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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    143

    Default 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.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    Greenville, SC
    Posts
    194

    Default

    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    143

    Default

    ...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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    128

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    143

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by UNSTUCK View Post
    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.
    I didn't think of this at all... is this really a thing? probably 6-700 lbs tongue weight (guess)?
    2021 Mojo
    2018 MAX - sold - 250 hours, absolute awesome boat.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Posts
    128

    Default

    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.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    4,920

    Default

    My F150 might drop 1” with the boat hooked up. It’s only 600-700# tongue weight.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2021 Supra SA 400
    2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
    Michigan

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    741

    Default

    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)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    North End Lake Lanier GA
    Posts
    8,155

    Default

    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 style
    Malo <--- Means--Evil or Mean One. This explains a lot.
    2013 Mojo 2.5 Skylon Tower. Bestia < Beast >
    [COLOR="#696969"]

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Middle Tennessee
    Posts
    736

    Default

    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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