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Old 06-05-2018, 11:51 AM   #21
laverdur
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Pressure in Air Bags

When I installed my air bags I also installed a Schrader valve so that I could inflate the bags if the onboard compressor failed. This valve gives me the ability to check air pressure in the system too. Without the 5er, when the truck is level the pressure is 4-5 psi. With the 5er connected and the truck level, the pressure is close to 40 psi. When bled down to where the ride is more comfortable, the pressure is around 34 psi.
 
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Old 06-05-2018, 03:00 PM   #22
scottz
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I have airbags, but not to level the truck. When my Montana is connected, the truck squats about 2.5", but the Montana is still slightly nose high; so I don't try to raise it any more. However, running about 30psi in the bags does not change the height, but it improves the ride considerably. I have a B&W turnover and Airide bags; no problem installing them.
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Old 06-05-2018, 08:54 PM   #23
powerhaulic
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Firestone bags, AirLift wireless one here.
35-45lb towing works great, 5lb empty with a push of the button.
I also installed schrader valves inside the wheel wells for emergency use
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Old 06-06-2018, 05:13 AM   #24
Retire 2022
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Airlift 5000, Airlift Wireless Air Compressor with schrader vales just in case. Installed myself (with brother-in-laws help). I also run between 35 and 45 lbs of air depending on how much water is left to slosh around in the black tank during towing. I run 10 lbs. when not towing. Didn't have to have the airbags or compressor but wanted everything to RIDE LEVEL while towing. That way there is equal weight on both axles and not too much on weight on the fiver's front axle. Both hooked up and empty the ride is better with the airbags. The compressor was a must so I didn't have to find a place big enough to pull in for a 41' 5'er and use their air hose to adjust airbags.
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Old 06-06-2018, 09:29 AM   #25
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In addition to leveling the ride, if you have the onboard compressor, you can blow your fresh water hoses dry before storing them.
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:14 PM   #26
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Just because you are level it does not mean you have equal weight on both axles
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:37 PM   #27
laverdur
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Level Or Not

I don't think anyone ever said that self-leveling would redistribute weight from the rear axle to the front axle. In truth, when the truck is level, the 5er runs a little nose high. Bleeding some air out to improve ride comfort helps lower the nose a little. Whatever weight is added to the front axle when hooked up is purely a function of the positioning of the 5er hitch, the truck frame and the suspension. The only way to know the weight of any wheel or axle is to go to the scale when loaded for a trip. Each wheel and each axle must be weighed. Prior to weighing with with the 5er connected, the truck must be weighed so that the kingpin weight can be calculated.
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:39 PM   #28
laverdur
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CVNCheng View Post
In addition to leveling the ride, if you have the onboard compressor, you can blow your fresh water hoses dry before storing them.
My onboard compressor is dedicated to the leveling system. It does not have the capability to provide compressed air for other purposes but that could be done easily.
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Old 06-09-2018, 07:17 AM   #29
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Yes we have and had them on both our F-350's. Installed to level the rig.
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Old 06-28-2018, 06:57 AM   #30
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Do any of you with air bags find the need for dual fill vs single? I'm trying to determine how to best hook up the system. I was thinking of just putting bags in with the option to add a compressor later depending on what happens. Currently I'm seasonal in a campsite for 6 months. I then want to travel some, either to Florida or out west. It's at this time the compressor onboard would be much more convenient. I drop rear tire pressure when not towing. So adjusting airbags, truck and trailer would have to be done more frequent. Onboard would eliminate one of the three. Still, single or dual fill required or moot for fiver?


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Old 06-28-2018, 07:32 AM   #31
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I have had air bags on 2 trucks and always used single fill with on-board air and like it that way. I prefer the Air Lift brand over the Firestones because the parts to include the bags seem more "robust".
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Old 06-29-2018, 08:06 AM   #32
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Singe fill for me also. don't know any reason you would want more air on one side of the truck than the other. I didn't added the compressor for my first 3 month trip then i was so tired of getting out my compressor out to air them up that i put the compressor on the truck. Now I just hit the button and air them up and down. I was trying to be cheap. LOL took me all day to run the air lines and all the hoses and install compressor.
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Old 06-29-2018, 08:23 AM   #33
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Thanx. I think I'll go with the Air Lift Ultimate plus and the WirelessOne system. It seems to be the best fit for my use. It might be an issue if I were to be constantly mobile, but I don't see that happening.

Those that have the compressor, have you wired it to a live or keyed circuit? I don't think I want compressor running if the truck isn't.


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Old 06-29-2018, 09:47 AM   #34
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Planning on adding a compressor will be a keyed circuit
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Old 06-29-2018, 11:24 AM   #35
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As to blowing out water lines with the onboard bag compressors … my Firestone compressor is great for the small volume of air needed to inflate the bags … It hardly has enough volume to purge water lines though nor is it intended for long duty cycles.
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Old 06-29-2018, 11:43 AM   #36
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I have a friend that installed the compressor on his Ram in the hidden tool box in the rear floorboard. Really good idea as it makes the compressor very easy access and keeps it out of the weather. He also mounted the fittings securely to the outside of the box.
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Old 06-29-2018, 04:42 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dieselguy View Post
As to blowing out water lines with the onboard bag compressors … my Firestone compressor is great for the small volume of air needed to inflate the bags … It hardly has enough volume to purge water lines though nor is it intended for long duty cycles.

If you add an airtank you will have enough volume to blow water lines.
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