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Old 12-10-2021, 05:51 PM   #1
77cruiser
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Lots of people spend big $$ to make the trailer ride better, how bout the truck?

Anybody ever install air ride on their truck?
 
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Old 12-10-2021, 08:29 PM   #2
DQDick
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My Dodge came with adjustable automatic air suspension. Not exactly the same, but it works really well.
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Old 12-11-2021, 03:01 AM   #3
DougVelting
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Yesterday we installed read airbags on our truck. Havent pulled the 5th wheel with it yet, but i put a few pounds of air in them and the rear end is MUCH softer feeling going over pot holes etc. Looking at adding bags to the front now.
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Old 12-11-2021, 05:27 AM   #4
RMcNeal
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Rather than putting air bags on, I chose to go with the Timbren system. No maintenance and no air to leak.
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Old 12-11-2021, 05:56 AM   #5
DougVelting
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Well thats an interesting system that i didnt even know existed until now. how does it ride?
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Old 12-11-2021, 06:05 AM   #6
RMcNeal
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Unloaded, it has no effect on ride at all. Truck rides the same as before. When under load, the Timbren's kick in and give more cushion. My main reason for going with them was to stop, or at least slow down, the porpoising effect when going over rough roads, bridge transitions, etc. The truck really didn't squat much at all with the Monte hooked up.
The Timbrens actually help the overload springs do their job better and smooth out the ride compared to just the stock bumps. Mine were installed with about 1/2" clearance with no load, so it doesn't take much load to activate them. When unloaded, really rough roads will feel a bit more harsh, but I usually try to avoid them anyway. Overall, I really like them and I don't have to worry about air lines leaking or expensive compressor setups, changing settings, etc. They just work. I think it cost around $250.00 for the hardware and easily installs.
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Old 12-11-2021, 07:20 AM   #7
1retired06
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I found it necessary to add airbags to our dually, because of rear drop with the fiver. Have never had an issue with air loss.
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Old 12-11-2021, 07:55 AM   #8
Delaine and Lindy
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Over the years we have tried several different things, such as timbrens, air bags, actually had Moryde install a rear suspension back in 2008. The Chevy 4500HD had air ride seats, that was the best system we had. Only have owned GM truck never had and issue with rear sag.

However the best riding truck was our Frieghtliner, which had air ride seats, air ride suspension, air ride cab, and of course we had a Trailer saver air ride 5th wheel hitch.

The last 4 Trucks we have added nothing, we just try to load the truck and trailer properly. Good luck with your choice.

The 2022 GMC Denali when loaded with full tanks, both the OEM tank 36 gals and the Transfer combo tool box diesel tank 75Gals. With the 2021 Montana 3662BP the Trucks drops between 2 or 3 inches. The ride is not bad.

Happy trails.
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Old 12-11-2021, 07:59 AM   #9
rames14
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Timbrens here, also. We had them on our 2019 Mega Cab and moved them to our 2021 Long Bed. We live on a rough dirt road two miles from the hard road. I know a lot of people have them and we like them as well. Areas that we boondock are off rough rough roads plus planning on Alaska so IS and Timbrens make a good combo.
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Old 12-11-2021, 08:08 AM   #10
WeBeFulltime
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Over the years I have had Timbrens, Firestone bags, and Air Ride bags and all worked just fine. I did prefer the Air Ride bags with on-board air though.
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Old 12-15-2021, 01:13 PM   #11
Alain L.
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My new to me 2020 GMC Denali came with AirLift, it's all new to me. I have found that when empty at the minimum 5 PSI it rides rough, I started playing with the pressure and find the ride smooth with 35 to 40 psi empty.
I only pull the trailer between my seasonal spot to home and back which is 40 minutes each way at the end of the season and put 60 psi when loaded and it was much smoother then my SRW 3500 that was all stock.
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Old 12-15-2021, 03:04 PM   #12
jwengermt
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We installed Firestone bags on our truck. Haven't had any air leak issues. Set them up with one inflation valve instead of two. You need to experiment with air pressure to get the right feel. First time we towed with them had too much air and thought i was driving a tank. Found that about 25 LBS gives the best ride and levels the truck out perfectly.
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Old 12-15-2021, 04:57 PM   #13
77cruiser
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How bout some real air ride?


https://kelderman.com/
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Old 12-15-2021, 05:25 PM   #14
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I’ve added Airlift bags with the wireless remote, also did an 1-3/4 front lift by replacing my from coils and installed Fox shock front and rear. Doing the front coil springs and Fox shocks made a big difference in my ride empty and when pulling the 5th.
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Old 12-15-2021, 08:27 PM   #15
Jamesb
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Always added Firestone air bags on two trucks to level the truck/headlights, and to make the ride better. On board compressor is a must to be able to adjust the ride when road conditions change. If installed correctly, leaks will not be an issue.
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Old 12-15-2021, 09:52 PM   #16
DaveK
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Improve truck

I installed Firestone air bags and really like them. No issues. Great for leveling.

BUT air bags or Timbrens will not stop porpoising. I later installed adjustable Rancho 9000 shocks on the rear. When towing, I set them on maximum control and that was a major improvement in managing oscillations on bridges and bridge approaches.
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Old 12-16-2021, 07:27 AM   #17
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I forget who it is but one of our members installed the full Kellerman air system on their F450. Tried to search for it but came up with nothing right now but still trying.
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Old 12-16-2021, 07:39 AM   #18
77cruiser
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I'd like to get more feed back on it if I could. A few on diesel forums but not much feed back.
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Old 12-16-2021, 12:16 PM   #19
Mikelff
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Have the Air ride bags with on board compressor with remote controlsl. Really made a difference in the ride both loaded and empty. No air leaks after 3 years of use. Went with the air bags over the Timbrens for the ability to adjust the ride on the fly. Depending on my load, I can adjust air pressure for maximum ride comfort. Have had the Timbrens in the past and far prefer the air bags. Personal preference.
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Old 12-16-2021, 12:51 PM   #20
jsb5717
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Never had Timbrens so can't compare but I do like our Air Lift air bags with the remote. I can adjust it on the fly based on the road conditions. I have to set it at 80psi or more to get in and out of our driveway without dragging the landing gear. 35-40 psi works well on the highway to minimize porpoising. 10psi unloaded. The variability is nice.
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