Ride-Rite Ratios - Diesel Forum

Hook'em Horns! · 03-15-2008, 09:30 AM

Any charts available for ratios of psi to lbs of load on these airsprings?

NEG297F · 03-15-2008, 11:54 AM

I have never seen any charts but I can tell you that I keep about 15psi in mine and last weekend I loaded 1800 pounds of concrete in the bed the pressure in the bags went up to 25psi and the bumper only dropped about 2 inches.

Bigshow · 03-15-2008, 01:44 PM

I am not familiar with the ones you mentioned. Are they air bags? If so, I think when I had my last ones it was 50# for every psi.

Hook'em Horns! · 03-15-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigshow

I am not familiar with the ones you mentioned. Are they air bags? If so, I think when I had my last ones it was 50# for every psi.

Ride-Rite™ air helper springs by Firestone...or 'Air Bags' if you will.
Seems a bit too much. 100# / psi seems closer.

I recall seeing a chart some time back including conversions from empty to loaded pressure.

Then again, looking in reverse, 5000# rating and 100psi max…

Bigshow · 03-15-2008, 11:30 PM

There are probably different ratings but the ones I had on my 2000 Chevy half ton were 50 psi max and 2500 pounds if my memory serves me correct.

taboky · 03-16-2008, 01:56 PM

Why use ratings? I used them to level the truck. After my load was on, I would just pressure them up until the truck was level. Of course, don't exceed the max.

Just my .02

tkrrox · 03-17-2008, 12:42 AM

looking at the instructions on mine for a f250 general rule is 1psi for 40#
50psi will support a load of 2000# per pair....

TheBoss · 03-17-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taboky

Why use ratings? I used them to level the truck. After my load was on, I would just pressure them up until the truck was level. Of course, don't exceed the max.

Just my .02

That's all I would do when I had mine on. Throw it on level ground, and tape measure the fenders from the ground for an idea, but you can eye ball it.

Hook'em Horns! · 03-17-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBoss

That's all I would do when I had mine on. Throw it on level ground, and tape measure the fenders from the ground for an idea, but you can eye ball it.

Seeking level would be a benchmark on a SD but the GM loaded, stays relatively level, the whole truck just squats.

With what should be 4,600lbs pin weight, 50psi is a bit harsh whereas 40-45psi smoothes out nicely. At 2,400lbs pin weight, 30psi is a rock whereas 20-25psi is good. So, I’m seeing around 100lbs/psi loaded.

Perhaps the 5,000lbs/100psi rating is based on the load carried solely by the Air Springs and not in combination with the existing leaf springs.

TheBoss · 03-17-2008, 10:07 PM

Guess it depends on the load. It's been a while since I've messed with ride rite. I just went full air ride, much easier.

Bigshow · 03-18-2008, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hook'em Horns!

Perhaps the 5,000lbs/100psi rating is based on the load carried solely by the Air Springs and not in combination with the existing leaf springs.

I think there are heavier rated ones and that could be what you have.
Can you go to their website?

PerryB · 03-18-2008, 12:43 AM

According to the literature that came with mine, a pair of bags lifts 40 lbs. for every psi of inflation pressure. By that scale, 50 psi (measured under load) would be taking 2000 lbs off the truck springs. I know there are many different kit #'s out there, but I think they vary by mounting style. I'm pretty sure most of them use the same air chambers

TheBoss · 03-18-2008, 10:11 AM

Last I looked, they were all Firestone 2500's.