Anyone installed air bags for load and towing?

Which ones did you go with and why? Did you consider adding a leaf instead?

 

I will be watching this...

I’m planning to install bags before next fishing season and based on my initial research, was planning to go with the Firestone ride rites.

Interested to hear other opinions.

 

Going with a four wheel camper. I went down the airbag rabbit hole and based on reviews, lack of maintenance requirements, and installer recommendations am going with Timbren. SumoSprings also have good reviews. I’m sending my airbags back.

 

I tried the add-a-leaf and then Timbren... I returned both and installed an Air-Lift kit. The add-a-leaf jacked the rear when unloaded, and made the ride a little harsh. The Timbrens just didn't work for me, they would hit when I didn't want them to.

For best results with air bags, make sure you also get the on-board compressor to inflate & deflate on the fly.

 

I had thought about Timbrens, but my truck is level unloaded, so I want to stay level with my boat attached.

I’m just trying to decide if I need cradles or not.

 

I started with SumoSprings but wasn't satisfied. I ultimately went with Firestone bags with cradles and haven't looked back.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/sumosprings-ssr-610-47.27217/#post-1078722

 

Air lift with their air compressor. It’s nice to be able to raise and lower inside the cab and not need to go somewhere with an air compressor.

And daystar cradles.

 

Coachbuilder airbag spacers.
Firestone bags
Air lift EZ compressor.

 

Airlift with Daystar cradles. I had timbrens before, and also had the airbags without the cradles. Cradles are a must!

Why airlift vs Firestone?? Airlift bags have a bump stop inside. Firestone doesn't.

 

Timbrens for me. I used to haul quite frequently and they worked really well. They didnt effect the ride at all when unloaded, like an airbag will. They only part I didnt like was that they did take away from the travel of my Deaver springs. So during some fast desert running I would hit the timbren instead of using the full travel.

 

I've got Firestone ride rites. Had them on a 08 taco and now my Tundra. Makes towing sooo much better. None of that white knuckle shit.

 

I installed the Air Lift System myself. I run a WDH that does 99% of the adjusting and really only use the air bags to fine tune the ride as I desire. My reason for going air bags vs add a leaf was that I wanted a stock ride when unloaded. I also did not consider Timbrens as I wanted adjustability. Your wants/needs may vary from mine.

 

I went with the firestone bags along with the automatic leveling system from AirLift. This keeps my truck level in all conditions without having to fux with external compressors and air hoses. It just works™

One of the main benefits of airbags over spring work, is that your ride quality is completely un-affected when not loaded down.

 

I’m researching this too for next spring. I had Firestone bags on my F-150 and they worked great. Didn’t bother with the air compressor, just ran the lines to the back bumper, drilled two small holes and mounted them by the license plate. Made filling them easy; just used a bike pump.

The only thing I didn’t like about the Firestone bags was the unloaded driving. Since you have to cut off the bump stop to install the airbags (any system from what I’ve seen), with the Firestone bags you have to leave 5psi in the bags to prevent full compression and damaging your truck. That 5psi was enough when unloaded to make the back end hoppy. For this reason, I’m thinking of the Airlift system on the Tundra, plus the cradles. The cradles will allow full suspension drop and the internal bump stops on the Airlift will help when hitting the compression limits.

 

I have been looking into this as well. I am thinking about going with Airlift. Just have not done it yet, need to soon.

 

Looks like they made the brochure just for us! So far liking the ride. Only on for a few days so will update when I haul. Wheel hop is better controlled with heavy duty shocks, and hitting a bottom out bridge pothole was much more pleasant when the travel when into the helper spring.

 

I just got in from a looong wireless one install. Remote controlled compressor for the Firestone airbags. Not an easy install without a lift. But it’s a beautiful feature.



Anyone with airbags should look into the Milwaukee 12v air compressor. I almost didn’t add the wireless one because I already had the easiest setup going. Doing regular towing I decided to go for it. A 9 hour install is making me second guess the decision though.


I used an air bag to hold my air bag compressor during the install lol.

 

Firestone bags with wireless airlift system. Rides good.

 

Airlift for me. No compressor but I carry high pressure bottled air in my truck and use that to adjust.

 

I installed Firestone with my '20 and Air Lift in my '16. Firestone is definitely better than Air Lift in my opinion. I just have a small portable compressor to fill it. Now, It's only good if you are carrying a heavy payload, but you do not want to overload your axles. Manufacturers numbers are for liability purposes only, but we really do not know it's limitation. Premature bearing wear is what I know.

If you are pulling a trailer and wanting to transfer the weight, I will also consider getting a distribution hitch attachment like Blue Ox. The airbag can only level your truck out, but will still carry the weight of the trailer. Weight distribution will actually transfer the weight to the trailer.

Etrailer.com

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg

 

What do you like better about the Firestones? I’ve only ever had the Firestones but I’m leaning towards Air Lift this time around

 

Aitlift have an internal jounce cushion that felt like your riding on it in my opinion. I did call them and mentioned it to them, but I was too busy to follow up to get it resolved, I just lived with it. I'll stay with Firestone since you already know how it feels. You might be disappointed with airlift. I did not know better when I bought the Airlift, now I know.

 

The kit on my RCSB is very different from the rest, but it works like a charm.
Firestone makes the bags... I carry a bicycle tire pump with me to air them up as needed.

 

I had Timbrens on my Tacoma and found the ride harsh when empty. I sold the truck and picked up a Tundra for our slide in camper and went with airbags. Installed the air lift and after 2 days removed and returned them and went with firestone because of the internal jounce bumper. I installed the bags with the truck on the ground and I had to jack it up to get the bag in because the jounce bumper was so tall. I should have stopped there but figured I would give it a go. Took it for a drive and it felt like I was riding in my Tacoma again with the Timbrens when empty but at double the cost!

My opinion:

Timbrens: If loaded all the time as they are cheap and maintenance free.
Firestone: If you plan to run empty and want factory ride.
Air Lift: Avoid if you want smooth ride when empty.

The airlift is meant to be run at 0psi when empty with the internal jounce bumper and the firestone needs 5psi to avoid pinching the bag. At 5 psi I still didn't really notice the bags. Adding the cradles will make it ride 100% like factory and still be able to articulate also.

 

This is a must have for anyone with airbags. By far my favorite tool from Milwaukee. The batteries last a long time and the compressor is very powerful for its small sizeThis is a must have for anyone with airbags. By far my favorite tool from Milwaukee. The batteries last a long time and the compressor is very powerful for its small size

 

This looks interesting. It appears you don’t have to cut off the bump stops? Is it fully bolt-on?

 

The bags are very similar to Mercedes Benz's GL rear bags. I replaced mine a few times already.

 

That looks like the Tundra Racing S.O.S. Performance Kit. I have the kit brand new sitting in front of me. It says its for 2007 up Tundras that have had the rear axle flip done. Looks to work without the flip also. Anyone inserted in it I will make you a deal on it.

 

These bags seem like a great option for me when hauling dirt bikes and gear.

how much Air pressure is needed to level the truck when loaded? Sounds like my battery powered typhoon tire inflator would do the trick.

Also, do these bags and air line systems hold up to salt and winter conditions?