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Air Bags or not

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by 86pete, Jul 14, 2018.

  1. Jul 14, 2018 at 9:24 AM
    #1
    86pete

    86pete [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2017 Tundra TRD SR5 4whl dr. Just bought a 34' Imagine travel trailer it's light weight is 7295lbs and hitch weight is 795lbs. It came with a weight distribution, sway bar bar and chain assembly. When I hook it up my truck stills sags a couple of inches. Would I be better off doing away with this and and going to air bags for the extra lift help?
     
  2. Jul 14, 2018 at 9:29 AM
    #2
    Pudge

    Pudge Super Secret Elite Member #7

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    Dont ditch the WD hitch. You can add air bags or maybe timbrens or sumo springs to level it back out, but you wanna keep the hitch for sure.
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2018
  3. Jul 14, 2018 at 9:55 AM
    #3
    Blueknights75

    Blueknights75 040 IS THE FASTEST

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    Not a fan of air bags. You will eventually run into issues with leaks and could be a very expensive repair. Had a Tahoe with air bags that were nothing but a money pit and headache, replacing motor, air lines and bags....there are a lot of people that love them though. To each their own but I would go with the stiffer spring set up and avoid any unnecessary mechanical options that will fail.
     
  4. Jul 14, 2018 at 10:14 AM
    #4
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Either the LDH isn’t set up right, not the correct one, the tongue weight is more than advertised, or a combo of all three.

    If you think about it, depending on how your LDH operates and if it has sway control, air bags defeat the sway control portion of the hitch.

    Hitches like the Fastway E2 and Equalizer style hitches are affected by airbags. (Trunnion)
    8A3BA112-7BF7-4368-9CD8-17D99B87153A.jpg

    Round bar LDH setups with separate sway control are not as affected by airbags due to design of the sway control. Now most of these style LDHs you cannot back up without removing the spring bars. Very inconvenient to say the least.
    C254B7E1-CD27-406C-A995-D6EC20F1493D.jpg
     
  5. Jul 14, 2018 at 10:19 AM
    #5
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    I’m using Timbrens, this is the clearance I have unhitched. When loaded, they ride on them and there’s no porpoising. I also use a Blue Ox 1000lb WDH. I checked with a level on the side of my Diamondback and the bubble is 0 all packed.

    When not on trips, I remove the Timbren spacers, I need those as I have 1.5” shackles on the back. Some people on stock rear suspension complain when they hit the Timbrens over bumps/potholes (not towing) but I have extra clearance.

    B4EEE570-5A18-44C6-8C9E-218C6AF958F9.jpg
     
    Stormtrooper81 and 15whtrd like this.
  6. Aug 30, 2018 at 8:22 AM
    #6
    jstchilln

    jstchilln New Member

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    We are looking at TT's now and will be buying soon. Will the stiffer springs give me a harsher stiffer ride for the 90% of the time we will not be pulling our TT?
     
    Pudge likes this.
  7. Aug 30, 2018 at 8:33 AM
    #7
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    @JoshuaA ,I've never heard of timbrens..how do you like them, and why do you remove them?
     
  8. Aug 30, 2018 at 9:23 AM
    #8
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    Yes, adding leaf springs makes them stiffer and you'll feel it as ride comfort is more a function of the rear suspension. I would not get them for occasional TT towing, but I would if I was under constant load such as having a permanent topper and if I was always carrying machinery or heavy tools in my bed.
     
    Pudge likes this.
  9. Aug 30, 2018 at 9:44 AM
    #9
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    I only remove the puck spacers when at home to gain frame clearance, the Timbrens are still on, takes about 5min or 10min if you jack each side independently.

    B4EEE570-5A18-44C6-8C9E-218C6AF958F9.jpg

    If your rear suspension isn't lifted, say with shackles giving me an extra 1.5", when you hit a pothole or speed bump, it's a pretty noticeable thud on the Timbren. That's what I experience at the campground driving around after I unhook the trailer and I leave the spacers on during our trip. Take a look at your stock pylon bumpstops and the clearance to the frame, it's significant.

    If I wasn't lifted, I probably wouldn't use Timbrens.
     
    OBXTundra likes this.
  10. Aug 30, 2018 at 9:51 AM
    #10
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    @JoshuaA ..I am not lifted, the issue I'm having is when we load up the bed for camping etc..the bed drops, I was thinking getting bags..?!?
     
  11. Aug 30, 2018 at 10:12 AM
    #11
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    I think I would probably go Firestone Airbags on a non-lifted rear, the non-towing PSI isn't that noticeable from what I understand. I just went the cheaper route and not needing to deal with inflatables. The great thing about FA's is you can adjust the pressure no matter what you tow or haul, they just are in constant contact.
     
  12. Aug 30, 2018 at 10:30 AM
    #12
    Sarge33

    Sarge33 New Member

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    Check out Road Master Active Suspension. It was fairly easy to install in a little over an hour. I found the cornering and driving comfort better. Dips and bumps are smoother. Will complete my first tow with RAS installed late next month. Had airbags and TRD sway bar on my last Tundra. The setup was okay, but not as nice as my current RAS which is also less expensive.
     
    Coolhardy likes this.
  13. Aug 30, 2018 at 2:58 PM
    #13
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    Timbren (I used the spacers to match the height of the shoe it goes on) vs stock bumpstop:

    E0EFB14B-74BF-4351-81F6-756DC5B3FE51.jpg

    I just removed the spacers and have 3” of clearance before it hits the frame, you can kind of see the shoe it’s on:

    DBCCDEEA-4FE8-4A2B-9C9D-31E8DEB58856.jpg
     
    OBXTundra likes this.
  14. Aug 30, 2018 at 3:06 PM
    #14
    JoshuaA

    JoshuaA Canuck Member

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    I see it prevents one side of the leaf from bending. Any chance of warping? When I’m loaded and towing there’s quite a bit of flex on the leaf flattening it out.
     
  15. Sep 26, 2018 at 8:52 PM
    #15
    nuclearlemon

    nuclearlemon New Member

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    be interesting to hear your thoughts. i tow a lot and routinely haul a lot. i love my firestone air bags with daystar cradles, but def be interested in something better if it's there ;)
     
    Stormtrooper81 likes this.
  16. Sep 26, 2018 at 10:02 PM
    #16
    easleycrawler

    easleycrawler TOYOTA ADDICT- SSEM #78

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    I've got the Firestone airbags and love them for towing. Non towing psi is recommended 5psi, I run mine around 8-10, a little stiff ride, but not bad at all. Highly recommend
     
    nuclearlemon and Watt maker like this.
  17. Sep 27, 2018 at 4:31 AM
    #17
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    I prefer Air bags, but they don't like cold temps.
    Add the on board compressor if you live in colder climates.
     
  18. Sep 27, 2018 at 8:23 AM
    #18
    Coolhardy

    Coolhardy New Member

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    Any reviews on this product w towing and w/out
     
  19. Sep 28, 2018 at 4:53 PM
    #19
    Mtbrider541

    Mtbrider541 New Member

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    Front and rear bumpers, ICON stage 1, Zone UCA's, Custom made airbag mounts with firestone bags, Body mount chop, ICON progressive rear leaf pack 1 inch lift, OME greasable rear leaf shakes & bushings, 295x70x18 Toyo Open Counrty ATII, URD Maf calibrator, K&N Intake tube w/ OEM Airbox, AFE Trans Temp and AFR Guage w/ Lotek guage pod, leer 100XQ with leer locker, Mangnum RT steps, and Trail Ridge tow mirrors.
    My rear airbag mounts with daystar cradles. I pull them up out of the away with a vacuum pump so they do not interfere with factory ride. I'm still using factory bumstops shaved 1 inch with 1 inch ICON addaleafs

    20180928_165002.jpg
    20180928_165024.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2018
    Mcarrer91 and Watt maker like this.
  20. Sep 28, 2018 at 5:04 PM
    #20
    OBXTundra

    OBXTundra Member

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    -Tuff country AAL for 1.5 lift.
    -Sumo springs for loads and towing.

    I have the sumos set up with 1.5" HDPE spacers under them. Unloaded they ride about 1/2" off the frame. I never notice them under normal driving. Loaded or towing the frame is on them and compressing.

    When towing I have an equalizer WDH. Even with the sumos it still returns my front to nearly stock measurements.
     
  21. Oct 1, 2018 at 3:26 PM
    #21
    Sarge33

    Sarge33 New Member

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    The first tow was excellent! It was about 100 miles (mostly interstate) with an elevation change of about 3,000 feet (lower). First of all, the Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) empty (no tow) smooths bumps in the road and helps with sway control. When hooked up to the travel trailer (TT), the fender height is within 1/4" all around with zero difference at two wheels. The TT is about 6,400 pounds loaded. I use the Equalizer weight distribution hitch with sway control. Very nice and very easy all around. I'm pleased with the RAS...much more so than airbags and TRD sway bar that were on my 2008. My advice is to keep reading reviews and do you homework. My setup works for me, but it may not work as well with a heavier load...
    Also, I ordered the RAS directly from the manufacturer in NC. Do it around a holiday and you will get at least 10% off MSRP. They were very helpful and wanted to make sure that I understood how to install the system. I was encouraged to call them if I ran into any trouble.
     
    OBXTundra and Watt maker like this.
  22. Oct 2, 2018 at 6:31 PM
    #22
    TundraBilly

    TundraBilly New Member

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    Wireless charging center armrest mod 2 3/4 Rough Country front level kit Firestone Ride Rite rear airbags 33x12.50.20 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires Debadge IFORCE emblems 20% window tint Blue led interior and ambient footwell lights
    I have a 2019 that I want to put a 3inch level and the front and firestone ride rite airbags in the rear. Do I still need a 1 inch block in the rear?
     
  23. Oct 2, 2018 at 6:33 PM
    #23
    Mtbrider541

    Mtbrider541 New Member

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    Front and rear bumpers, ICON stage 1, Zone UCA's, Custom made airbag mounts with firestone bags, Body mount chop, ICON progressive rear leaf pack 1 inch lift, OME greasable rear leaf shakes & bushings, 295x70x18 Toyo Open Counrty ATII, URD Maf calibrator, K&N Intake tube w/ OEM Airbox, AFE Trans Temp and AFR Guage w/ Lotek guage pod, leer 100XQ with leer locker, Mangnum RT steps, and Trail Ridge tow mirrors.
    Don't use blocks lift the front 2 to 2 1/4 inches only
     
  24. Oct 2, 2018 at 6:34 PM
    #24
    Mtbrider541

    Mtbrider541 New Member

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    Front and rear bumpers, ICON stage 1, Zone UCA's, Custom made airbag mounts with firestone bags, Body mount chop, ICON progressive rear leaf pack 1 inch lift, OME greasable rear leaf shakes & bushings, 295x70x18 Toyo Open Counrty ATII, URD Maf calibrator, K&N Intake tube w/ OEM Airbox, AFE Trans Temp and AFR Guage w/ Lotek guage pod, leer 100XQ with leer locker, Mangnum RT steps, and Trail Ridge tow mirrors.
    Wheelers off road has a rear leaf enhancement pack. Will give you about 3/4 to 1 inch of lift and a huge ride quality difference. Talk to Steven hell steer you right. Then you can go 2 3/4 or 3 in the front.
     
  25. Oct 19, 2018 at 8:53 PM
    #25
    A7XTundraGuy

    A7XTundraGuy New Member

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    I’ve had firestone in my last 3 pickups. Awesome for hauling heavy but you will completely lose your ride. Rough as hell with em. I’ve tried 5 psi increments when empty and it doesn’t matter. I had the wireless controller with my compressor which is awesome if you are constantly hooking and unhooking trailers. I’m currently looking for a new way either than bags for my new tundra
     
  26. Nov 4, 2018 at 8:33 AM
    #26
    4evers2k

    4evers2k New Member

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    How’s the ride height at the rear with RAS when running empty?
     
  27. Nov 4, 2018 at 9:05 AM
    #27
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    RAS are nice when loaded, but they made my trucks rear, look really jacked up like redneck air shocks when unloaded. I replaced the RAS with Air-Lift.

    rabbits.jpg
     
  28. Nov 7, 2018 at 8:16 AM
    #28
    Sarge33

    Sarge33 New Member

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    With RAS, the rear of my truck is about a half-inch higher. Looks factory. Rides well.
     
  29. Apr 4, 2019 at 1:10 PM
    #29
    TacoWuzzaTurd

    TacoWuzzaTurd Loving my Tundra

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    What did you decide to go with? I was thinking maybe Sumo Springs for occasional towing but when I'm not towing I drive a lot of washboard roads and don't want to shatter my teeth with a rough ride. I know guys with Tacomas who have installed Sumo Springs say it really stiffened up the rear suspension when not towing.
     
  30. Apr 5, 2019 at 4:27 PM
    #30
    Overwatch91

    Overwatch91 Initial Success or Total Failure!!

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    Just me thinking I am going to try old school air shocks for my towing needs. I had an old el camino back in the day and they worked great.
     

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