Truck Air Bags?

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Traveler II
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Truck Air Bags?

Post by Traveler II »

How many of you are using some type of air bags on your truck? I have them now, but the new truck we are now looking at has 20” tires and is higher than our present truck. I’m thinking that if I don’t use air bags that the pin weight will level the truck out so the trailer is riding level.

We are looking at a 2013 Ford 350 with a long box. If this one doesn’t work out we are going to just order a 2014 when they are available.

Thanks
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Samsbird »

Jim, I installed them on 2012 6.7 CCLB King Ranch and I am glad that I did. The truck rode level without the bags, what I was trying to do was get ride of the shudder on takeoff while pulling and they took care of it. Now I can pull off without any shudder, I keep 20# in mine and that allows the pin weight to just rest on the overloads. I used the Firestone ride rites and they fit the 2012 like a glove however, in 2013 apparently Ford changed the bracket that attaches the DEF tank and they will not bolt up without some cutting and moving of the bracket. Firestone has since made the correct bracket so they will fit the 2013 without having to relocate things. I think they are a good investment for our tow rigs. BTW, I have 20" tires also.

Randall
2009 35sbq fifth wheel
2012 F350 SRW King Ranch 6.7 Powerstroke
1969 (428 Super Cobra Jet Mach 1)
1970 (Boss 302)
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Mike Clay »

Boy you just don't learn =))
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Traveler II
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Traveler II »

Samsbird wrote:Jim, I installed them on 2012 6.7 CCLB King Ranch and I am glad that I did. The truck rode level without the bags, what I was trying to do was get ride of the shudder on takeoff while pulling and they took care of it. Now I can pull off without any shudder, I keep 20# in mine and that allows the pin weight to just rest on the overloads. I used the Firestone ride rites and they fit the 2012 like a glove however, in 2013 apparently Ford changed the bracket that attaches the DEF tank and they will not bolt up without some cutting and moving of the bracket. Firestone has since made the correct bracket so they will fit the 2013 without having to relocate things. I think they are a good investment for our tow rigs. BTW, I have 20" tires also.

Randall
Glad to read that your trailer is level with the 20" tires, our Chevy has 17" tires and we need the air bags to keep it level. Thanks for the info.

I take it Mike that you really are a Chevy Man. B-)
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
Nights camped in 2013: 186
Nights camped in 2014: 185
Nights camped in 2015: 232
Nights camped in 2016: 165
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Mike Clay »

Nah just giving you a bad time. I don't care what people drive.
Mike, Susanna & Rudy
2016 3850RL Estate "Proto Grigio"
2019 Silverado 3500HD Dually D/A 4x4 LTZ
My dreams are too big for my wallet
Rallies attended - 32

Nights camping in 2013:159 2014:269 2015:Full Timers
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Traveler II
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Traveler II »

Randall, do you know what your pin weight is?

Thanks
Jim
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
Nights camped in 2013: 186
Nights camped in 2014: 185
Nights camped in 2015: 232
Nights camped in 2016: 165
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Re: Truck Air Bags?

Post by Samsbird »

Jim, I am right at 2800# pin weight. I came from a 2006 6.0 F350 that had the extended cab and I didn't have any shudder during takeoff with that truck, the fact that my 2012 is a crew cab (longer drive line) I believe is why I was getting some of the shudder due to the change in pinion angle when hooked up.
2009 35sbq fifth wheel
2012 F350 SRW King Ranch 6.7 Powerstroke
1969 (428 Super Cobra Jet Mach 1)
1970 (Boss 302)
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