mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
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Air Bags - Good?
I have a F150 that carries a light overhead camper - about 2000 #'s loaded. Currently the ride is fine and the weight doesn't drop the rear at all .
I drive the usual Baja graded wash board roads - no heavy off road. How much benefit would I get from installing rear suspension airbags? A good
cost/ upgrade ?
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msteve1014
Senior Nomad
Posts: 947
Registered: 12-2-2006
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It sounds like your truck is holding the weight just fine. Adding air bags or overload springs wont help, if you don't have a problem.
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bajabass
Super Nomad
Posts: 2016
Registered: 10-4-2006
Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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I think your money would be better spent on a pair of KYB Mono-Max or Bilstein shocks. If you plan on towing a toy or boat, just upgrade the springs,
airbags fail, springs rarely do. Find an airbag in Vizcaino or Catavina. 
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Sunman
Nomad
Posts: 400
Registered: 6-22-2007
Location: Oxnard
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Sounds like you don't need them if you aren't hitting your bump stops. IF you have sway they will help for sure. I've got 'em and think they're great
and I have beat the pi$$ out of them from Baja to Utah to Death Valley time and time again. I agree they definitely add another point of failure but
so far my Firestone Ride-Rites have put up with some serious abuse. Couldn't be happier.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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my airlifts are gonna get a work out starting tomorrow, again!
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landyacht318
Nomad
Posts: 247
Registered: 7-28-2007
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I put some Firestone ride rites on My Van. The first set leaked right out of the box, but Summit replaced them quickly and the second set have held
out well for 2.5 years now.
They are great for leveling. It opens up some campsites/ parking spots that otherwise might be too much effort to level. I can raise one side over 4
inches using 0 and 100 psi. If you park on a slight incline and pump them both to 100psi, it reduces the Bounce/shake factor while in camp.
I also have more weight one side than the other, keeping 5 to 15 more psi keeps it level and keeps cornering equal.
They greatly reduce sway, the more PSI, the less lean, as long as they are plumbed separately.
Mack trucks passing me do not push me off the road to the same degree as before.
I would probably go with Airlifts if I had to do it over.
Adjustability is the biggest positive. If you don't need that..............
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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I had Ride Rites installed on my last Tacoma and they were great... The new Tacoma has better springs than the '05, so I may not need them... but
have them in case. They raise up the rear end with just a few blasts of air. 15 psi was fine empty and 30 was usually enough for loads. The most I
put in them was 45 psi... the max. is 100.
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