Air bags

What are you guys running the Air lift or Firestone, I’ve used Air lift several times but I see a ton of guys running the Firestone system. Wondering what the difference is.

 

Check out Roadmaster Active Suspension, so much better.

 

Thanks just checked them out. I’m pulling a bass boat and have a ton of rear sag based on what I just read these are def the ticket. Super simple to install and perfect for the job..thanks

 

I have Firestone, and I think it was based on price and amount of feedback. I honestly can't remember at this point, but I haven't had any reason to revisit the research.

Having said that, I tow an 8k lbs tt and the RAS def has my eye. Checking pressure every week is something that always gets ignored. Work well, just not as "simple" as the RAS.

 

+1 Firestone

 

Sag from a bass boat? I had minimal sag off a +6klb boat...

What's your suspension set up and what's your tongue weight?

 

I'm running the Firestone and have zero complaints.

 

Do airbags offer anything to reduce axle wrap? Nope. RAS does.
Do airbags substantially reduce axle articulation? Yep. RAS does not.
Are airbags high maintenance? Yep.
RAS in not.
Pretty EZ to decide which is a much better investment.

 

another +1 for Firestone air bags.

 

To each there own, personal preference is a thing. I installed the Firestone with the daystar cradles. No reduction of articulation, I air down to 10 lbs when not towing. Very simple and reliable so far. I have a canopy and the decked drawer system installed. More extra weight than most empty truck beds. Airbags also corrected my sag in the rear. Ride quality is just as good as it was before installing the bags.

 

Another happy Firestone user here.

 

I’ve looked at the Roadmaster system. It’s an excellent choice and in many ways better than airbags. Easy to install and a good price too.

I personally decided to go with Firestone airbags and Daystar cradles. I went that way for the most versatility and zero impact to articulation offroad.

 

I have the Firestone bags with cradles and tow pretty frequently but nothing heavy. I have no complaints but really have nothing to compare it to since this is the only thing I have ever had on a Tundra. I can’t say with any certainty that is is better or worse than another bag or system like the RAS.

I think that the RAS is interesting and I would be tempted to give it a try when I get a new truck. I had something similar or a previous lifted truck and it worked well to solve an axle wrap problem I was having. I have not experienced that problem on my Tundra so I guess that may have been why it wasn’t my first choice.

 

Thanks several options to select from. On my other trucks I’ve always used the air bags with zero issues. Loaded for a tournament I’m tongue heavy but that’s due to the design of the trailer. My 2020 drops about 2” which isn’t an issue on the road it’s an issue when I have to unhook in the drive way it’s a pain in the ass. As for the boat it’s a 22’ rig with way more than the average human Needs to fish when you factor in all the extra gear I have in back if the conditions change. I try to travel light on fuel in the boat since it’s a 60gal tank and it’s in the back of the boat. Both my Ram’s and Tahoe had bags added and it improved both road handling and MPG while in tow. Thanks

 

+1 on Firestone - having what is effectively an easily adjustable variable spring rate is awesome. I have used high pressure air suspension on my mountain bikes for years, being able to set the spring rate for the weight you are carrying is essential. I like have that control over my truck, where the weight you carry and how it is loaded can vary drastically.

At 5 psi unloaded with a topper, the ride is firmed up slightly over stock and has a very positive influence on how the truck handles (in my opinion). Less body roll but not stiff to the point that the back end feels "hoppy". I had a Tacoma that was so over-sprung with OME Dakars and 700lb coil overs that it rode the best when loaded up beyond GVWR, this Tundra feels nothing like that.

 

Yes. Many of us.

Airbags, RAS or any other suspension system doesn’t replace a good weight distribution hitch though. Suspension changes will mostly level, reduce bounce and improve ride. Distribution of weight on a trailer is important for proper control.

If you’re new to towing, here is a great video on the subject:

 

Yep, it works flawlessly.
Running Firestone bags with cradles.

 

I'm towing an 8k lbs travel trailer.

I'm not sure where to go on a lowered vehicle, as everything I have done has added height.

Bilstein 5100 shocks (min .75" lift front), Firestone bags with Daystar cradles (added 1-1.25" rear at 5psi), and a well dialed in WDH (a tape measure will get you close but scales are your friend) and I couldn't be happier.

Oh, and a Genuine Cooling trans cooler.

 

What he said...properly dialed in WD hitch. Got a good deal on a Hensley WD hitch many years ago I've used on 2 travel trailers now. It truly prevents sway and conveniently adds enough hitch length that I can drop the tailgate as well as ability to turn much sharper than a traditional ball mount solution.
The Sequoia had factory air ride so that was interesting. I added firestone airbags and cradles with manual inflation to the lifted Tundra...main drivers were giving me the unloaded rake I wanted, the ability to take out squat when hauling weight in the bed and a touch of assistance when towing. I ended up only putting 17 psi in the airbags then took travel trailer and WD hitch to truck scales to dial in how much hitch weight to distribute ....essentially distributing to the front axle of the Tundra and to the trailer axles until I felt it was optimal. The WD hitch is doing the heavy lifting and air bags are taking the edge off if that makes sense and helping out the squishy OEM springs. For the everyday axle wrap concerns considering the lift, OEM springs and such I installed SDHQ traction bars.

 

+Firestone with cradles..decked system and loaded with tools..no issues and no worries..goodluck OP

 

I personally went with the RAS. The empty ride is not stiff at all. I don't have to adjust air pressure which is a great plus for me personally. Weight distribution hitch added for my 7000 lb dump trailer and towing is smooth.

 

I’m definitely outnumbered here, but I got a great deal on the Air Lift wireless and am very happy with it.

 

Might be worth mentioning that a WDH wouldn't work for the OP since I'm pretty sure their trailer has surge brakes, and unless I'm mistaken a WDH isn't compatible with a trailer that has surge brakes.

 

I got a good deal on the AirLift wireless compressor also with my Firestone bags. I mounted it under the hood using one of those pre made compressor mounts that bolt to the firewall. Makes the compressor installation real easy. There is someone on the forum selling the mounts but I bought a different one off a guy on eBay. I am pretty sure that the compressor mounts work with either type of compressor.

 

My solution. Works for me.
My lines are routed to the license plate frame independently.

 

You don’t need the on board compressor. Some people just use a hand pump.

 

I have the airlift ultimate 5000 bags with daystar cradles. They have an internal jounce bumper so you don’t need to keep air in them if you don’t want. I’m very happy with them, from pictures I’ve seen the airlift looked like it had a more robust mounting setup than the Firestone kit. That said people don’t seem to have issues with either.

 

If you've already bought it and don't need the cash, the onboard compressor with controller would be lovely. I just use a 20v portable air compressor from Harbor Freight (for the camper, everything is Bauer) and it works fine. The bags take such little air to fill you usually have to fill beyond your desired pressure and then deflate. We're talking 1-2 seconds to go from 5psi to 12psi. It makes sense to why people use a hand pump.

 

Thanks for the video , I’m new to towing so that was helpful in understanding it all a bit better.

I may or may not ever tow a travel trailer but I will tow about five motorcycles at a time which is around 1500lbs. I mostly use my truck for off-roading though and camping. Might tow 1-2 times a year maybe.

Sounds like the Firestone bags + cradle are my best bet . Anyone think I should also get a WDH just to really keep my truck axles safe when I do tow those heavier loads ?

thanks Graham

 

Honestly if you are only towing 1500 lbs you need nothing. Just go and have fun.

In my experience, upgrading suspension only starts to be appealing if you are towing a trailer with a heavier tongue weight and your bed is loaded.