Do I even need airbags?? (semi long) - Diesel Forum

Armypilot · 06-21-2006, 08:54 PM

I am buying a new 5ver, Dry pin weight is 2273, empty weight is 12840, gross 15,500. Would airbags be needed?

We are buying it to use occasionally, and live in for 6 months to a year while we build our retirement home, and then have an RV after our house is done. We will probably drive 2500 miles or less per year on it, and that might be a very high estimate.

I know I have put 3000 pounds worth of concrete in the bed before and it just brought the truck down to a level stance. But airbags would provide stability correct? I know it wont squat my truck down, I am just looking for the best stable platform in the truck I have.

I know, I know, get a dually. That will probably be next. Right now I have to dance with the one I brang.

So anyway, Airbags before I pick up the trailer and drive it home (1000 miles) or can they wait?

Rich807 · 06-21-2006, 09:11 PM

Do you NEED them.....probably not (probably get away without them).

Are they super nice.....yes.

I just put airbags on mine and we used them with the TT last weekend. The truck is night-and-day better with the bags while traveling down the road. For $250 you can have a set on there, I highly recommend them and wish I'd had done it long ago.

Armypilot · 06-21-2006, 09:25 PM

Thanks Rich, I just needed to hear it from someone else to confirm my thoughts.

Rich807 · 06-21-2006, 09:28 PM

No problem, just would've saved me a mouse click or 2. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

PerryB · 06-22-2006, 12:57 AM

I love my airbags. We often take extra potable water and firewood in the back of the truck and its nice to air it up a little to get a level stance. Based on the weights you gave (dry and gross) I would suspect your actual pin weight will be a few hundred pounds heavier than advertised by the maker. We have an '02 Hol.Ramb. 30 RLD which is actually 32'6" w/2 slides. It has a GVWR of 12,000 lbs. and a typical road weight in the mid to upper 11's depending on how much of the kids' junk were packing. We also have a genset in the basement. My actual pin weight runs about 2350 lbs. P.S. -- I think your avitar is hilarious, Which probably doesn't reflect very well on me but, oh well! Perry.

HenryE · 06-22-2006, 10:08 AM

I got air bags on my 3/4 but that was to take the squat out of it when loaded.

They will stiffen up your ride when unloaded. Look at it this way. Most people say you let the air down to 5 psi and there ain't no difference. Well would you venture to put your toe under and air bag and then have someone put 5 psi of air in it?

My 3/4 rode like a log wagon empty before the air bags and now it rides like a big log wagon [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] I didn't really expect anything different.

And i did mount the bags exactly as per the instructions.

dunesday · 06-23-2006, 07:47 PM

I pull a 33' 5er toy hauler. I could REALLY tell the difference after I had the air bags put in. I'm very happy with them. I pulled the trailer for a year without them with no problems, but the air bags took alot (if not all) of the bounce out.

Brian

Armypilot · 06-24-2006, 02:11 PM

Well I just installed the airbags this morning. Ride Rite kit #2400 inboards went smooth. About 1 1/2 hours.

Thanks for the input.

Mozz · 06-24-2006, 05:45 PM

When I dont have a trailer behind my truck it rides like crap. Even with the air bags at the lowest PSI.

Roy_Boy · 06-24-2006, 07:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
When I dont have a trailer behind my truck it rides like crap. Even with the air bags at the lowest PSI.

[/ QUOTE ]
Try running the pressure HIGHER, I know it doesn't make sense, but I've been running mine at 15- 20 PSI and the ride seems better [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]