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Veteran
Posts: 143
 
Location: TX | I wanted to see what you have? Your opinion on which airbags would be better? Cost?
I recently bought a new trailer and I drive a 1 ton Dodge 2WD. I would like to put them on my truck.
Thanks |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1037
| shoestringacres - 2016-02-24 7:46 AM
I wanted to see what you have? Your opinion on which airbags would be better? Cost?
I recently bought a new trailer and I drive a 1 ton Dodge 2WD. I would like to put them on my truck.
Thanks
Not sure what brand ours are (maybe Firestone), but we have had them on 3 different trucks and they are the best accessory you can add to a pulling vehicle. My brother owns a truck accessory biz so not sure what they cost full price, but I can tell you to spring for the automatic pump on them. So much easier and worth the money than to have to pump them up by hand. |
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Veteran
Posts: 143
Location: TX | Thank you, I will check into pricing.
Keep the advice coming. I want to see what everyone suggest.
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| I believe this is the kit we have on our dodge 2500. Best investment we've made.
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/firestone-2299-ride-rite-air-bag-kit-...
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  Friendly horse swapper
Posts: 4122
Location: Buffalo, TX | I had Firestone in cab air bags on my last Dodge and I loved them. I think they cost around $650 plus labor. My Dodge now has the Super Springs...they are really good but not adjustable, so I would go back to the air bags on my next truck for sure.
p.s...this price includes the option of dual inside controls
Edited by Cindy Hamilton 2016-02-24 10:57 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 143
Location: TX | Did you have it done or did you do it yourself? |
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Member
Posts: 17
| I thought my truck rode pretty good and pulled well without them, but we picked some up off of a rolled truck in a junk yard and I can't believe that I had gone so long without them. We put them on ourselves so cost was next to nothing for us. Worth it in my book no matter what the price is.  |
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Veteran
Posts: 143
Location: TX | I appreciate all input.
I will be putting it on my truck. I just wanted to make sure I knew which was good and pricing.
Thank you. |
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 Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
Location: NE Texas | Definitely the Firestone bags. They are so worth it! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
Location: Roping pen | My understanding is there are 3 types of air suspension systems-
We have a Linksys system on our 4500. It is a complete replacement of all factory springs/shocks/suspension components. It is true air ride. Costs can be up to 5k. We have had it 5 years, 80k miles and had to replace one compressor (has 2 electric), one pressure switch and the pop off valve. Not really a no maintenance item. True air ride is great, but probably won't do it again.
Air bags with on board compressor/gauges. This is a factory leaf spring "helper". Bags goes between the springs and a stop on the frame. Fully adjustable at any time. Costs 400-1200. Have to maintain compressor/tanks/valves.
Air bags with outboard air valve-bags do the same as the air bags with compressor. But, you have a tire like valve stem, mounted somewhere on the vehicle, and must air it up with a shop air compressor. Not handy at all if you pull different trailers/weights/or use vehicle as a daily driver-can be 200-600. Maintenance is very limited.
A lot of people are going to "Tembren" type system. These are 150-300 or so. No air, just a semi-flexible rubber boot that mounts on top of springs in place of rubber axle stops. Have never heard any thing bad about them. No adjustment needed nor any maintenance. Takes about 15 minutes to install with just one bolt per side. Putting a pair on my Dodge 3500 asap. They are designed, as more weight is added to payload, they get stiffer to aid in preventing rear sag.
Good luck! |
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 Straight Shooter
Posts: 5725
Location: SW North Dakota | Thanks for this post! I grabbed our shop mechanic (a very knowledgeable guy), and we ordered the Firestone Ride Rite system with a compressor. The whole bill was about $650, with free Amazon Prime shipping, and my mechanic friend was nice enough to offer to install it on my 2013 F350. YAY!! |
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Veteran
Posts: 143
Location: TX | My understanding is there are 3 types of air suspension systems-
We have a Linksys system on our 4500. It is a complete replacement of all factory springs/shocks/suspension components. It is true air ride. Costs can be up to 5k. We have had it 5 years, 80k miles and had to replace one compressor (has 2 electric), one pressure switch and the pop off valve. Not really a no maintenance item. True air ride is great, but probably won't do it again.
Air bags with on board compressor/gauges. This is a factory leaf spring "helper". Bags goes between the springs and a stop on the frame. Fully adjustable at any time. Costs 400-1200. Have to maintain compressor/tanks/valves.
Air bags with outboard air valve-bags do the same as the air bags with compressor. But, you have a tire like valve stem, mounted somewhere on the vehicle, and must air it up with a shop air compressor. Not handy at all if you pull different trailers/weights/or use vehicle as a daily driver-can be 200-600. Maintenance is very limited.
A lot of people are going to "Tembren" type system. These are 150-300 or so. No air, just a semi-flexible rubber boot that mounts on top of springs in place of rubber axle stops. Have never heard any thing bad about them. No adjustment needed nor any maintenance. Takes about 15 minutes to install with just one bolt per side. Putting a pair on my Dodge 3500 asap. They are designed, as more weight is added to payload, they get stiffer to aid in preventing rear sag.
This was great to know. In my search I found firestone and one other. I was told I could get the air bags $3000 I believe that is the first option you stated. I told them nope not in my budget.
I have called around and found that the one I think would be best installation and everything $1000.00. So I will be making a plan on that.
I considered saving a couple hundred dollars doing it myself. I use this truch as a daily driver so I can't be down if I run into problems.
Thank you all again, |
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