Air Bags, yes or no?

[Derek10]

I have a 2018 Ford F350 SRW pulling a CC33IK and was wondering if it makes a big difference? TIA.

[EdJunior]

It looks like you're sitting pretty level. Is there a specific issue you are having? I had to have air bags on my last two trucks to help level the squat, but so far on my '19, which looks just like yours by the way, except mine is a 250, I have not needed air bags. I have the camper package which boosts the weight rating a bit, and actually levels the truck out perfectly when I hook up my 5th wheel.

[Otegoans]

I have air bags on my GMC and run 5 to 7 PSI in them to achieve a level profile, depending on how much stuff DW thinks we need to take. From the picture you posted it looks like you're sitting pretty level. If you stand back and look at your Truck and camper hooked up and loaded on a reasonable level surface, you want to see truck and trailer sitting level. You'll get the best towing experience if the truck and trailer are level. Adding air bags will ensure the level profile; if needed; as the trailer is loaded. Hope this helps, God Bless, Ken

[Old Bleu]

We tow a 33IK as well, and I added air bags to the Ram 2500. The truck leveled out pretty well without them, but I add about 10 lbs to them before hitching, and think they help a bit with stability.

[B and B]

I have a 2016 F 350 with Snowplow Package and my truck sits level with 16,000 on it. No Air bags needed but I am planning on them.

[Pure Luck]

I leveled my 2017 F250 4x4, so the airbags help level it out when the trailers on it. The truck rides a lot better when unloaded and 5 lbs in the bags. I guess it's due to the truck riding on the bags and not on the springs. I have the camper package in my truck and it used to beat me up unloaded before the bags. I went wireless, worth every penny.

[Rich5117]

Have Wireless air system also on 2017 F350 diesel. We have a Silverback 33Ik. Truck sets level when hooked up. We use the air bags not to level but to eliminate the float feeling on our great highways. Would not be without them.

[jmcclocklin]

On my CC 36CK2 we have the air ride hitch and was told if I put air bags on my truck it would be to bouncey. We townitnwith a 2018 Chevy 3500 Duramax and is pretty level.

[Jestercyco]

I opted to get Tibrens instead of air bags and have been pleased with the ride. When you need the extra lift it works well. When not pulling a trailer it is not changing the ride height. They were $279.00 at Amazon when I bought them.
Jester

[Vikes79]

Originally Posted by B and B

I have a 2016 F 350 with Snowplow Package and my truck sits level with 16,000 on it. No Air bags needed but I am planning on them.

I have the same scenario / setup. Don’t need airbags but already have them.

I added ranch rsx9000 shocks which really helped the rebound when using the air bags.

[TexasGolfBum]

Have them on our Ram 3500 and wouldn't ever go without them.

[whj469]

Cardinal 3825 FL with 2019 F350, level without air bags. The F350 is a lot better then the F250.

[karpcbk15]

Added airbags to our truck only to keep the level, not increase load carrying capacity. Worked great. Only pump up to 25# when towing.

[Harry043]

So what did you decide? I have had Firestone airbags on my last 2 trucks, 1st was a Ram 2500, and I was pulling a Open Range 38 foot 5er, too big for the truck really, but it did fine with the airbags pumped up, you could actually see the ass end of the truck raise up a few inches. But, too much for the truck, so I bought a 2012 SRW Ram 3500 with a high output Diesel and added the same Firestone airbags. Love them, wouldn't be without them. Just bought a new 5th wheel, 2700lb pin weight, the truck handled it effortlessly, 6 speed automatic, but I pumped up those air bags anyway.

BTW - They are a fairly easy install if you have any mechanical ability at all.................

[mbbutler]

Originally Posted by Derek10

I have a 2018 Ford F350 SRW pulling a CC33IK and was wondering if it makes a big difference? TIA.

Airbags aren't your problem. Ford brakes are. Upgrade your brakes.

[upflying]

I just had Kelderman rear air springs installed on my Ram.
So far so good.
https://kelderman.com/shop/2014-ram-...il-replacement

[Fireman1]

Originally Posted by mbbutler

Airbags aren't your problem. Ford brakes are. Upgrade your brakes.

I’m sorry, I have a 2018 Ford F-350 CC SB SRW and tow a CC 34RL2 that puts me near max GVW. I have towed thousands of miles in mountainous terrain. There are no issues with the brakes on these trucks. None.

[jd4010]

Originally Posted by Fireman1

I’m sorry, I have a 2018 Ford F-350 CC SB SRW and tow a CC 34RL2 that puts me near max GVW. I have towed thousands of miles in mountainous terrain. There are no issues with the brakes on these trucks. None.

Couldn't agree more. I run a 2017 F350 DRW and haul 16k# with NO braking issues whatsoever. The 6.7's also have a good engine brake which works well with the 6 speed transmission to slow down the truck and respective load.

And something to remind everyone is that the TV should not be doing all the braking. When the towed RV's brakes are adjusted and configured well with the brake controller, it should do a good amount of braking and not be relying solely on the TV.

[SlowrideHD]

I have Firestone bags under mine with the frame mount compressor, mainly to level it while hauling a 17,000 lb dozer on a 9,000 lb gooseneck. Definitely never a problem with brakes on my truck, even hauling the dozer.
My truck sits pretty level with my fifth wheel and ten lbs of air. I even occasionally look at my levelup indicator while it is hitched up and on level ground the camper is level as well.