Firstone riderites

Just finished install on my 2013 DC. The kit had two heatshields. I only installed one. I would like to add the other because the passenger bag is still exposed to the exhaust. I really don't want to remount them because it took me about 4 hrs to install the passenger bag. The reason being that the working area is way small. Also the hardware used sucks and is very difficult to tighten. Has anyone installed the bags without the heatshields? Once installed they work and look great. Am planning on using a weight dist. hitch as well. Has anyone used combination? Thanks Bob S

 

Only used one on the passenger side. It's the only side near the exhaust.

 

I didnt install either of my heat shields and ive had zero problems. ive routinely checked to see if the bags get too hot on road trips and so far the passenger side bag (the one right by the exhaust) only gets warm to the touch. i could hold my hand there all day and not have it be uncomfortably hot. the reason i didnt install either was mainly an accident and i just got lazy and didnt feel like going back and re installing. if you havent installed the bags yet id recommend putting it on. Just letting you know that it hasnt affected my bags in any way and ive had them on for a few years now.

 

Thanks for the reply. Your right im too lazy. I would if necessary but a pia. If your ok with it so am I. Will keep a check on the temps by feel. Again thanks Bob S

 

My firestone airbags were not a simple bolt on either. Had to do mods on both sides. I did eventually fit the included metal heat sheild and I added reflective heat shield materiel also. I have a magnaflow pipe and it is very close.

 

So, now that you guys have them in, and have had them awhile, how do they hold up? What's the ride like with loaded trailer? Do they adjust easily? Did they compromise the ride quality without a load?

 

I installed mine last fall (required some reshaping of the mounting brackets) to help with heavy bed loads and my cap. It's been working well so far. It's pretty easy to adjust.

 

How is the handling with heavy bed loads and high psi?

 

With medium loads at 5-15 psi, it just feels a bit stiffer. I haven't tried a heavy load yet. It also helped improve the taco lean, I keep a few more psi on the left.

 

I have the compressor and controls in my center console so mine are super easy to adjust haha. as far as handling goes, ive had some pretty heavy loads on them and pumping them up gets me back to stock height. on REALLY heavy loads big bumps are still iffy, ie. It bounces like a mofo. but again that's most likely with the bed way overloaded with weight. with a trailer it seems to be better overall with the bouncing. with a fully loaded trailer I still only put 20psi or whatever it requires to get me close to stock height again and its a comfortable ride.

 

I only put one on the passenger side. I have had no issues with heat. I would not worry about it.

 

I had been noticing progressively increasing bounciness with my 2013 DCSB OR + ride rites (37000 mi) until a recent upgrade to 6112/5160's. The new shocks made a major improvement in dampening. Much more stable and confidence-inspiring feel.

 

I believe they give you two just in case you have a dual exhaust on your truck, one for each side!!!

 

I've use the combo of the 2 and it works great. I load the generator, coleman roadtrip grill and cooler in the bed of the truck the add just enough air to level it out. I then hook up the trailer and WDH. I'll even add 5 psi or so extra because I like the way the stiffer rear end handles while towing. I'm also running the daystar cradles since I also use this truck for offroad play(firestone may not warranty your airbags if they know you are using these).
I'm only running 1 heat shield as I have no intention of running dual exhaust. I broke down during my driveway install and borrowed my neighbors compressor and air ratchet. This made a huge difference tightening all those hard to reach bolts!!

 

I picked up an air ratchet setup halfway through the install after getting tired of dealing with the tight confines. What a difference!

 

I've had the ride rites for 3 years on my 2013. Never had an issue with them. I tow a tent trailer w/the bed stuffed with the rest of the camping gear.

 

I have the ride rites, day star cradles and use a weight distribution hitch. I have no heat shields and have no issues.