Trucks & air bags

[dcpark]

Hi,

We're kinda new to all this. Haven't bought a truck or 5th wheel as yet, although we're in love with the 3400RL. We're hoping we can settle for a Chevy 2500HD diesel,extended cab, short bed, because of the more convenient size and length for the 90% of the time we're not towing. I've read where a number of you mention air bags. Exactly what are air bags and what do they do for your truck in the towing process? We need to gather all the info that we can before we enter into the full-timing life style. We want to make sure this truck will do the job. We welcome any comments.

Dave & Carol

[mtheo]

Air bag are just what they sound like, they are small versions of what truck use to help carry the load on tour truck. I have had them on my last two trucks and love them. They help level out your truck when carrying a load. I like the way I can keep my headlights in adjustment when the Monty is on back and then air them down when not needed, like you most of the time I drive without it. They mount on the axle below the frame and can add up to 5000 lbs extra capacity, not that your truck will be rated for it, The weight police will be sure you know about that.
You can look up Firestone air bags, or airride on the web and find a couple of brands and see pic's.

[mail2us]

Dave, here are threads for your review. There maybe others on here as well discussing air bags and towing vehicles. Dennis

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=27578

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=27576

[Steve and Brenda]

Click on my rig's pic for images of air bags, etc.

[brenkco]

Dave,
Dennis gave you 2 good threads for your review. I opted for timberns. Ozz has a number of pics for his install. I paid $180.00 including shipping.
Ken

[sgtpp214]

Don't fool around and get a 3500 and you may find you don't need airbags. I can't imagine the cost is that much different. My Dodge was only $500 more for the 3500 over a 2500.

[exav8tr]

Here we go again!

[bigmurf]

quote:Originally posted by exav8tr

Here we go again!

You think so? g

[HughM]

Yep duck...it's coming.

[bsmeaton]

You guys act like you want it to start .

[BigAl52]

Now boys lets be grown up here.

[exav8tr]

Too many weight police for it not to.

[dscott]

Dave,
I didn't need them on my 2500HD towing my 3400 lightly loaded,I added them for the FL.trip last Dec.my wife had every thing she owned in there,but her Buick.I bought mine from e-bay new,for 230 dollars shipped to my house,took me about 1 1/2 hour to install them.

[sreigle]

Dave and Carol, airbags are mounted between the frame and the rear springs. They are used to raise the truck so it rides level when loaded. This is done with air pressure added to the bags. In the basic form, there will be an air valve (one or two) you would use to add or remove air to the airbags. If you go this route, I'd recommend they use just one air valve so both sides are raised equally. The only time you'd need two is if each side will carry a substantially different amount of weight, like with a slidein pickup camper. Your pinweight is along the center line, so one is perfect.

An option I liked on both trucks on which we had the airbags is an onboard air compressor with incab gauge and switch. With that switch I could add or release air pressure at the flip of a switch. Quick and easy. I also could adjust the air pressure while on the road to smooth out the ride when we hit an uncomfortable stretch of road. It doesn't eliminate the jerks but sure does help. The onboard compressor is not something you have to have but it makes it much easier to adjust the air pressure in the airbags.

[exav8tr]

I must add that there is another reason for air bags, which is the reason I had them installed. They prevent your truck from bottoming out as you travel and especially if you are maneuvering on un-even ground. I did a driving class in Alaska the day I picked up my Montana and the instructor "Highly" recommended the air bags to keep from bottoming out. I followed his advice and had them installed in California.

[simonsrf]

Dave,

Like many of you have said above,...nah, never mind, I won't go there either.

I have a 3500 (brand withheld for envious reasons) and have the Air-Lift air bags with the on-board compressor with the dual controls. Like sreigle said, you do not need the dual controls, but the brand I bought at the dealership did not offer the single control.

with the air-bags ride on bumpy roads can be adjusted for comfort, and the headlights can be aimed to the proper alignment. In real rough driving or parking situations, they are invaluable to keep the trailer from touching the bed rails.

You are asking the right questions and doing your research well, you will have a great adventure!