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Old 05-23-2012, 02:53 AM   #1
Ren
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TV and Monty Upgrades

Ive been spending time doing some upgrades such as airbags for the F-350, New BFG commercials for the monty, and a wetbolt kit for the Monty.

I have pics of the installs on my site.


http://www.5thwheeladventures.com/airbags.html
http://www.5thwheeladventures.com/tiresandshackles.html
 
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Old 05-23-2012, 03:00 AM   #2
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Looks great. I'm thinking about going with the BFG TA's also.
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Old 05-23-2012, 03:10 AM   #3
Ren
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They are a nice tire.... I dont think you can go wrong with them, and not that I speed while towing, they are rated for 99mph instead of 65. I think that is an indicator that they are a little better tire...but thats just my opinion.

I didnt think the airbags would help the ride..but WOW... they most certainly did! I mainly wanted to just level out the truck. Hope my pics and writeup helps you guys out.
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Old 05-23-2012, 04:28 PM   #4
kab449
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Like everyone else I originally installed my airbags to level out the truck when towing. As I experimented with pressures I came to the realization that they actually work the same way as an air pin on the trailer or an air hitch. They cushion the up and down motion of the trailer on rough roads provided you don't over pressure them. The ride is improved dramatically. I actually run only 40 lbs and leave the rear of the truck about an inch or two lower to give me the maximum suspension travel possible to smooth out the roads.
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Old 05-23-2012, 04:33 PM   #5
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by kab449

Like everyone else I originally installed my airbags to level out the truck when towing. As I experimented with pressures I came to the realization that they actually work the same way as an air pin on the trailer or an air hitch. They cushion the up and down motion of the trailer on rough roads provided you don't over pressure them. The ride is improved dramatically. I actually run only 40 lbs and leave the rear of the truck about an inch or two lower to give me the maximum suspension travel possible to smooth out the roads.
X2 on this. I put them on because weighing the rig showed me shifting 140# off the front axle. Smart weigh folks said don't worry about it. Talked to the Dodge folks and they recommended the air bags. Big difference in ride and it solved the small weight shift problem.
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Old 05-23-2012, 06:51 PM   #6
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Real nice work on both of your projects, very inforative for anybody wanting to do that. thanks for sharing that.
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Old 05-24-2012, 02:51 AM   #7
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Good job all around. One thing to consider, since the bolts are installed with the zerts facing the tire, you may want to acquire a 90 degree fitting for you grease gun or else you may not be able to grease the bolts without removing the tires.
Mike
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Old 05-24-2012, 04:10 PM   #8
oldgeezor
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Good job..I think I am now convinced to order the airbags. From the installation guide it appears pretty straight forward 1-2 hours..I will be installing the Firestone #2299. (This does not have the on-board compressor but runs the air lines out the rear bumper).
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Old 05-24-2012, 06:43 PM   #9
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If you install the Firestone bags with out the pump don't put the hoses on the corner of the bumpers as suggested in the manual. Instead, drill out your license plate holder and use the schrader valves to hold the plate in place. They are easy to get to and are protected from getting bumped or torn off. You might also have to bore out the license plate holes a bit. Just add chrome valve caps and no one will ever know they are there.
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Old 05-25-2012, 02:20 AM   #10
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Pineranch, I have this kit on the way.

http://www.tooltopia.com/astro-pneumatic-9430.aspx

That has about everyfitting and a flexible hose to get to the zerks. I did think about putting the bolts in the other way with the zerks pointing under the 5er, but then I would have to crawl under it to grease it.

As far as the airbag install time goes. It took me a while to get one side done. Then once I did it once, the other side went by alot faster. I would say 1 to 2 hours install time would be a bold statement. Realistically 3 to 4, just because your gonna check everything twice. As far as the compressor goes, you can add that later if you want, and there is not a PN# per say that includes the compressor and airbags, you will have to purchase compressor individually.

A link to the compressor... Pricey... but buy once, cry once!
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/air-co...less-air-72000

Thanks for the kudos guys!
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