Firestone RideRite vs. AirLift Air Bags

LexLuther · 01-24-2007, 10:42 PM

Which one should I get? The Airlift bags require the frame to be drilled. Will this void my warranty? My truck is not lifted but sags really bad when towing a toy hauler.

Give me the pros and cons of each. Thanks

**RobKar** · 01-25-2007, 01:29 AM

I have the airlift bags with the compressor. I did not have to drill my frame... the ride is a much better with the airlift bags versus Firestone. They both will work it's just your preference.

I really like mine and it was a good modification because my trailer is approximately 8000 pounds

LexLuther · 01-25-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobKar

I did not have to drill my frame...

Did you weld the brackets on? How are they secured?

red_rider_elsinore · 01-25-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobKar

I have the airlift bags with the compressor. I did not have to drill my frame... the ride is a much better with the airlift bags versus Firestone. They both will work it's just your preference.

I really like mine and it was a good modification because my trailer is approximately 8000 pounds

Can you level on the go, and can you inflate tires with that compressor? My truck's rear suspension handles my 900lbs + tongue weight good, but I want to do a leveling kit so I am considering air bags.

thclimer · 01-25-2007, 09:16 AM

I installed the Firestone air springs on my Titan. The installation was straightforward and did not require any drilling, other than where you want to mount your valve stems.

I opted not to get a compressor with my system since I have a large one at my house and I figured if I was out driving and needed to inflate more I could use a gas station’s air fill station. If I didn’t have the compressor at home I may have opted for the onboard compressor.

mytitan · 01-25-2007, 09:37 AM

i have the airlift for over 2yrs now, awesome!!!!i drilled throught the frame, no big deal, firestone from what prg tells me has a stiffer ride compared to my airlift....

LexLuther · 01-25-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thclimer

I installed the Firestone air springs on my Titan.

How was the ride effected when not towing?

I just don't want to void my warranty by drilling holes in my frame.

**RobKar** · 01-25-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexLuther

Did you weld the brackets on? How are they secured?

looks like I'll have to take some pictures and show you. It was really simple install took about one hour per side. and that included the compressor and airline installation

**RobKar** · 01-25-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red_rider_elsinore

Can you level on the go, and can you inflate tires with that compressor? My truck's rear suspension handles my 900lbs + tongue weight good, but I want to do a leveling kit so I am considering air bags.

Yes I can level on the go. With the compressor installed its very small and fits underneath one of the back seats on the hump so you don't even see it. The wiring was really easy because in the center console, where I mounted the air gauge is an accessory controlled 12 volt jack.

I'm going to have to check the install because I don't remember drilling but it has been over a year.

**RobKar** · 01-25-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexLuther

How was the ride effected when not towing?

I just don't want to void my warranty by drilling holes in my frame.

For the airlift bags you just pump them down to about 10 psi, then the rides not affected as far as I could tell... well may be improved a little.

I live in San Diego and sometimes have to drive through Los Angeles. Let me tell you that the ride is greatly improved especially on the 10 freeway when towing! As far as leveling and sway control you can really tell its a huge difference.

LexLuther · 01-25-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobKar

looks like I'll have to take some pictures and show you. It was really simple install took about one hour per side. and that included the compressor and airline installation

I will not install the compressor, just the airbags. If the frame does not have to be drilled for installation, I will order the Airlifts right now. I just do not want to void my warranty.

thclimer · 01-25-2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexLuther

How was the ride effected when not towing?

I just don't want to void my warranty by drilling holes in my frame.

I keep mine at 10 psi also for everyday driving; the manufacture doesn’t want you to ride them empty. At 10 psi I practically don't even know they are there.

I have had them as high as 40 psi when towing my equipment trailer and tractor, maybe its overkill considering I also have an Equalizer hitch with that setup. But, I also like the fact that I can load about 700 pounds of ready-mix cement into my bed and my rear end doesn’t sag.

**RobKar** · 01-25-2007, 11:27 AM

I did have to drill... <sorry about that>

http://airlift.iwebcat.com/imgVD/AIL/MN-604_59554.pdf.

I belive that I brought up the warranty before and was assured that it would not be affected. I did have to drill in though.

Heres where I got mine... Look for a rebate or discount on the Airlift site:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=AIR-25592
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

helomech · 01-25-2007, 12:45 PM

I got the firestone with the onboard compressor, and I don't notice any difference in the ride with the bags at 10 psi. Installation was simple I put the compressor under the hood out of the weather. They work great and haven't had any issues with them, highly recommend.

travelship · 01-27-2007, 12:44 AM

I had the Airlifts on my F-150, and have the Firestones on my Titan. The Firestones are stiffer than the Airlifts with the same pressure, so I just don't use as much pressure as before. With my travel trailer, I would use about 60-70 psi with the Ford, but now only run 30-40 with the Titan. I liked the no drill install.