Suspension Air Bags

Howdy all!

The rear of my tundra sags when I tow, so I was looking at getting some of the suspension air bags & compressor installed.

Went to Les Schwab which quoted me $2900 (inc tax) for parts and labor, which I thought was a bit crazy. Especially since I looked up the air bags & compressor (exact same models) on Amazon and found them for about $800 less (pre-tax).

While the onboard compressor is nice, I wonder if there is something a bit more budget friendly than the 7400ez airlift. I'd also like to hear people's experiences having onboard compressor vs just adding air at the gas station. Since the compressor & compressor kit accounting for about two thirds of the price.

Also wondering if anyone knows a place I could get a better deal, since Les Schwab's markup seems significant. Seattle area. I've asked a couple of the shops I've taken my vehicles to in the past and gotten a "we don't do that sort of work" answer.

 

You think an extra $800 for installation on something like that is crazy?
Also, how much is the rear sagging and what are you towing?

 

I went with firestone bags with daystar cradles. Installation instructions are super good and its a very DIY job if you have some ramps to back the truck up on (drop your spare tire).

As far as the compressor, if you tow A LOT i would figure that the onboard air compressor would be a very nice creature comfort....but what i did, was get a 7pin to 12v cigarette adapter

$21 Reese Towpower 74681 Dual Port 12 Volt Power Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-74681-Power-Adapter/dp/B0016KH24U?keywords=7+pin+to+cigarette+lighter+adapter&qid=1681398321&sprefix=7+pin+to+cig%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-9

and then use a 12v compressor i already had

$32 AstroAI Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Tire Air Pump for Car Tires - Car Accessories, 12V DC Auto Pump with Digital Pressure Gauge, Emergency LED Light for Bicycle, Balloons, Yellow

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QR4Q42L?ie=UTF8&th=1

I keep the adapter, compressor and deflators in a small tool bag and stays in a storage box in the bed.

Turn your key to the ON position so it gives power to the 7pin (light will turn on when there's voltage) and set your pump to 35psi (or whatever you need) and turn it on.

with that being said, i do plan on getting an onboard compressor for a creature comfort, but its 100% not necessary for my case.

I have a buddy that had bags installed (bags only) on his diesel dodge ram at les schwab, i think it was around $700 probably around 5 years ago.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/airbags-vs-weight-distribution-hitch.12955/#post-238698

 

I think the installation fee is reasonable. What I think is crazy is the markup on the parts. Perhaps this helps explain it better.
vs other prices
airbags - https://amzn.to/3UI4QmG
compressor - https://amzn.to/3mF4IaT

And those aren't even the cheapest places I found online. etrailer.com had the airbags for closer to $300.

 

I like your idea of just bringing along a small compressor that can be powered by the truck. Good chance I'll go that direction.

 

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

I don't know what year your truck is but if it has leaf springs on the back I would also take a look at road active suspension.It is the route I took and very happy with it. Just my.02.

 

The 7400ez is the top of the line compressor system, it runs about $900.

You could also see if you could bring all your gear to a shop and just pay labor....probably would be hard to find a place though.

 

I'll second everything @Danimal86 said. I had Firestone ride rite bags on my first gen and they were awesome. I never had the on board compressor and never felt like it was a need. I have a set of ride rite bags in my shop waiting to go on my new to me 2nd gen. You can find these online and diy the job fairly easily. Once the load is on, you level it with air pressure. A home air compressor is helpful but the local gas station works too as well as the 7pin attachment explained above.

 

I have Firestone bags on my 2020 TRD Pro. I tow my travel trailers regularly and never had any issues. I have a compressor and connections I keep in a Pelican case in the back of my truck and it does everything I need. Installed it all myself. It’s a very straightforward install.

I also have one input with a tee and manual valves that allow me to prevent pressure from going between the bags for a more stable ride.

 

That's pretty trick to set up the valves on each line to control that balance of pressure, yet have only one fill point.

side note but I was thinking about it and when your not loaded, its smart to lower the pressure down so the bags aren't engaged. I usually run around 8 psi when not loaded.

 

I do the same man. Anywhere between 5-7psi and I open the valves. Only close them under load.

 

Is that just a normal shraeder valve? Does it fill and empty quickly? I finally bought a tool to quickly airdown tires as I got sick of spending 20 minutes trying to adjust tire pressures every time I unloaded. I think I am down to 1 minute per tire.

 

yep just a shraeder valve