Ride-Rites vs Air-Lifts

Noob here. Couldn’t (didn’t really) find which system is preferred. I see RR mentioned far more often than AL.
I only want to add for towing purposes. Not really interested in installing myself. I did get a quote from 2 separate cos. Firestone Car Center wants @ 2700 for RR w/compressor and the quote for AL w/comp was @ 1400. Going on our ‘19 TRD Sport DCSB w/tow package. Towing a 25’ Trailex Aluminum Car Hauler (2700lbs empty). Thoughts, other than it seems Firestone’s quote is/was excessive?

 

I haven't used these but for the money I would give it a shot:
https://www.suspensionconnection.co...MIqKGM74Tn4QIVTLjACh2cmA5pEAQYASABEgKi_vD_BwE

 

Here ya go,I install these at work pretty regular. They seem to do what they claim and a lot cheaper. It takes me about 45 minutes to do it on my hoist.

https://activesuspension.com/products/kits/2005-2016-tacoma-pickup/

 

I have air-lifts under mine. I also had them set up with separate fill lines for each. I fill them with a bicycle pump. Super easy as long as you do not do the air up after the truck is loaded.
Air lift had a 75 buck rebate going on when I bought, so I just had my tire dealer put them on for that amount. I really like them when I haul big heavy loads of firewood

I think my out of pocket cost was around $225.

 

I also go with a bike pump, it would be nice to have an onboard pump but it seems hard to justify the price with how cheap a bike pump is...

 

Do you feel that the separate lines are useful? I have it routed together and debated how actually helpful it would be for uneven loads?!

 

having the lines run together defeats the purpose of the bags. Then it allows for air to go from one bag to the next allowing body roll.

 

The lines have backflow prevention valve on them... I can only imagine the ride if they didnt

 

If that is the case then you are good.

 

I imagine it would only amplify the body roll...

 

I recently decided to buy airbags instead of AAL’s so I’ve been researching them.
AirLift and Firestone both have great reputations but after a bit of research I found that Firestone requires the factory bump stops to be cut off or removed on the Tacoma while AirLift doesn’t. The AirLift kit is also quite a bit cheaper and their warranty seems to be better too.
I’ve had Firestone kits with compressors on a couple of other trucks and they were bulletproof but I think i’m gonna go with AirLift for my Tacoma....

BTW- I rarely changed air pressures on my old trucks and there are gas stations with air pumps everywhere so i’m gonna skip the compressor this time...

 

No experience with air lifts but I've ran ride rites on several vehicles and never had any issue with them. No real need for an onboard air system for it, doesnt take much to adjust them, pump works fine.

 

You may be right about backflow prevention, but if that is true then how do you let air out.

If you tee the bags together, i believe you will have cross-flow... not saying that is 100% unacceptable, but expect it.

I use my bags to avoid having to crank trailer tongue jack up and down when hooking up and disconnecting trailer... (let out air, back up under hitch, pump up to 60 psi to pick up trailer, swing away jack, go back to 20 psi... reverse to unhook trailer)

 

Ive put Airlift bags on my last three Tacomas. They work well. Inflate when you need it, deflate when not. Never had an onboard compressor. Ive got one in the garage, trailer up, then inflate bags. My last set cost maybe $237.00, took about 45 minutes install time. I just ordered an AAL from Wheelers for latest truck. Just putting the topper and tool box onboard dropped the rear an inch. If I need more for my trailer I'll get more Airlifts.

 

I have Firestone ride right bags. The install wasn’t too bad. I have my air bags T’d together and one valve out by the license plate to inflate/deflate. I don’t haul a bunch of huge uneven loads in my truck and is mainly for towing and maybe dirt bikes. If you’re towing tal

While it is true that a T setup does allow some air to flow from one bag to another that is only really true when the vehicle is parked or in that uneven scenario for an extended period of time. Quick hits that suspension takes going down the road cause very minute amounts of air transfer. The pressurized air has to travel through the tiny tubing which restricts those quick hits much more than one would think. There’s a study somewhere on it I’ll edit back in a link if I can find it. Mine handles and functions great for how I use it.

Now If I was loading up 1500lbs+ in a big truck I’d most likely run them separate.