Air springs

Hey y’all, looking for some advice on air springs for my 21 pro, I will be towing a trailer weighing around 7k-7.5k and I want to add air springs. I have looked into Firestone and air lift brands, but air lift has bad reviews about their “jounce bumpers” and how tall they are, which removes a lot of suspension travel, and Firestone completely eliminates the rubber bump stop completely, which does NOT give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Does anyone have any experience with this or recommendations for something that will be a happy medium or a better solution? Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

 

Look at RoadMaster Active Suspension... easy to install and retains your suspension travel. Go w/the HD setup.

https://activesuspension.com/products/toyota-tundra-1999-2020-hd

PS>>> Casey did a write up on these already, and you can peruse the forum for many other posts/comments on the setup.

Roadmaster Active Suspension

 

I tow ~8k lbs and have experienced the journey. My factory springs still have arch and no gaps, so I think it's safe to say both solutions work.

I Started with bags, then added RAS, often run both (bags at 10 psi or less). I'm debating getting rid of them but not committed to that yet. RAS did raise the rear by nearly 1.5" IIRC and is a set it and forget type of solution. Bags are great for uneven or frequently changing loads, but require a bit of TLC.

As stated, search for information on both across the forum. Encourage the deep dive so you can make your own informed decision.

 

I’ve used Firestone bags for the last 130k miles. Frequently changing load in the bed until a year or two ago, then constant heavy load. Plus frequent towing. I went with Firestone for the exact reason you mentioned - no jounce bumper. I also installed daystar cradles so as to not limit axle droop.

After 130k miles, I had a bag start to fail on me. Firestone was quick to ask for more information and pictures, and even quicker to warranty the bag and send a replacement - after having them in service for NEARLY 7 YEARS. No hassle, no accusing me of abusing them, no drama. Definitely a stand up company in my book.

Keep some air in them and you need not worry about the fact that it replaces the bump stop. You now have an a pneumatic bump stop instead of a hockey puck. They recommend 5psi minimum. Just make sure to air them up whenever you load up the bed or hitch up a a trailer. I keep a Milwaukee inflator in the truck for the bags and because o occasionally need to air down to get home (then air back up when I get to the main roads), but before that was an option, I had no problem airing up the bags with the shop compressor or a gas station compressor if needed.

Bags can limit uptravel, but so can any other device that increases the rear spring rate (RAS, add a leaf, Sumo Springs, etc). For my use and needs, the airbags have worked exceptionally well. I have honesty contemplated a new spring pack (I ran my stock leaves for 180k miles, then modified a take off leaf pack) but even Alcan springs recommended I keep the bags on top of their custom leaf pack for the various loads I carry.

So two thumbs up for Firestone bags from me.