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11-19-2020, 11:23 PM #1Senior Member
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- Aug 2017
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- 143
Airbag installed - Real world towing experience?
Just got some air bags installed (rear) on our 1/2 ton truck to help with sag.. just curious for any real world experiences?
good / bad?
I'll have to wait until we get another boat in the spring to test and was just curious..?
Towed a max last year - this year will hopefully be a mojo (on order).2021 Mojo
2018 MAX - sold - 250 hours, absolute awesome boat.
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11-20-2020, 07:55 AM #2Senior Member
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- Oct 2012
- Location
- Greenville, SC
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- 194
I went with supersprings on my f150, but not really thrilled with them. They work great under load, but make a lot of noise when unloaded, especially after a leveling kit. My buddy has airbags on his Toyota and he’s been happy with them. In the spring I’m going to pull the super springs and just put a heavier payload spring kit in, or do airbags.
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11-20-2020, 09:24 AM #3Senior Member
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- Aug 2017
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- 143
...I ask because I've never had or used them before... some people swear by them (including the guy that installed them) - he's like, oh, it will make s HUGE difference..
On the other hand, there are videos out there on youtube showing (more scientifically) - that airbags actually "decrease" the tow capacity and put more weight on the rear axle and less weight on the front tires (where steering / 70% of breaking comes from).. . so just not sure what to believe in real world towing.
just driving around, slightly inflated I actually prefer the stiffer feel of the suspension, feels like less roll.2021 Mojo
2018 MAX - sold - 250 hours, absolute awesome boat.
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11-20-2020, 10:04 AM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2016
- Posts
- 128
Love my airbags on my ram 1500. They are a must with the soft coil springs. I installed my system with an automatic height adjusting valve. This is a must for boats. If not, once the boat is in the water your rear end goes sky high because no weight is on it anymore. You have to back much further into the water to retrieve the boat. And it looks funny. You’ll be happy with the bags though. Really helps the ride and control.
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11-20-2020, 10:19 AM #5
My F150 might drop 1” with the boat hooked up. It’s only 600-700# tongue weight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk2021 Supra SA 400
2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
Michigan
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11-20-2020, 11:31 AM #6
My only experience with airbags was on my 2003 F250 7.3l diesel crew cab short box. I only marginally helped with our ride with the travel trailer.
I put a 3/1.5 leveling kit with 33”s giving 3 1/4” lift mid frame. I also added Timbrens and urethane bushings with the 1.5 shackles. Smooth ride, minimal increase in rake, and much better towing.2020 SA 450 Wife calls it White Cloud. Said it makes her feel "Classy"
2017 Sanger V215sx. We call it Viagra because it's the little blue pill that gets everyone up (Sold)
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11-21-2020, 10:30 AM #7
I'm a big believer in Air bags
I had an 06 F150 with my 08 LSV and it sagged, got the bags and all was good, I would run the bags at 15psi unloaded and 30 loaded.
Switched to 06 F350 Diesel and added bags same weights
Switched to 08 F350 Diesel and added bags same weights
Switched to 13 F150 and added the Super springs and unloaded was fine, but when i switched to 13 Mojo the truck still sagged bad
removed the super springs and added air bags and it was better but not great - I blame this on 1/2 ton truck lol
Finally got a Ram 2500 with Rear Air Suspension and in love, will never sell my truck LOL
Unlike air bags the air suspension feels softer when not loaded and when loaded actually feels the same.
In short I believe air bags are the way to go if your trying to keep the truck more level when towing, just keep the air pressure low when not towing and it will ride more factory styleMalo <--- Means--Evil or Mean One. This explains a lot.
2013 Mojo 2.5 Skylon Tower. Bestia < Beast >
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11-21-2020, 06:43 PM #8
I have them on my duramax , but don't need them with my SA the tongue weight isn't bad for a 2500 series truck.
Pulling a dump trailer with a mini-ex on it they make a world of difference.2020 Supra SA
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11-22-2020, 11:57 AM #9Senior Member
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- Aug 2017
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- 143
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11-22-2020, 12:33 PM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2016
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- 128
Yeah, most airbag systems use the Schrader valves attached to the rear bumper. You just fill them up with your air compressor till you’re happy with the ride height of the truck. This is fine for a TT.
Try hooking the boat to your truck then adjust your air bags to your ride height. Then unhook the trailer. See how that affects the height of the truck.