Air bags

[LGTremor]

I mainly used my airbags to level out the truck after loading the bed up with firewood, quad, pallet of retaining wall block or cement etc. I use a WDH with the toy hauler. All of this done with my past trucks. Tremor is not hitting the road till I paint over the as delivered surface rust and light undercoat everything. I don’t think I’ll purchase a new WDH for the Tremor. Planning to get the adapter sleeve and reuse.

While on the topic. I have looked at both the Firestone and Airlift bags with built in jounce bumpers. I have used both on past trucks. The Airlift comes in a stainless version, kinda like that one.
I have not pulled the trigger because I don’t want to tear a bag if I happen over some uneven ground maneuvering into a camping spot. I’ve watched the video demonstrating that there is enough flex to do it. Yet I really don’t want to make the modifications the poster did to detach the bottom of the bags allowing for the articulation. My insurance company might agree if some random bad were to happen. Has there been any official airbags marketed that can deal with the Tremor’s lack of rear sway bar?

 

[soulezoo]

And. No matter if it’s an F250,F350, gas or diesel, they cap all The tremors conventional towing at 15k. No idea why

It's the hitch to frame limits from what I understand. That's why no difference between 250 and 350.

 

[rhines81]

I mainly used my airbags to level out the truck after loading the bed up with firewood, quad, pallet of retaining wall block or cement etc. I use a WDH with the toy hauler. All of this done with my past trucks. Tremor is not hitting the road till I paint over the as delivered surface rust and light undercoat everything. I don’t think I’ll purchase a new WDH for the Tremor. Planning to get the adapter sleeve and reuse.

While on the topic. I have looked at both the Firestone and Airlift bags with built in jounce bumpers. I have used both on past trucks. The Airlift comes in a stainless version, kinda like that one.
I have not pulled the trigger because I don’t want to tear a bag if I happen over some uneven ground maneuvering into a camping spot. I’ve watched the video demonstrating that there is enough flex to do it. Yet I really don’t want to make the modifications the poster did to detach the bottom of the bags allowing for the articulation. My insurance company might agree if some random bad were to happen. Has there been any official airbags marketed that can deal with the Tremor’s lack of rear sway bar?

I hear ya. I am taking a serious look at Sumo Springs. Not sure I will need them, not many things will actually be loaded into the rear of my truck. I have a utility trial for semi-light loads, I'm buying a 14K to haul my tractor and heavier loads. I'm also considering buying a mid-range dump trailer to use for my farming/landscaping (and 'building a driveway') needs... so I am more concerned with the tongue weight payload rather than bed payload if that makes sense.

 

[KGDilly]

So I hooked up my toy hauler today after having the ready lift 2.5 installed and I’m wondering if I should get airbags because I think she squats a little bit look at the picture and tell me if you honestly think I should do the airbags ? Trailer loaded is 17000lbs

Best thing that I ever did with my heavy travel trailer right here. I pulled a 15K trailer with a GMC 1500 HD and a high output modified diesel (with beefed up suspension, overload bags, and oversized brakes). Pulled it for 2 years all over the country. Best I've ever pulled with.

Log in | Fifth Wheel Hitches by PullRite

www.pullrite.com

 

[thejrod]

Seems a little silly to "level" your truck when it's empty, then complain that it's not level when you actually carry a load.

My F350 (non-Tremor) actually sags a fair amount with my fifth wheel hooked up. But it's level when towing, which is good. I think airbags are a decent option to help keep the truck from riding on the bump stops, and to help stabilize a little extra weight. They aren't meant to make up for hauling more than your payload limit, nor are they meant to be an "on demand" lift kit to make your truck look better.

 

[Ismael1128]

Seems a little silly to "level" your truck when it's empty, then complain that it's not level when you actually carry a load.

My F350 (non-Tremor) actually sags a fair amount with my fifth wheel hooked up. But it's level when towing, which is good. I think airbags are a decent option to help keep the truck from riding on the bump stops, and to help stabilize a little extra weight. They aren't meant to make up for hauling more than your payload limit, nor are they meant to be an "on demand" lift kit to make your truck look better.

I wasn’t complaining I was looking for an opinion thanks for your input!

 

[DezertTr3mor]

Ish, i think airbags are a great set up for towing. Had them on many trucks even with your WDH it will help. I wouldnt pay much mind to the TOW police, they have vaild concerns but they are on every forum in the world it seems. I think with what you have and airbags you'd be set up pretty well for anything you want to tow. I myself am having a hard time finding airbags from airlift. Looking for the 89352/88252 and sheesh they dont seem to be in stock anywhere!!

 

[Pachmayr]

I mainly used my airbags to level out the truck after loading the bed up with firewood, quad, pallet of retaining wall block or cement etc. I use a WDH with the toy hauler. All of this done with my past trucks. Tremor is not hitting the road till I paint over the as delivered surface rust and light undercoat everything. I don’t think I’ll purchase a new WDH for the Tremor. Planning to get the adapter sleeve and reuse.

While on the topic. I have looked at both the Firestone and Airlift bags with built in jounce bumpers. I have used both on past trucks. The Airlift comes in a stainless version, kinda like that one.
I have not pulled the trigger because I don’t want to tear a bag if I happen over some uneven ground maneuvering into a camping spot. I’ve watched the video demonstrating that there is enough flex to do it.

I’ve been studying on which air bags to purchase and from what I’m reading (per vendor websites) the Air Lift Bags are not recommended for our p/ups. From what I’ve been seeing, only Firestone Ride-Rite is compatible.
Have you guys noticed the same thing, or am I reading it incorrectly? (sincere question)
I have not watched any YouTube videos on this subject, but I believe I remember someone doing some modification(s) in order to get the Air Lift bags to work/fit.
I have the OEM gooseneck/5th wheel prep package (not B&W).
I do a fair amount of towing my 5th wheel and also gooseneck livestock trailers. I’d appreciate input on which bags will properly fit w/out modification. I’ve been leaning (heavily) towards the Firestone air bags, but if the Air Lift will work, I’d certainly consider them.
TIA

 

[Skibum1681]

OP - For every 1 prick on here there is 100 guys more than willing to help and have a grown up conversation.

I have leveled my 2017 250 because because I like how it looks when I'm not towing, which is 90% of the time. I considered air bags last year after realizing how soft the 250 suspension was without the high capacity towing package. I just dealt with it, I have since ordered a 350 tremor.

It appears that Ford raised the towing rating in the - worthless - towing guide in 2020 when they lowered the super duty by 1"-2". The Tremors are back to the 2017-2019 ride height and I suspect this is one of the reasons the Tremor is de-rated to 15,000#, the softer shocks and smaller front sway bar likely also contribute to this de-rate.

I feel that the towing guide is more of a liability protection for ford. I don't believe this info is included in the owners manual or the door stickers. The door sticker gives you a max GVWR which includes your trailer tongue weight. There is a sticker on your hitch with either 18,xxx pounds 2.5" or 21,xxx pounds for the 3" which is the max hitch weight. There will be liability issues anytime there is an accident and I don't see a DOT cop googling the ford recommended max towing weight and then determining what options your truck has then giving you a ticket based on assessment of your truck and its options, a lawyer might be a different story.

I say that the Ford Towing guide is - worthless - because of the numbers it gives for the big trucks. For fun look at what my F550 can tow conventional - 18,500#. This truck has huge breaks, axles, sway bars, low profile load range G tires and Ford says I can tow 1,500#'s less than a single rear wheel F350? This is ford protecting their own asses.

Back to your original question - I would throw air bags in. It does show a little bit of squat and I would want all the help I could get pulling a 17,000# bumper pull toy house! The air bags will make your unloaded ride suffer as most need to have a few pounds of air in them even unloaded so the F350 spring pack plus the air will make for one stiff unloaded ride! Good Luck towing that thing around!

 

[Jrod250]

OP - For every 1 prick on here there is 100 guys more than willing to help and have a grown up conversation.

I have leveled my 2017 250 because because I like how it looks when I'm not towing, which is 90% of the time. I considered air bags last year after realizing how soft the 250 suspension was without the high capacity towing package. I just dealt with it, I have since ordered a 350 tremor.

It appears that Ford raised the towing rating in the - worthless - towing guide in 2020 when they lowered the super duty by 1"-2". The Tremors are back to the 2017-2019 ride height and I suspect this is one of the reasons the Tremor is de-rated to 15,000#, the softer shocks and smaller front sway bar likely also contribute to this de-rate.

I feel that the towing guide is more of a liability protection for ford. I don't believe this info is included in the owners manual or the door stickers. The door sticker gives you a max GVWR which includes your trailer tongue weight. There is a sticker on your hitch with either 18,xxx pounds 2.5" or 21,xxx pounds for the 3" which is the max hitch weight. There will be liability issues anytime there is an accident and I don't see a DOT cop googling the ford recommended max towing weight and then determining what options your truck has then giving you a ticket based on assessment of your truck and its options, a lawyer might be a different story.

I say that the Ford Towing guide is - worthless - because of the numbers it gives for the big trucks. For fun look at what my F550 can tow conventional - 18,500#. This truck has huge breaks, axles, sway bars, low profile load range G tires and Ford says I can tow 1,500#'s less than a single rear wheel F350? This is ford protecting their own asses.

Back to your original question - I would throw air bags in. It does show a little bit of squat and I would want all the help I could get pulling a 17,000# bumper pull toy house! The air bags will make your unloaded ride suffer as most need to have a few pounds of air in them even unloaded so the F350 spring pack plus the air will make for one stiff unloaded ride! Good Luck towing that thing around!

I’m the prick apparently. You mentioned Ford “covering their asses”. That’s exactly my point when I pointed out him being over capacity. The OP needs to cover his ass
it doesn’t matter if you agree with the numbers. It’s the numbers that you have to stick too. I can promise you if something awful were to happen and people were injured, the attorneys would destroy the driver of the truck for exceeding the manufacturers towing capacity.
And yes, this is a GROWN UP conversation.

 

[Skibum1681]

Actually you were not one of the pricks I was referring. lol. Your posts brought value to the conversation. I was referring to the ones giving the OP a hard time about leveling the truck then "complaining" that it squats; I didn't notice you in this category.

 

[Loshad]

I agree with Jrod. It's a legal jungle out there and it's your choice if you want to risk financial ruin. Even if the accident wasn't your fault if the other party's lawyers discovered that you were legally overweight you could really get raked over the coals.

"Your honor, the defendant's truck was legally overloaded and was incapable of maneuvering safely and stopping effectively."

Case closed.

 

[Skibum1681]

I'm probably wrong but "legally" overloaded - I believe - based on what is printed on the GVW stickers on the door, trailer and probably the hitch; and possibly the registration. And like I said there is a difference between getting a ticket and getting your ass handed to you by a lawyer. They should put GCWR, Max Conventional, Max Weight Dist, and Max goose/5th wheel on the truck somewhere.

I am not condoning hauling over the manufacturer recommended max towing capacity. There is no way I would put a 17,000# bumper pull behind a single rear wheel truck. My 10,000 toy hauler pushes me around enough as it is.

We haven't even brought up CDL requirements... ?

 

[WildWest]

I’ve been studying on which air bags to purchase and from what I’m reading (per vendor websites) the Air Lift Bags are not recommended for our p/ups. From what I’ve been seeing, only Firestone Ride-Rite is compatible.
Have you guys noticed the same thing, or am I reading it incorrectly? (sincere question)
I have not watched any YouTube videos on this subject, but I believe I remember someone doing some modification(s) in order to get the Air Lift bags to work/fit.
I have the OEM gooseneck/5th wheel prep package (not B&W).
I do a fair amount of towing my 5th wheel and also gooseneck livestock trailers. I’d appreciate input on which bags will properly fit w/out modification. I’ve been leaning (heavily) towards the Firestone air bags, but if the Air Lift will work, I’d certainly consider them.
TIA

I did a mix and match and has been working great with towing. I went with the Firestone ride rite bags and the airlift wireless one compressor.

 

[Tremor_Mike9]

I did a mix and match and has been working great with towing. I went with the Firestone ride rite bags and the airlift wireless one compressor.

Do you happen to have links or part numbers for your setup? Tia

 

[WildWest]

Do you happen to have links or part numbers for your setup? Tia

Firestone Ride Rite 2620 with the Wireless One EZ mount compressor system (25980EZ)

 

[Dark Horse Fred]

Firestone Ride Rite 2620 with the Wireless One EZ mount compressor system (25980EZ)

Do you have pictures? I thought the Tremor ride height would make a difference in the brackets or bags.

 

[Dark Horse Fred]

Firestone Ride Rite 2620 with the Wireless One EZ mount compressor system (25980EZ)

Has anyone added an air tank? Any pics of a clean install with a good size tank?

 

[BigJ007]

I found this video which shows the problem with air bags on our trucks and what he did to fix it. I too would really like to have them for heavy loads.

Thoughts?

 

[Dark Horse Fred]

I found this video which shows the problem with air bags on our trucks and what he did to fix it. I too would really like to have them for heavy loads.

Thoughts?

Good info, thanks for posting