Air bag pressure.

[dwc032]

What kinda pressure are you guys running when towing your 10k tow behind trailer. I have Airlifts on my 2004 F250 PSD and I usually run 50 PSI.

I am always a little hesitent to put more then that, but I see some guys putting 80 PSI in the same set ups.

[Nubbs]

Originally Posted by dwc032

What kinda pressure are you guys running when towing your 10k tow behind trailer. I have Airlifts on my 2004 F250 PSD and I usually run 50 PSI.

I am always a little hesitent to put more then that, but I see some guys putting 80 PSI in the same set ups.

It depends on how much I have in my bed. If my bed is empty, I run around 20 lbs. With the golf cart in the bed I run around 45-50. I've used them with up to 100 before. I have the Firestone bags. My trailer weighs a little over 10K when fully loaded.

[klhansen]

I've always thought that the air bags were just to level things up, and allow the springs to use their full travel. So it would definitely depend on the load on the rear. I use my air bags (Firestones) to get the springs up off the overload leaves with the camper on. Prior to installing them, the overload leaves would be just below the end pads, and any little bump would make then slap the pads. With the air bags aired up to raise the rear by an inch or so, it pretty much keeps the overloads from contacting the pads except on the bigger bumps in the road. I don't recall what pressure I use to do that, but I'm thinking 40-50 psi. Unloaded, I just keep the air bags at 5 to 10 psi. (5 psi is minimum per the instructions)

You should check the info that came with your air bags for max pressure rating, or if you don't have it anymore, it should be available on the web.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by klhansen

I've always thought that the air bags were just to level things up, and allow the springs to use their full travel. So it would definitely depend on the load on the rear. I use my air bags (Firestones) to get the springs up off the overload leaves with the camper on. Prior to installing them, the overload leaves would be just below the end pads, and any little bump would make then slap the pads. With the air bags aired up to raise the rear by an inch or so, it pretty much keeps the overloads from contacting the pads except on the bigger bumps in the road. I don't recall what pressure I use to do that, but I'm thinking 40-50 psi. Unloaded, I just keep the air bags at 5 to 10 psi. (5 psi is minimum per the instructions)

You should check the info that came with your air bags for max pressure rating, or if you don't have it anymore, it should be available on the web.

That's the approach I have used since '96 when I put my first set on my '86 F250. I spoiled myself when I put my airlift 5000's on my current ride and installed the compressor/dual gauge setup. I too use about 40 Lbs. when the fiver is hooked up to just level out the bumper, and then drain them when I drop the trailer. The on board air makes it nice to run into town and get a gallon of milk or a six pack and make it back without the cans exploding or my back breaking from the stiff ride

[kampinguru]

I use around 60 psi in my truck towing a 12K 5ver. levels the truck up nicely.

[dwc032]

Thanks guys!

[blueknight7]

I measured my stock lift, when I had everything out of my bed, when it was Rhino-lined. I cut a dowel rod to that height, and have it in the back of my truck. Whatever I hook onto, I air my air bags up to stock height. That way, I am not blinding anyone, playing airport, or have my headlights stuck into the ground 50 ft. in front of my truck. I am at stock height, no matter what I am pulling.
I have put 100 psi. in my bags before. But, normally, its around 80-90 psi. with what I normally pull. With the tool boxes in the back. Not hauling anything, I am running 15 psi.