Ride-Rite Air-Bag Question - Diesel Forum

ROGarner · 03-11-2003, 03:58 PM

I hope someone can pass some information to me on this one. I am considering installing a Ride-Rite (rear) air-bag system. Ride-Rite systems either come with or without an air tank. What do I need to think about when considering which system to buy.

boatpuller · 03-13-2003, 01:23 AM

As no one else was responding, I actually registered as a user just to answer your question.

The air tank you refer to is an option for the on-board air compressor, which itself is an option for the ride-rite springs themselves. Let's start simple and get complex. For about $250 you can get the air bags (aka air springs), mounting brackets, hoses and fittings for manual inflation. ie, you use the air compressor in your garage or at the gas station to inflate the bags. This is what most probably do. Next is the air compressor with 1 or 2 gauges and sets of controls in the cab. 1 control lets the air equalize between the bags, and two makes each bag independent of each other. Strongly suggest 2 gauges for trailering. Finally is the unit with a .5 to 3 gallon tank added to it. This often comes with a 25 foot air hose for inflating tires, rafts, etc. It may also allow quicker inflation of the air springs, but that is really not much of an issue. So if you are going with the on-board air compressor, will you also want to inflate other items besides the air springs? If yes, get the biggest tank you can.

AJ'sDad · 03-13-2003, 11:21 AM

I don't have an air tank for my bags. I just have both of the air valves mounted in my license plate so I can easily compare pressures side by side.

I eventually plan to fabricate an air hose that I can press on the fittings to equalize the pressure, but for now I get really close with the air gauge.