I have an 07 3500 Dually and was wondering if the air bags improve the ride. I live in Jersey and go into the city and really get beat up when I'm not towing. Is there a better solution or are the air bag's the way to go?

 

If your talking like the Kelderman set up, then yes, they are supposed to improve your ride. If your meaning like the Ride-Rite system or Air-Lift system, then no. It just helps keep the back of your truck from sagging due to tongue weight. Unloaded, my ride is rougher (with Ride-Ride Firestone bags). But, I wouldn't give them up for the load handling improvement.

 

WHAT HE SAID...and don't forget to let the pressure down when m/t

 

Thanks for the help, what should I set my rear tire pressure when empty?

 

i used to run my dually at 30 psi empty, made a huge difference in the ride. ditto on the above comment, overload airbags made it ride worse unless they were down to 5 psi which was the minimum.

 

Thanks, I'm gonna try lowering my psi first.

 

when my dually was delivered it had 40# in the rears... rode real nice BUT, it's a farm truck and I don't have the time to keep resetting the air pressure every day for a different mission ...so I have a stiff ride.... oh well...LOL

 

I know it seems like the air bags should ride like a pillowy cushion of air, but they don't.

Mine rides noticeably worse when unloaded with the air bags, even when they're empty or down to 5psi. They rock for towing though!

 

As stated above, with the ride-rites, no improvement in ride quality but great when towing. When Im not towing, I drop my psi to 5 psi. I definitely recommend getting the onboard compressor and control center so you can adjust on the fly. WELL WORTH the extra money!!

 

FWIW: In reality, the air bags are really "air springs". They work like springs but adjust to different loads with air pressure leveling the ride. That's why they don't ride like "on a pillow of air". They's springs, with rubber and air instead of steel. Too much air pressure unloaded really increases the spring rate of the bags and makes the ride very harsh.

 

Our trucks normally run at or above GVWR, so I like how the airbags increase the lateral stability in the corners - even though the ride isn't as cushy... but I've always preferred tight suspensions.