I need something on my 2wd to level and stabilize when I haul the camper. I ruled out Road Master, Timbrens, adding springs, and Kelderman as too expensive, not effective, or not practical. I want air bags.

Just wondering if anyone has CONSTRUCTIVE comments on either brand?

 

I put on Airlift HDs when my truck was two wks. old to keep it level when loaded. Never a leak or problem of any kind. I built my own in-cab controls for the bags and Rancho 9000s. I would do it exactly the same again. Craig

 

I use Firestones on my '04. For both the little two bike trailer and the 24 foot enclosed car trailer. I went the cheap way, no on-board compressor, etc. I just measure the distance from the hitch to the ground before hookup/loadup, the measure after. Put in air necessary to bring it back to original height. Note the pressure. I've got one of those little compressors that plug into the lighter socket (now referred to as Power Port). Bring that along in case of air leakage. Never needed it.

 

Airlift SD's and Firestone Ride Rites are VERY similar. I have had Airlift SD's for years and have not experienced a single failure or problem with the bags or the mounts......that said, I know others with the Ride Rites and they seem to perform just as well. IMO, they are both equal in performance and either one would serve you well......In this case, I would let the price be the determining factor.

 

If you think Kelderman is to expensive, you really need to sell the truck and stay in motels. You can't afford the RV anyway.

..Preston..

 

I put the Ride Right Firestone air bags on one of my Trucks, Chevy. Been on there for 6 years . Never a problem,no leaks ,bags are still in great shape even after running with no air unloaded for over a year.

They worked great with a Lance cabover camper. My dodge with the heavey duty overload springs doesnt need airbags

 

Weather you need additional load support over the factory camper package/heavy duty rear suspension depends on the weight of the camper....my 3500 came equipped with the HD suspension w/overloads and it was clearly not enough to handle the weight of our slide-in which weighs in at just over 4000 lbs wet.....the problem was magnified when towing with the slide-in. The air bags provide superior load support and a better ride empty or loaded.

 

I'm running the Firestones...I've had 5500lbs on the bed, and my truck normally weighs 8000 lbs. 13,500 lbs and still level!!

Chris

 

Did you need to remove your factory overload springs in order to run the air bags?

My '97 is now squatting since I installed my service body.

 

I've been running Firestones on my '92 for a couple years and haven't had a single problem. They're great for leveling the truck side-to-side when hauling my left side heavy camper.

 

Yes, the factory overloads were removed....there is no need for them once you have bags. In your case, since the weight of your service body will be constant, you may not need or want the adjustable load support.....going to a local spring shop and having the leaf packs rebuilt to handle the weight of your service might be the way to go and might cost a bit less than installing bags.