Daystar Cradles Necessary?

This is exactly my scenario too

 

Likely the later.
I have been known to load up my trailer pretty heavy. I also want to retain my factory ride as much as possible. I really only tow occasionally.

 

That clapping noise was super annoying to me, so I supplied those EPDM pads for the bottom of the airbag in my kits.

For what you want, the airbags alone would be fine. If you are frequently hitting your bump stops, or going full extension like when hard wheeling, then you need a more elaborate set-up. The comments that airbags don't hold up wheeling are not true. If they are set up right, like Ryan's rig, they hold up just fine. The problem is, almost no one understands how to set them up right. That is why I designed and built my kits. You can use then in conjunction with a high quality progressive bump stop, and a cradle. I've wheeled the hell out of mine and it's the best set-up I've ever had. To really optimize them for high performance use, I would also pair them with a fully adjustable rear shock and develop settings for when the airbag is engaged. I'm running a Dobinson MRR system in conjunction with my airbag kit.

Regarding the kits. Someday I may run another batch. I know a lot of people want them. I own a business so I just haven't had time.

 

Thanks so much for taking the time for the feedback.
As mentioned I am on a 1” block out back. Can you recommend a shock that won’t break the bank when I am ready to compliment the airbags?
I was wondering if maybe the shock may stroke-out given I have “taken” 1 inch of stroke away from it installing the block.

 

Since you are just using the air bags for occasional towing and hauling, I wouldn't waste money on expensive shocks. A set of 4600 series Bilsteins designed for a 2" lift would work fine, and give a good ride when empty. If you want to upgrade from that, look at the 5100 series. You might consider taking the block out too. If you have airbags, you have to leave 5psi in them anyway so the block really isn't needed. Just use the bags to level the truck, empty or loaded.

 

That 300 lbs is one person and a full tank. I consistently carry 700 pounds or more. It adds up quickly. The cap, me, and gas alone are 500lbs. Add in tools and it’s 700 so I can’t even drive at the 5psi minimum and it rides comfortably at 45psi. Fully loaded with whatever it’s 65psi to get back to the middle of travel range.
Consider a weight compensation hitch for the trailer since they leverage the load and spread it to the front axle as well. Bags will level great but won’t do that.

 

totally hear ya on the weight adding up quick. I am not overly interested in a weight distribution hitch because of the added weight that it comes with and also I pull multiple trailer (enclosed 5x10, high-rise utility 5x8 and a 5x12 low bed).
Also the weight distribution hitch doesn’t help with bed loads.
I appreciate that suggestion though.
Thanks very much.

 

Fwiw I’ve had mine installed for about 3 years with no problems. Since I typically run more air I fill them more frequently but I’m set up to do that easily.

 

Are you set up with onboard air?

 

Have the 17' Spirit Deluxe (see pic). It has worked well for us. The sag really isn't that bad, but we'll be going on a month long trip West this summer pulling the Casita across the country, so I was hoping to limit the damage by adding support. But from what I have read, it doesn't look like the Sumos will address the Taco Lean? Need self leveling bags for that I suppose. I also have a strut 1/4" spacer I haven't installed that could address the lean.

 

Have you checked these products out? https://www.airliftcompany.com/products/air-springs/loadlifter-5000-ultimate/
They have several ride height versions to choose from.
Would you recommend these + daystar cradles?

 

I had not seen that offering. You'd need to contact the manufacturer of the cradles and ask if they have experience with the AirLift option. Personally I see little benefit over the Ride-Rite option.. especially since there are a number of users on TW that have used the ride-rite airbags with the daystar cradles.

 

Very nice combo! .. we're jealous about the month driving cross country (and the additional storage space in the 17'). The Ms and I have been dreaming about a few week x-country adventure with the Casita but haven't made it happen [yet.] I imagine you're sporting a Honda EU 2000/2200 generator inside the soft-topper for AC? We have

Sunluway Theft Deterrent Security Bracket Fits for Honda Generator EU2200i, EU2000i, EU2000i Companion, EU2000i Camo Generator 63230-Z07-010AH

one of these theft deterrent handles and use a chain to secure the generator to a bed D-ring when not in use.

 

@Lurod,

Have you considered a weight distributing hitch? It's a completely different approach but if you're only interested in fixing the sag while towing your camper it might be a good solution.

 

What I like about the Air Lift system is that it has built-in bump-stops, which will function when we're not loaded down with the trailer. I also like the auto-leveling option of the Air Lifts.

 

I have not, mainly for the reasons stated above in the thread.

 

Keep me on the short list for your kits. If I haven't committed and purchased a system yet, I will definitely take one. What do you know about the AirLift Kits for 4WD Tacomas versus Firestone's kits?

 

Ok so here is a reply I got back from Firestone directly regarding the use of Daystar cradles and whether they are needed. Moral of the story is I like my warranties so will not be using the cradles:

I sent them this:

I will be installing the 2407 kit into my 2021 Tacoma to help with load leveling during trailer tows. There is conflicting info both online and your website as to whether I should use a cradle, like the Daystar air bag cradle, as this is considered a "modification" and I am told Firestone will not warranty if a failure occurs.

My concern is damage to the bag if over extending them and on you Frequently aske questions page one place it says that the bags are designed to withstand thousands of pounds of force in stretching and are safe to lift up on a car hoist HOWEVER another FAQ on the same page seems to contradict this in saying that failures as a result of overextensions may void the warranty.

I simply need to understand how to protect my investment appropriately.

Can I or should I use a cradle to protect from overextension damage possibilities or not?



From the Firestone Engineering Dept:

I have shared this with our team and can understand the confusion. The convoluted bags (those in the 2407 kit) will have no problem holding the axle or being fully extended. The comment about over-extending applies to our tapered sleeve style air springs. We specifically design the brackets in the kits that use those to make sure the dampers are the limited factor when the axle is in full droop. We will be making adjustments to our FAQ page and thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is appreciated.


Concerning the Daystar product. It will void any warranty coverage for any Ride-Rite kit. It is extremely dangerous to have an air spring unrestrained on a vehicle. If something happens and it misses the cup, then it can easily damage brake lines, fuel lines, ABS cables, or worse.


I hope that helps answer your questions, but please let me know if you would like to discuss any of these items in more detail.


Thank you,

Scott




Scott White

Sr. Product Engineer

 

Well, Firestone took that stance for legal reasons immediately after the cradles came out. I don't blame them, but the fear mongering is not warranted. Nobody here suggested you needed cradles either, so I guess they did confirm that. His comments about how the convoluted bags behave at full extension are predicated on a stock truck, ie stock length shocks. They cannot stand up to the stretching you get on any high articulation setup or raised trucks where extended length shocks are used. That is where the cradles ARE needed. I suppose if you have all these things and never leave pavement, then it wouldn't matter then either. Any setup that is so badly designed that an airbag could get sideways is clearly the work of an idiot.

 

I believe his answer is quite clear and not entirely “legally” driven.
Thanks for your opinion

Regards