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Old 03-14-2008, 05:42 AM   #1
waldo238
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Airbags

Looking for information on what type of airbags people are using and where they got them from. Trying to decide between these or Timbrens.
 
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Old 03-14-2008, 06:53 AM   #2
skypilot
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Firestone and Helwig are the two brands I see most often in my readings. Helwig ads claim that they recently changed their design some to allow for better ride and longer life; haven't seen anything on the firestone branded items but I'd guess they are both close matches. Big difference in posts seem to be whether you go with an in-cab monitor with pump, or just have to fill / adjust bags manually using an outside pump.

Tembrins don't seem to have an impact on the ride until you load the vehicle and 'squash' down to their level; airbags on the other hand impace loaded and unloaded driving -- a lot of posts where owners have said they reduce pressure in their airbags to 5 to 15 psi...
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Old 03-14-2008, 07:35 AM   #3
Bob Pasternak
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Are you talking about the airbags that post on here or the ones you install on your truck???
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Old 03-14-2008, 08:03 AM   #4
waldo238
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Yes the ones for my truck. I will leave the rest of it alone, could have some fun with that though....
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Old 03-14-2008, 11:02 AM   #5
exav8tr
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I have the Air Lift brand from CW. I also had the in cab controller installed and the out of cab compressor. They also installed manual ports for each side near the license plate. I run 5lbs empty and 40 towing......Have had them 4 months now and work pretty well. Once you set the pressure they will auto fill. They have independent controls also...
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Old 03-14-2008, 06:07 PM   #6
8.1al
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Like exav8tr I have the Airlifts with controller and I am very happy with them. I have never used the timbrens but prefer having a system that can be adjusted for load and conditions
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Old 03-15-2008, 12:26 AM   #7
Glenn and Lorraine
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Firestone and love them. Most all trucks will experience some squat when the Monty is loaded on causing your headlights to be aimed too high for night driving. Having the air bags will eliminate this squat and keep your headlights where they should be..
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Old 03-15-2008, 02:45 PM   #8
sreigle
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I had the Firestones and incab controls and loved them. I think both the Firsestones and the Air Lifts do a good job. The Timbrens are also good but the reason I'd go with the airbags if I need them in the future is the easy adjustment with the incab controls. It's easy to adjust them for towing and back again for solo driving. And for fine tuning the ride on some of those difficult roads, both towing and solo. I'm not sure whether the Timbrens are adjustable?
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Old 03-16-2008, 02:01 AM   #9
indy roadrunner
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I too have to air lifts installed by CW. I do not have the in cab compressor just the 2 air valve stems mounted in the rear bumper by the license plate. I'm just a week-ender and couldn't justify the cost of the on-board compressor and since I carry a compressor in the camper I air them up when hooked then deflate to minimum when unhooked. Only take seconds. I choose air bags over timbrens to have that flexability.
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Old 03-16-2008, 03:20 AM   #10
TexasTraveler
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Did a lot of research before going with Firestone Air Bags and have been pleased with them. I doubt that they are any different or better than what CW offers so I'd go with the best price. You don't say what kind of Montana your pulling, but I doubt the Timbrens would level your tv as the air bags do. As far as the on-board compressor, its nice to have but there is a significant difference in price when you add it too.
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Old 03-16-2008, 04:17 AM   #11
waldo238
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I am towing a 08 3000RK and I still need to hook it up level ground loaded and take a look at it to see how it sits. Empty it is level.
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Old 03-16-2008, 04:27 AM   #12
mtheo
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I'm on my second truck with Firestones, 10 years on the first truck, never a problem. Never had in-cab control, never could justify the expense, even though it would have been nice. I have one air valve in the rear, it is eaisier than trying to get the two bags at the same peessure.
I never had any problems with them holding air and when I arrive a my destintion I remove most all the air pressure.
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