Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags

[Champ_49]

I am hauling around the 17000 lb range and just got some air bags with remote controlled compressor by Air lift. My question is, how much air do you all put in them for traveling with trailer. I measured the height of truck before I put the trailer on and then tried to put it back to that height with trailer. I don't believe I measured correctly as it took 95 lbs to get it back up. It only squatted the truck about 2 inches without bags. At 95 lbs it rides like a lumber wagon. I am now down to about 35 lbs and have a good and stable ride.

Just curious what the numbers may be from all of you.

Dave

[Sheepdog]

I put 40lbs in mine with the truck empty, that is, before hooking up to the Monty

[Trailer Trash 2]

When I use to have them on my other TV, I would put in about 35 to 40 lbs. now that is for my pin weight your might differ. if I put more than that pressure it seemed to be a stiffer, and bouncier than I like on a trip.
I do know that the bags need 5.lbs when not in use.
I think if you have remote switch that would be easy to regulate when on the road, just pick the ride you like best then Brother P Touch a reminder on the remote switch.
Good luck.

[bncinwv]

I am running 20 pounds empty on ours, I would have to check what the loaded weight does to the pressure, I am thinking it more than doubles that, but it has been a while since I checked.
Bingo

[Dave Nowlin]

The problem is that folks tend to measure the height of the rear of the truck and then they try to reestablish that height with the Monte hooked up. That doesn't take into account the fact that the front of the truck should have squatted some if the hitch is properly mounted in the truck bed. The pin should be located forward of the rear axle when hooked up which will shift some of the load to the front end of the truck. Ideally your headlights should still be properly aimed when you hookup if you tow at night. In fact they should be properly aimed even if you don't tow at night. Why? To restorethe same tire alignment and handling characteristics that you had before hooking up. This should make your tires last longer and should improve handling of your truck.

[DQDick]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

I am running 20 pounds empty on ours, I would have to check what the loaded weight does to the pressure, I am thinking it more than doubles that, but it has been a while since I checke
Bingo

X2.

[Ren]

Im running 35 myself. Brings it back to level, not measuring, just eyeballing.

Rides better than stock at the psi as well.

[steves]

I had them on my old truck (F350 SRW) and ran about 40 - 50" with the rig on. I see you have a dually thus you may need less #. What you really need to do is - adjust the air# to how the truck rides and handles best for you...not all loads, shocks, springs are in the same condition, that's what's nice about the on-board compressor you can tune the ride to your likes.

[lasater]

5 PSI with no load. With the trailer, 40 to 50 PSI depending on how much other junk I load in the T/V (fuel tank, portable generator, sawsall, cast iron dutch oven, etc., etc., etc.).

[8.1al]

Same as Brad

[RickW]

On my Ford pulling the Monty I needed 60#~65# of air to level the truck back out (eyeballed not measured). Think of it this way @17000# you have a pin weight around 2900#~3000#. That is a lot of weight added to to the truck.

[Hooker]

What's an air bag??

[Dave Nowlin]

We won't touch that one with a ten foot pole. If you touch her you may get beaten with one.

[ols1932]

I run 50 psi loaded and I never let air out when not towing. I just try to make sure I've got 50 psi when towing.

Orv

[kab449]

Like Orv I run mine with the same pressure towing or not but only need 40 lbs to make her ride like a Cadillac.

[dieselguy]

Youse guys that run the same pressure loaded or not ... how do you keep the fillings in your teeth and disks between your vertebrae?

[Champ_49]

Thanks everyone. I will say that I never did think of the measuring of the front and the back which makes more than enough sense. I did just measure the back. I'm going to play with it a little bit and find that cadillac in a F-350 LOL.

Thanks again.
Dave

[grayghost03]

I run 10psi empty and 35 to 40psi when pulling, and yep the front does drop alittle, so just subtract the front drop from rear drop and inflate to that measurement to achieve factory level. Your front end alignment will thank you.

[Lee F.]

When my airbags were installed the mechanic put a level in the bed of the truck and noted the position of bubble. He then hooked up the 5er and adjusted the air pressure to bring the bubble back to aprox the same location. In my case it took 30#. He stated this would keep my headlights aimed properly and should provide the best ride. The rig tows like a dream. When I unhook the rig I hit the remote and it automatically drops the pressure to 5#. The remote is great. There are presets for the minimum and running pressure and it constantly moniters the pressure to keep it as set.

[Trailer Trash 2]

quote:Originally posted by Hooker

What's an air bag??

Is that the old person across the street that talks too much.