Firestone Riderite Airbags

hatstomper · 05-03-2011, 03:32 PM

Hello all. I'm new to this along with being a new RVer. I have a question that I hope someone can help with. (This is only the first of many I'm sure) Anyway, we have ordered a 2011 Rockwood 8280WS 5th-Wheel with a Reese sidewinder hitch and are going to pull it with our 2008 GMC 2500HD Duramax, 6' 6" box. The dry hitch weigh is shy of 1200lbs and I'm wondering if it would be worth the $700 to put Firestone riderite airbags on the back of the truck?

M109Rrider · 05-03-2011, 03:39 PM

$700???? I bought the air lift and they were like 225. Firestones were similar in price. As far as needing them, probably won't "need" them. But you may "want" them. Tows much nicer but it's hard to tell without actually towing the trailer first.

hatstomper · 05-03-2011, 03:41 PM

Thanks Jason. Thats Canada loonies... Not cheap up here. I've check 3 places price ranges from $690 to $720

fivecodys · 05-03-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatstomper

Thanks Jason. Thats Canada loonies... Not cheap up here. I've check 3 places price ranges from $690 to $720

Wow! Is that price installed?

I put mine on myself. Was pretty easy to do.

Bill

wfmdfm · 05-03-2011, 04:51 PM

Suspension Air Bags, Air Helper Springs, Air Spring Kits

I just got a set for $259 with free shipping.

fivecodys · 05-03-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfmdfm

Suspension Air Bags, Air Helper Springs, Air Spring Kits

I just got a set for $259 with free shipping.

Nice rig

Bill

trailraider · 05-03-2011, 06:26 PM

This price must include the compressed kit. if it doesn't you need to shop around. Where do you live?
Just a note too, if you want them to increase the gvw don't buy them. They only stiffen the ride, they don't increase the gvw.

hatstomper · 05-03-2011, 06:33 PM

High River AB. Shopped around Calgary

hatstomper · 05-03-2011, 06:36 PM

That price, I'm pretty sure does not include a compressor kit. I'm getting the feeling thats way to much...

Rugged Brown · 05-03-2011, 06:58 PM

Have you considered Timbrens SES?

Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems

mike06081969 · 05-09-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatstomper

Hello all. I'm new to this along with being a new RVer. I have a question that I hope someone can help with. (This is only the first of many I'm sure) Anyway, we have ordered a 2011 Rockwood 8280WS 5th-Wheel with a Reese sidewinder hitch and are going to pull it with our 2008 GMC 2500HD Duramax, 6' 6" box. The dry hitch weigh is shy of 1200lbs and I'm wondering if it would be worth the $700 to put Firestone riderite airbags on the back of the truck?

I have the Firestone Riderite air bags with compressor and console mounted compressor switch/air gauge. It cost me $900 installed, but that was with a $200 weight distributing hitch trade in, so it would have been $1100. I may have gotten rooked on the cost, but I can assure you the difference it made in how my truck drives pulling the rig is WELL WORTH THE COST! Don't let testosterone get in the way of getting yourself a set of bags or some similar suspension help. Someone else mentioned the Timbren system and I've heard good things about that from some of the folks we've camped near, so that might be another option for you. In my opinion, if you are towing a heavy fifth wheel with a 3/4 ton truck it is safety issue not to have some type helper system for your suspension.

cfsoistman · 05-09-2011, 02:18 PM

Got mine for the motorhome here. Very reasonable, did install at my home, very detailed and easy to follow instructions. You can download the installation instruction and see if it's something you'd want to do yourself.

Firestone Air Bags, Firestone Air Springs - TruckSpring.com

hatstomper · 05-09-2011, 04:52 PM

Thanks Mike. I talk with the guys here that sell them. Putting them on tomorrow for $425. Thats just bags. I have a small 12v compressor and I'm told that will fill them no problem when I need to.

fajitas21 · 05-09-2011, 09:28 PM

Yep a $30 compressor from wally world works great for my airbags. Alot cheaper than the leveling systems or on board compressors, just not as convenient.

mike06081969 · 05-11-2011, 09:30 PM

Agree that you'll have no problem filling them with a small compressor. I like being able to adjust as I'm driving, but it's 600 extra bucks or so for that convenience.

fajitas21 · 05-11-2011, 10:02 PM

Don't get me wrong Mike, I'm totally gonna get that one day. Just gonna have to talk the wife unit into realizing how nerdy awesome it is.

hatstomper · 05-12-2011, 08:16 PM

Well, it's 600 bucks worth of Diesel...lol And I agree with Fajitas21, my goal is to have the same set up as yours Mike.

mike06081969 · 05-13-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fajitas21

Don't get me wrong Mike, I'm totally gonna get that one day. Just gonna have to talk the wife unit into realizing how nerdy awesome it is.

Shhhh... I didn't tell my wife there was any other option!

M109Rrider · 05-13-2011, 03:36 PM

I use a 12v cig lighter air compressor to fill mine on the road. Since the bags are so small it only takes a few seconds to air them up.....same compressor takes about 6 hours fill a tire up though.... LOL!!!!! In fact, I prefer it over using the compressor in the garage....it fills them too quickly. One quick blast with it will fill it the bags 5-10 psi.

Bocephus · 05-13-2011, 04:27 PM

i was going to post my 2 cents worth of info in here, but it seems as if everyone set the original posted straight! hope you like the bags. i sure like mine.....and the onboard compressor is a big bonus. i filled mine by hand for a couple years and got sick of it. i finally just broke down and got the wireless onboard air kit

You may also like: