I went with Firestone on both trucks and my only complaint is I didn't get the compressor and in cab controls to go with them. I do keep an air tank in the tool box on the trailer to air them up but it would be nice to be able to do it from the driver seat.

 

Do ya'll think the compressor is necessary if you only tow one trailer & only tow it about once a month?

 

Necessary? No. Convenient? Yes. If you are asking opinions, I would suggest you get a compressor with in cab controls - much more convenient.

 

What's the $$ difference? I'm not trying to hijack this thread. I think my ?'s are relevant to the original post.

 

Could a person use any on board air compressor? How hard would it be to cobble together a system. Compressor, solenoid, guages. What else?

 

bout double the cost, and yes it is worth it!

Chris

 

I assume you're comparing airbags with and without the on board air package.

Cost between Ride-rite and Pac-brake appear in the ballpark for bags only.

 

No it is not necessary. I don't even rate the added cost as convenient. Added plumbing adds more leak potential.

I haul a truck camper and stopped along the road once to change my bag pressure in 2 years of hauling/towing. Last fall I was fighting a 30-40 mph cross wind and trying to keep up my road speed. I pulled over on the shoulder and used my bicycle pump to add 10 psi to the leeward bag. Everyone hit the head so we saved a rest stop. Five (5) minutes and back on the road.

 

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LFD2037:

You probably read my post on the first page, but no, I also don't think that the "In dash, On Board Air Controller/Compressor" is necessary for what you said your towing requirements are. As DTR Member, CTD NUT said, it is a nice convenience.

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John_P

 

I have the firestone bags but decided not to get the onboard compressor because I don't load and unload my trailer all year. I use the bags in the camping season, air them up and then at the end of the season let a little out, not too much work. If you plan on using your truck throughout the year loading and unloading, then yes an onboard unit would be the only way to go. As far as brands I believe Firestone are at the top.

 

would adding airbags to help out with the rough ride due to a 4in block help? or am i better off getting new springs?

 

Nope there just for loads..

 

anyone have any pictures of where and how they installled the compressor and or tank?

 

i mounted my pump under the passenger seat to keep it out of the weather,i don't have a tank.

as far as added leak potential,it does'nt really matter if leaks a little when you've got a gauge and a pump.