neither one was listed 4 months ago when I first started looking (that I can remember) they only listed the ones you had which I knew weren't right due to the weight of the rig. I have searched for the 2474s online and can't find a price so I guess I will have to call a local tow shop and inquire for a price.
Thanks....
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Here's the link to the air springs I purchased. It is rated for the F53 Chassis 1999-2008 at 15,000, 18,000, 20,500 and 22,500 GVWR.
http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchResults2.aspx?cID=741
They are the Ride Rite Air springs. Shop by Vehicle, MOTORHOME, FORD, F53, 2008 and the info is listed in the vehicle applications area.
__________________
2007 Georgetown 370TS
aka - RAYNMKR
Driver: Charlie
Navigator: Sheri
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02-02-2009, 10:46 PM
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#17
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CLASS "A" Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Upperco, Maryland
Posts: 3,136
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfsoistman
Here's the link to the air springs I purchased. It is rated for the F53 Chassis 1999-2008 at 15,000, 18,000, 20,500 and 22,500 GVWR.
http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchResults2.aspx?cID=741
They are the Ride Rite Air springs. Shop by Vehicle, MOTORHOME, FORD, F53, 2008 and the info is listed in the veicle applications area.
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Firestone Ride-Rite Kit - Front 2070 works with the following applications:
My chassis is rated at the 22,500 GVWR and 26,000 GCWR when towing.
Motorhome:
Make Model Start Year End Year Additional Info
Ford F-53 1990 1998 (15,000, 16,000, 17,000 GVWR)
Ford F-53 1999 2008 (15,000, 18,000, 20,500, 22,500 GVWR) Will not fit THOR models.
This info comes from Trucksprings.com. I see what you're talking about on the Ride-Rite.com site. I'm not sure when that changed but it matched the other information last April.
__________________
2007 Georgetown 370TS
aka - RAYNMKR
Driver: Charlie
Navigator: Sheri
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02-10-2009, 12:16 AM
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#18
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Old Saybrook, CT.
Posts: 6
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I had air bags but switched to "superspring" brand helper springs. my air bags were only 3 years old but i always had a leak somewhere or another. The supersprings did a fantastic job while having my truck camper in the back but otherwise the ride is kind of harsh when the truck is empty. I got the 5k model of Supersprings. just my 2 cents. Good luck.
__________________
Retired U.S.C.G.
One loving wife, 3 fantastic children 2 Beagles
2008 Silverback 30LRL Fifth Wheel
18K Pull Rite Superglide with a Fifth Airborne King Pin
Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller
2006 GMC Sierra 4x4 ext. cab LBZ
BullyDog PMT, Silverline 5 in. cat back Stainless Steel exhaust
Supersprings 5K, Ranch Hand Front Bumper
SSBC Force 10 Tri-Power HD 3-piston aluminum calipers and high performance pads with EBC sport vented rotors front and rear
and a partridge in a pear tree
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07-22-2009, 03:43 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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Had airlifts on my last 2 TV's, onboard compressor and it was the berries. I havent installed them on my 1500HD yet, but it is going to get them. Even with the WD hitch, sway control etc, it is still sloppy, the new one still would benefit from the bags.
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