Firestone air bags and compressor setup ???'s Fast answer Appreciated - Diesel Forum

szalkayw · 06-15-2006, 05:46 PM

Here is some background - I am going to be picking up my new camper in two weeks and part of deal is for them to install the hitch, air bags, and compressor for free. Below are links to the setup I am wanting to do:

Airbags
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...scon/2330.html

Compressor
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...scon/2168.html

Now the dealership called me today and said that in cab control setup is not worth the money due to the increase in potential leaks from running all the extra line. He recommends just going with the airbags and leaving out the in cab controls. He also went on to say that he has seen alot of trucks come in with similar setups and that they have the same problem with air leaking somewhere in the lines.

has anyone had problems with a similar setup? or heard of anyone who has? Or is the dealership trying to blow smoke where the sun doesn't shine?

Thanks in advance

Ruslow · 06-15-2006, 06:29 PM

Yes there is a chance that there will be leaks there.But it is only two more fitting.And if they are installed rite they don't leak.I have done atleast 15 air ride set ups and they have 5x's the number of fitting and none leak.Just have them psi up the system and soap and water test.Stan

william_04_X · 06-15-2006, 07:25 PM

i have had a Firestone air bag set up for 2 years now with no problems...i don't have the resevoir tank or anything but the compressor, switch, and gauge...a good installer should have no problems making it reliable...the on-board system is worth the money if you're hitching and un-hitching frequently...the bags are great.. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

Rich807 · 06-15-2006, 08:50 PM

Sounds to me like they want to get out of the deal cheaper by trying to dissuade you from the setup you should get. I just put the basic ride rite setup on my truck last weekend but one of my employees has the full deal on his 03 and hasn't had any leaks.

Make them put it all on and make them check it.

Btravelen · 06-18-2006, 01:09 AM

BS on the leak concern. Yah, it's possible, but I've run Air Lifts with the Load Controller on board system for 3+ yrs on one Excursion and when I traded it I took the system off and put it on the new one. No problems.

wittmeba · 06-18-2006, 08:25 AM

Sounds like the dealer is bad-mouthing Firestone for some other reason. This is not new technology. They have been around for years.

I have AirLift, but they look exactly like the Firestone. They dont leak.

Here is my write-up on the installation:
http://members.cox.net/bruce.wittmei...stallation.htm

wrussell417 · 06-18-2006, 12:42 PM

I have had the set up you want on two different trucks for a total of 5 years and almost 90,000 miles without experiencing any leaks. If you do away with the in cab controls you also do away with the compressor. Sounds like the dealer is trying to back out on the compressor part of the deal due to either the additional cost or labor to install. You will never regret having the compressor. Stay with your original deal.