Egon
Epic Contributor
Airbags on my 2500 truck surely helped keep it level and seemed to reduce sway with a camper loaded and pulling a 20 foot trailer.
question about helper springs/bags
- Thread starter allen in texas
- Start date
- Views: 4723
OP
allen in texas
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 919
- Location
- Levelland, TX
- Tractor
- Kubota Grand L 5740, loaded R1's w/640 lbs cast weight, 854 loader
I ordered my bags today. kit number 2250 for my truck. I'll have to wait for the air system. No more pennies
Egon
Epic Contributor
You should be happy with the air bags. Mine do not have an air system and so far I have managed.
One of the inexpensive 12 volt plug in air compressors has worked well for me. Think they cost about seven dollars on sale. The wire were extended to reach to the back of the truck.
One of the inexpensive 12 volt plug in air compressors has worked well for me. Think they cost about seven dollars on sale. The wire were extended to reach to the back of the truck.
OP
allen in texas
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 919
- Location
- Levelland, TX
- Tractor
- Kubota Grand L 5740, loaded R1's w/640 lbs cast weight, 854 loader
Ok, a follow-up.
I got the bags Friday and installed them Saturday afternoon. The bags are capable of suppording 5 pounds per 1 psi of inflation up to 100 psi (actually a max of 4800 lbs)
I aired them up to 15 pounds and it raised the rear of the truck about 1 inch which is perfect for running empty. I haven't had a chance to load the truck and see how the bags will perform but I have not doubts that they are going to do exactly what I need.
As and unexpected benefit, the ride of the truck is improved, still firm but not as harsh.
Installation was straightforward, complete bolt on. The most difficult part was actually getting the bags under the truck where they belonged. Had to turn them just right to clear the shock and exhaust.
I like 'em.
Ordered a B&W Turnover gooseneck hitch this morning, then then I'm gonna get my gooseneck dump and my 28 foot gooseneck flatbed and then...
What's that Dear?
No, really, I'm not spending any money.
I got the bags Friday and installed them Saturday afternoon. The bags are capable of suppording 5 pounds per 1 psi of inflation up to 100 psi (actually a max of 4800 lbs)
I aired them up to 15 pounds and it raised the rear of the truck about 1 inch which is perfect for running empty. I haven't had a chance to load the truck and see how the bags will perform but I have not doubts that they are going to do exactly what I need.
As and unexpected benefit, the ride of the truck is improved, still firm but not as harsh.
Installation was straightforward, complete bolt on. The most difficult part was actually getting the bags under the truck where they belonged. Had to turn them just right to clear the shock and exhaust.
I like 'em.
Ordered a B&W Turnover gooseneck hitch this morning, then then I'm gonna get my gooseneck dump and my 28 foot gooseneck flatbed and then...
What's that Dear?
No, really, I'm not spending any money.
Heywood Jannockitov
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Messages
- 806
- Tractor
- Deere 27d, JD 5425 cab, JD F620, JD XUV 850D, Case 580 SE, IH 484
Egon
Epic Contributor
You might want to measure the height of the rear of the truck and keep track of the measurement so you can inflate to this height when you load up the truck.
I measure to the bottom of the rear fenders.
I measure to the bottom of the rear fenders.
OP
allen in texas
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 919
- Location
- Levelland, TX
- Tractor
- Kubota Grand L 5740, loaded R1's w/640 lbs cast weight, 854 loader
You might want to measure the height of the rear of the truck and keep track of the measurement so you can inflate to this height when you load up the truck.
I measure to the bottom of the rear fenders.
I measured before and after but as far as the height loaded, I'm just going to use the rule of the eyeball. If it looks ok, then it must be ok
Heywood Jannockitov
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Messages
- 806
- Tractor
- Deere 27d, JD 5425 cab, JD F620, JD XUV 850D, Case 580 SE, IH 484
You have your ride height set correctly when people stop flashing their highbeams at you!
Builder
Super Member
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2006
- Messages
- 6,155
- Tractor
- Kubota, AGCO, New Holland LB
Thanks for the follow up. I really want these as my truck is constantly loaded with about 1,500 more lbs than an empty truck.
Did you get the onboard compressor? I'm going to get it as an onboard source of air would be great for me.
Could this be done completely on say a full Sunday with above average mechanical capability?
LoneCowboy
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
- Messages
- 1,212
If you need airbags, IMHO you are probably overweight.
Have you actually weighed the truck and checked it vs the sticker on the side of the door?
Having the airbags just makes it "feel" like you are fine. The frame, brakes, suspension, etc aren't designed to handle all that weight. A properly loaded truck will still ride and drive fine even with a lot of weight, as long as it stays under that GVW. Automakers put a lot of money/research/liability into that weight label on the side of the door. It's there for a reason.
Just my opinion.
Have you actually weighed the truck and checked it vs the sticker on the side of the door?
Having the airbags just makes it "feel" like you are fine. The frame, brakes, suspension, etc aren't designed to handle all that weight. A properly loaded truck will still ride and drive fine even with a lot of weight, as long as it stays under that GVW. Automakers put a lot of money/research/liability into that weight label on the side of the door. It's there for a reason.
Just my opinion.