Community Forums

camp328 · 05-14-2012, 07:38 PM

Hey I'm thinking about installing some air bags on my F250 and would welcome any advice on what to stay away from. A dealer told me that all air bags leak down and that if I went on a trip that lasted 5 days I would have to add air before the return trip? Is this normal

cb1000rider · 05-14-2012, 08:48 PM

Not from the bags that we're running.. and they're about 10 years old. (Firestone brand).

On our smaller vehicles, we've used airshocks, which are inexpensive and work well.

wclogger1 · 05-14-2012, 08:50 PM

I have Firestones on my 2500 HD, they have been on this truck for 5 years & my previous for 2 years. I check them once a month & occasionally have to top up. I run 10 lbs in them when not towing. Best bet is to have an indidual line for each bag. That way you can balance your load if needed.

jbraines · 05-14-2012, 08:50 PM

I installed firestone air bags on my f250 last year and love them. I also installed the air ride remote controller and pump which monitors the pressure at all times. I tried the bags alone for about a month and it was a pain to keep up with. It's more money but now all I have to do is push a preset button while I'm loading and its all done plus I can adjust on the fly if I want. Just my 2 cents.

AirLift · 05-15-2012, 10:45 AM

The problem of leaks isn't typically a bag issue, it is more driven by the level of install. Over tightening, cutting lines wrong, or even routing of the air lines can lead to leaks. With that being said a good installation should hold the same pressure for at least a week. At that point you might drop 5-10 psi, which may or may not be a big deal depending on how much pressure you need. Also, if you only have the minimum 5 psi in the bag while not using it, it should leak significantly less since their isn't as much pressure trying to escape.

With our bags we offer a lifetime warranty against any defect of the bag. If for some reason the bag itself would actually start leaking you would be able to get a new one.

As others have mentioned a controller is always a good idea. This would be an added initial cost but would keep you from ever worrying about having to find a compressor to adjust the air pressure. We offer everything from standard manual controls, to wireless and even self leveling systems.

greyt-parent · 05-19-2012, 07:22 PM

We just started full time RVing last year. One piece of advice I received, was that if I didn't want to get a divorce, get an air bag suspension on the tow vehicle. After lots of research and some advice from an RV manufacturer, we went with a Kelderman Air Ride system on our F450. Using one of the upfitter switches on the dash, it is a nice clean installation. The system automatically inflates to the correct pressure each time you turn on the ignition. When hitching and un-hitching, I deflate the system to lower the back end, which makes it easier, and then once connected, re-inflate and then ready to set off.
Kelderman uses Firestone bags which seem to be the 'best' on the market.

JohnBoyToo · 06-05-2012, 07:48 AM

I'm not sure I would demand that my bags stay at full pressure for 5 days in a row, that would be a LONG tow....
we usually stop each night and disconnect

then when we run around doing silly things like sight seeing or eating out I let the bags down to 5 psi to postpone that divorce !

we have the airlift bags without the compressor and so far has been great !

takes MAYBE 10 seconds to air up with my small (light duty )battery operated air compressor http://compare.ebay.com/like/1608092...Types&var=sbar
and usually while I am doing other things that is a part of the hook up...

jbailey2 · 06-05-2012, 09:39 PM

I have had two sets of Firestone's ride rite bags on two different Ford trucks and never had a problem. Installed them myself. I did have to make some minor bracket adjustments on the last set because of the B&W gn hitch on my 03 Ford F350. I do not have the auto air system, but have never had them leak off while using. I just check them before making a trip and may or may not add air. I keep 5 lbs when not in use.

azdryheat · 06-06-2012, 11:15 AM

I've got Firestones on my 2500. I found that 50 lbs works best. They do bleed down a couple of pounds a day but I carry a small air compressor so it's never an issue. We really like the better ride we get with the bags.

Old Coot · 06-07-2012, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azdryheat

I've got Firestones on my 2500. I found that 50 lbs works best. They do bleed down a couple of pounds a day but I carry a small air compressor so it's never an issue. We really like the better ride we get with the bags.

If they bleed down, you have a small leak probably at a hose connection. I have run the same Airlift airbags for over 10 yrs on 2 different trucks and have never had them leak down. I have an onboard compressor and the only time it comes on is if I press the inflate button OR if I deflate too much air it will come on automatically til they are inflated to somewhere around 5-10 lbs. If I hit a bump and the rear of the truck bounces up and momentarily unload the bags, the compressor will come on and immediately shut off. Love the Airlift air bags and compressor.

mhbell · 06-09-2012, 04:14 PM

5 years on Firestones I carry 30 Lbs when towing. Never had them leak down. ford F250 SD

DonDee · 06-09-2012, 04:26 PM

'Stones on the rear of my 25 y/o class A. Check them once per month, rarely need air. They do live in the shade... The MH has spent most of it's life in the Phx AZ area. She's up in the mountains now and very happy.

rollondown · 06-10-2012, 10:36 AM

Either brand here, AirLift, or Firestone are excellent products.

Any leakdown in a 5 day period is from poor installation. Most I know run 5-10psi when not towing for weeks at a time with never adding air.

menoble · 06-11-2012, 08:33 AM

Be sure to rotate you air at least once a year to keep it fresh, and always use unpolluted air when refilling your bags. I can't comment on which is better, natural or synthetic air, but that's another argument altogether.