Airbags or No Airbags - Montana Owners Club

Retire 2022 · 06-30-2017, 05:55 AM

Anyone have an opinion on whether to add airbags and an on-board air compressor to a 2017 FX4 F350 6.7L Powerstroke Dually? Many of you drive this truck? If so, did you add the airbags? Thanks for your advice.

1retired06 · 06-30-2017, 06:25 AM

I found it necessary to add airbags (No compressor) to our F350 dually because of rear sag with the fiver hooked up. Glad I did. Easy self install (no drilling) if you buy a kit designed specifically for your truck. On board compressor would be nice, my solution, I carry a AC compressor and have a 6000W inverter mounted on the truck.

Retire 2022 · 06-30-2017, 06:41 AM

Thank you. I figured they would help. Ordering them soon.

WeBeFulltime · 06-30-2017, 12:15 PM

I've had Firestone bags and currently have the Air Lift brand on my 2012 F350 SRW. Bags were not really needed on the F350 but do help the ride when towing. I prefer the Air Lifts as they seem to be better quality. Pretty easy no-drill self install. I currently have the on-board air that automatically keeps the minimum psi in bags even when not towing.

Retire 2022 · 06-30-2017, 01:08 PM

I appreciate your post. This confirms the need for airbags.

1retired06 · 06-30-2017, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retire 2022

I appreciate your post. This confirms the need for airbags.

I did not need airbags for my F350SRW. Do need them for my F350DRW.

govslug · 06-30-2017, 06:35 PM

keeps your truck level and takes the strain off your rear suspension...shocks /leaf springs.....pick a spot on you rear bumper and measure distance to the ground...hook up the rv....then inflate to go back to that measurement.

Slufoot733 · 06-30-2017, 06:43 PM

I had Air Lift on my '99 F250 and loved them. The 250 did not have helper springs so the air bags were great. And when not towing I reduced the air to bout 5 lbs and the truck rode great.
On my F350's I don't need the air bags because they had/have the helper springs. But the 350's ride rough when not loaded. I would RATHER have NO helper springs and the air bags, but that's just too much rebuilding for my liking.
Just let the air out when not loaded or you'll get beat to pieces going down the road.

WaltBennett · 06-30-2017, 06:45 PM

Our new/old truck came with them installed, but I've found they really aren't needed. I keep about 5 lbs pressure in them is all. Anything more makes the truck ride way too stiff even with the trailer nose heavy.

MARK A · 07-01-2017, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retire 2022

Anyone have an opinion on whether to add airbags and an on-board air compressor to a 2017 FX4 F350 6.7L Powerstroke Dually? Many of you drive this truck? If so, did you add the airbags? Thanks for your advice.

I noticed a big difference in the way a 350 longbed dually carried my trailer compared to my 350 SB srw. My pin is several inches ahead of the axle and puts good weight forward to the front axle. The 350 dually, was actually lifted in front with the trailer hooked up (I have no idea as to his pin placement) and the rear sagged considerably more than my truck. It was odd.

Mark

CaptnJohn · 07-01-2017, 06:57 PM

2016 F350 SRW SB pulled the Cougar 5er easily without help and the Montana with 2940 PW is nice and level, rides well without help also.

richfaa · 07-02-2017, 06:16 PM

Put them on to level everything up. IMO the rig handles better riding level. The truck rides rough solo but it is not a daily driver and is used 98% to pull the Montana.

Golfmedik · 07-03-2017, 11:58 AM

Yes, I have airbags and a Viair 10007 onboard air system on my dually. It does as there have described, as in being easier on the truck, but they are also easier on you on some of the horrible roads throughout the country. I can change the pressure as road conditions change. Love that. Also, something that no on else has hinted at is they keep the truck level and the headlights stay where they are supposed to when towing at night. Usually the squat of most of these trucks have, the headlights rise as the rear sinks. Plus, I put an air fitting under the right rear door of the truck so I can fill tires on the entire rig and bikes at the campground.

dfb · 07-08-2017, 08:25 AM

Ram 3500 dually has factory bags as an option. When there
is a load in the bed, the bags automatically lift the rear of YHE the truck...

The Bone · 07-09-2017, 06:17 AM

I didnt have air bags at first but after one trip with my Montana I decided I needed them. Best mod I have done to the truck. Then we went on a cross country trip and found it a pain to inflate and deflate them at every place we stopped. 31 cities. So this trip I installed the on-board compressor and my life got instantly easier. GET the compressor and you can thank me later.