Firestone Bags

[JandC]

Had the new bags installed several days ago. Drove to Chicago with very little load on truck (no trailer). Shop said to keep between 5-10 pounds of pressure in bags with not towing and I could run it up to 100 pounds after hooking up to Montana. For some of you that have these bags and a 5er about my weight, what range of pressure do you run in them?

[Trailer Trash 2]

In my ford I ran 35 lbs. in them any more and it became a rough ride I have a 2980 RL and 2000 lbs. plus pin weight so all trailers will be different pressures according to pin weight. you will have to find that magic number of what you and your trailer like the best. don't forget the harder the bags the more pounding energy is transferred from the road to your pin box and overhang.

[dieselguy]

I have a 1 ton dually suspension ... I run about 30 psi with the weight of the trailer on the truck. You'll find if you set the pressure unloaded, you'll have to about half that figure as the weight of your trailer will increase the psi reading. Of course this statement depends on your pin weight a bit. Some will argue this revelation, but if you have a permanent gauge on your system ... you'll see what I'm speaking of. You only need enough pressure to level out your rig not raise the back of your truck to it's unloaded ride height.

[Denfinger]

Rather than weight, I used the level out the truck measurement. We have a 295RKD on a 2012 Ford F250 Diesel. I measured the ground to the top center wheel well when empty. Loaded the trailer and it drop 2 3/4 inches. I pumped my Air Lift Bags up to 65 pounds which raised the wheel well back to the normal level height of the truck. For safety and ride comfort that is where ours runs when loaded. 5 pounds when empty. We have the Air Lift Bags but the Firestone are great too. Having a level rig was our most important focus and it just so happens, the ride is so much better. Good luck.......

[Tom S.]

When I first put them on, I aired them up until the truck sat where it was before hitching up the trailer, which was around 70 lbs. Turns out that is a mistake. I now run them around 40. The truck isn't where it was before hooking up, but it rides whole lot better!

[Jolu]

As you see the numbers vary depending on truck, model of unit and personal preference. I like mine at about 50 lbs. It just feels right at that pressure for me with most of the road conditions I travel on with my unit. This 50 lb pressure may be to much or not enough for someone else. I tried different pressures and my likes changed with road conditions.
Joe

[bigskyjimmy]

I had them on my old F350 and 40-45 p.s.i. for me and I just leave it there and I do not bother taking them back down to 10 or 5 unloaded it rides a little rougher but heck it's a pickup not a Lexus

[Recumbent]

On our 2010 F250 (short bed) we put about 35 lbs in while towing our Mountaineer 324RLQ, when not towing the pressure automatically drops and for us it was about 15 lbs. so we just used one setting for both uses. I did lower the pressure in the tires while empty (for longer periods) giving a softer ride. Haven't needed air springs for the F350.

[mobil]

I run 5psi when I'm running empty and inflate to 15psi prior to hooking up the Montana(increases to around 25psi after hooking up). Not trying to level my truck, just want get the Montana to run as close to level as possible.

[brooksider]

last week I had both bags go flat, I believe while towing. When I went to disconnect the fifth I noticed that the truck was squatted. Check pressure and sure enough there was no air. I carry 10 psi empty and air up to 18-20 when towing. If the weather clears today I plan on pulling the air bags and see if the dealer will get me a new pair. If Not I may go to timbrens.
Joe

Update: Crawled under to check it out and found an air line had a pin hole from a chafe. Better news than having to take off the bags. Did a temp. repair and will get new line.

[1retired06]

I carry 55 at all times, since I do not use the truck except for towing. Had no trouble pulling with my 350 SRW but when I bought the dually, that back end would drop to where the upper rear spring bumper pads would get chewed up; with the airbags, rock solid, and absolutely no movement between the bed and frame. think you will find it was money well spent.

[WeBeFulltime]

quote:Originally posted by brooksider

st week I had one bag go flat, I believe while towing. When I went to disconnect the fifth I noticed that the truck was squatted. Check pressure and sure enough there was no air. I carry 10 psi empty and air up to 18-20 when towing. If the weather clears today I plan on pulling the air bags and see if the dealer will get me a new pair. If Not I may go to timbrens.
Joe

After 2 years one of my Firestone bags developed a leak also. Decided to change to Timbrens and am happy with my decision. When I had them 35 psi leveled my rig.

[Slufoot733]

Getting lots of different answers, aren't you? I had Fisrestone AirLift bags on my '99 F-250. I used the "level up the truck" system and found it worked fine for me. I measured from the driveway surface to the bottom of the rear bumber. Then I added the Monty. The pin weight would drop the rear of the truck about 4 - 5". I then added air to bring the bumper back to where it was without the trailer. For me that was about 60 psi in the bags. Everything ran fine. When I dropped the trailer In released the air down to about 8 psi. My truck rode just fine at 8# of air. I'm sure you'll find the right setting that suits you. Good luck.

[richfaa]

we have a dually so no problem with weight. We used them as others have to level up the truck. IMO with everything as level as you can get it is a much better ride and easier handling. We had them on our last two tow vehicles for the same reason.

[richard66]

I have the Firestone Ride Rite and use 40#. They are installed on a 2006 CTD Mega Cab