Airbags vs TSB

So I got my new trailer http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=floorview&model=22BH&choice=cher&nav=rec&name=3&series=GreyWolf

The Tacoma pulls it pretty good with the dual cam WD system set up but I would like to stiffen things up a bit. I would like to here about performance and operation from people who have airbags.
Thanks..

 

i am looking on getting air bags also for load carrying and for towing. from the research i did and the people i talked to you should get the onboard air compressor to go with it. i will be putting mine on in the summer.
go with the air bags, don't waste your money on the other quick fix add ons.

 

I put air bags on my truck within 3 months of buying it because the rear springs were way too soft even with nothing in the back. Then a couple of years later I got the TSB done. I still use the air bags often though. We're going camping this weekend (-5 C Oh what fun.....!!!) and with a couple of dirt bikes in the back as well whatever other things get tossed in AND our small travel trailer hooked up the air bags make the ride perfect. No onboard compressor. I have a bicycle hand pump I use when needed and they do not lose any air ever. Easy to install too.

Cheers

 

What kind do you have?

 

I'll have to check but I think they were Ride Rite by Firestone. I made a small aluminum bracket that mounts to the right of the hitch that holds the two fill valves. I thought about an on-board compressor but the cost just wasn't worth it to me. It takes no time to inflate or deflate the bags because the volume of each is so small and even three years later I don't want a compressor. Plus, like I mentioned earlier, they do not lose ANY air.

Cheers

 

canadiankid,

I have ride right by firestone their bolt on kit. There is two holes at the bottom outer portion of each side rear bumper that I put my valves in. Don't connect to a tee and have a single line as air transfers from one bag to the other around corners set up that way. So far I use the minimum air amount and with my trailer and the tsb springs no problem. I also have a W/D hitch e-2. I paid about 250.00 usd for my kit.

vince

 

So are these really easy to install? Do I need the TSB and the Airbags?

 

I did the tsb first and then installed the air bags. I didn't want the dealer to not do the tsb because the truck had airbags on it.
I like the air bag adjustability for when I am towing.

vince

edit: Oh by the way I am a honda car mechanic and installed them at work. It is easy if you have the tools and a rack to lift the truck.

 

Do you think that just the TSB or Airbags alone would be enough?

 

When towing a 5000-6000 lb trailer you have abour 12% tongue weight. Now over time it will weaken the springs. How much I don't know. When I first had the tsb done I already had purchased my airbags. I might not have done so so quickly if I would have tried towing before purchasing the air bags. I do like having them as added insurance.

vince

 

Thanks.

 

So I got my RideRite Airbags and did the install. Still waiting to pull the trailer but they seem to do a good job. They were very easy to install. The only hard part was sawing through the bump stop (a reciprocating saw would help). I will post more after I tow with it.

 

im thinking of putting airbags too those of you who have them can you please post some pics???

 

Sawing through the bump stop????? Huh!!!

 

The bump stops that are on the top of the leaf pack held on by the U bolts. You have to saw it flush with the U bolts so the bottom bracket will sit on the U bolts.

 

Do you really need to saw the bump stops off, or can they be removed? sawing them off does not sound right?

 

The bump stops are kind of important. Did you relocate them??? The airbags I put in sit just in front of the axle on top of the leaf springs.

 

If you have airbags then you should never hit your bump stop making it useless. The ride Airbags sit right on top of the U bolts that holes the leaf pack onto the axle, so sawing or removing the bump-stop is mandatory. If you wanted to remove it you will have to take or at least loosen the U bolts. In the instructions it said to saw it flush so that is what I did. In my opinion leaving the bump-stop in place and just trimmed will give the airbag extra support as well.

 

Huh........ ya mine has the bumpstop in the middle of the u-bolts as well. If you need to take the bags off, no more bump stop. That kind of sucks. I think I like the airlift better, no bump stop removal. Think I will buy the airlift and check it out.

 

I just liked the fact that my airbags were putting their pressure on my axle and not on the leafs. If I ever want to remove my airbags I am sure that I can get a new bump-stop or one from a wrecker for pretty cheap.