Rear air bags on 3/4 ton for hauling

[kenner27]

Who's got them and how helpful are they? I pull a skid steer and backhoe from time to time with a 20' car hauler bumper pull and get a little sway and bouncing on some roads even with a balanced load. I understand a rough road will be rough either way but am curious with heavier loads if the air bags are beneficial. Pickup is a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 duramax. Thanks

[kingchip]

I run them. They definitely will lift up to level out. The only bad thing is that they are bouncy . Still, beats the heck out of driving an F350 to be beat to death on every dirt road. I run bout 5 lbs empty, and air up as needed. I pull my 39' RV and a 30' GN loaded with two CJ's just fine. I run a F 250.

[jmoore2006]

I have run them on the last 3 trucks I've owned. I will not ever own another one without them. They will make a night and day difference on anything over 2k lb over the axles. The only down fall to them is on my old 13 Dmax I had a rear axle tube seal go to leaking I'm guessing from being over loaded too much. The bags has a tendency to give you a good feeling about being over weight

[kenner27]

Seems like Firestone is pretty popular. Any advice on brand?

[jmoore2006]

I've bought ride rite kits which was a Firestone product. Never had any issues other than deflating one unknowingly and the rear suspension travel took a big slice from the bag. Not the bags fault

[Mike D]

Following.

Firestone is what I have been looking at.

For you that have them, do you have on board air or do you inflate/deflate as needed?

Also do you air them up before or after adding a load?

[kenner27]

Mike, from what I've gathered an on board air compressor is really not necessary. The amount of air needed is so small it seems that a manual bicycle pump would be sufficient. Given, I don't have fist hand expirence on this and am all ears if I'm incorrect.

[Dale Moser]

A good bicycle pump with a built in gauge is all you need. Plumb the Schrader valves through the rear bumper right next to the license plate.

[Centraltexan]

Following.

Firestone is what I have been looking at.

For you that have them, do you have on board air or do you inflate/deflate as needed?

Also do you air them up before or after adding a load?

I have the on board air with remote control. I keep 10 lbs air in the bags at all time. When I put a load on, I just eye ball the squat of truck, and then adjust the level until I like it.

[DRettele]

Firestone
I add air as needed.
Definitely worth the investment.

[reconman]

I have them on my '12 Chevy Duramax. Great when towing, but a rough as heck ride when not if you don't soften them up. Mine have the valves that come out to the license plate and double for the plate mounting up.

[quarterback]

What about having them on a half ton? My Tundra pulls my camper like a champ but the weight sure squats the rear end more than I'd like.

[perow]

I have the on board air with remote control. I keep 10 lbs air in the bags at all time. When I put a load on, I just eye ball the squat of truck, and then adjust the level until I like it.

my buddy is getting rid of his truck and I am getting the bags off it but would like the on board compressor

which one did you buy?

[hellbndr23]

A good bicycle pump with a built in gauge is all you need. Plumb the Schrader valves through the rear bumper right next to the license plate.

I put mine I side the fuel fill door. Much cleaner install.

Add air after loaded. Then u can use a tape measure to see when ur level.

I had a cabover camper that was weighted to one side due to the bathroom. Really nice to be able to fill one bag more than the other and have a level ride.

[Centraltexan]

my buddy is getting rid of his truck and I am getting the bags off it but would like the on board compressor



which one did you buy?

I have the air lift compressor with Firestone bags.