question about helper springs/bags

[allen in texas]

I'm going to use one or the other on my truck.
It's a 2003 Chevy 2500HD. I've raised the front so the truck sits level when it's empty so of course, it's tail low when loaded. I simply want to level the truck when it's loaded, not increase it's capacity.

I'm considering this...
SuperSprings - Product Guide

or, preferably, this...
RIDE-RITE™ Air Helper Spring Information

Anyone here have experience with either of these?
Pros/cons, suggestions?

Thanks

[3RRL]

Years ago I put on a set of air bags like in that 2nd link. It was on a '86 4wd Suburban. I would load it up for our hunting trips out of state and it made quite a difference especially at highway speed. The biggest difference was how they countered the "sway" feeling when fully loaded. Made the truck feel like a race car that hugged the road.
I had one of those "On board" air pumps and gauges that you could pump up or down, so you could set the ride exactly how you wanted. I had them on both front and rear.

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Originally Posted by allen in texas

I simply want to level the truck when it's loaded, not increase it's capacity.

The Firestone Ride-Rite air helper springs will do both.
I had to have them installed on my Dodge Ram 2500HD when I got a new horse trailer that had living quarters in it. This made the trailer front heavy thus making the truck squat more than it did with the previous trailer.
It doesn't squat anymore!
The air helper springs are the best.
My wife insisted on the onboard compressor with gauge and dump switch. I'm glad I listened to her because you don't want to drive around with 80 psi in the bags with no load in the back or have to get the compressor out and blow up the bags every time you think you might need the extra capacity. Definitely worth the extra cost.

[jsborn]

The Ride-Rite Systems are the best way to go. they can be adjusted for any load from the drivers seat with the on board pump. They are some what pricey but well worth the cost. I used them on my Chev 1/2 ton pickup with very good success.

[brandoro]

I agree with the air bags. I put them on my Dakota and was very pleased with how they worked. Also found the unexpected benefit of much improved cornering loaded or empty.
On a previous vehicle I put on an extra leaf kit, great when loaded, not so good empty so went with air bags on the Dakota. Installation was quite easy, first one took a bit longer than they said second one less time so on the average the time indicated in the instructions was about right.

[denmansoft]

I put the extra leaf in my Dakota becauase the guy selling the airbags said they wouldn't fit because of my 5th wheel hitch brackets on the frame. The extra leaf raised the back 2.5", not the 1" they said.
Now the airbag guy is saying no problem even with the 5th wheel kit.
It sure would be nice to have it adjustable..... Go with the airbags.

[allen in texas]

I had pretty much decided.

This clinched it.
Bags it is.

[Diamondpilot]

Originally Posted by denmansoft

I put the extra leaf in my Dakota becauase the guy selling the airbags said they wouldn't fit because of my 5th wheel hitch brackets on the frame. The extra leaf raised the back 2.5", not the 1" they said.
Now the airbag guy is saying no problem even with the 5th wheel kit.
It sure would be nice to have it adjustable..... Go with the airbags.

You pull a 5th wheel with a Dakota?

Chris

[denmansoft]

Yes. Its a 23ft tandem axle 5th wheel. loaded weight about #5500 lbs.
With the Quad cab I can not pivot to 90 deg, but have not found that too much of a problem. I can turn it tight enough that the tires on the tandem axles look like they are going to twist off the rims.

[Builder]

If you do the airbags with the compressor, I suggest the inflation kit, too. They come in handy for airing up tires, tubes, basketballs, etc.