B&W turnover ball and ride-rite airbags

[bigd4x4]

I just made the leap to a 5th wheel and my ride-rite won't fit. Anybody have a kit that will work on a B&W?

[Toneman56]

Ride rite does just a different number kit. It mounts inboard of the frame rails. I have one with a superglide on my 04, only used one time but worked great.

[Mr. Black]

I know this thread is getting kind of old already but I have an answer that fits.

The inside the frame ride rite kit won't always clear aftermarket exhaust and some hitch
plates. I don't remember if it will clear a B&W or not. Inside the frame bags aren't as controlling of the chassis either.

That being said I went with the Airlift 5000 series P/N 57291. They are outside the rail bags and are specifically made to work with B&W plates. Install is a no brainer and way easier than doing an outside the rail Ride Rite kit and drilling 8+ holes through hitch plates and the frame rails.

[H2C]

Mr. B, I am considering adding the same air bags to my F-250 and appreciate your pictures of an actual install...not just the sketches the vendor posts.

I see your pressure connection in the rail near the fender well. Did you also go with an onboard air compressor package? If so, which one and what are your thoughts on it?

AirLift has the Smart Air auto-leveing system, which I had considered, but most posts I have seen about it indicate it may be too sensitive and is always adding and venting air. Some suggested hooking up a kill swtich to shut off the unit once the bags are at pressure, but this would defeat the "maintenance mode" which keeps the units at pressure, especially if there is a small leak.

[Mr. Black]

H2, I do not run a compressor system at this time. At first I was thinking I would really to but now I think I am gonna hold off. Currently I am just running them independantly which I hear is better anyways. The fillers are on the pinch seam of the bed in the wheelwells. I didn't feel like putting them on the bumper or the rear of the truck as there is just no room between my bed and the trailer.

If I were to run a compressor I would want one that keeps the bags seperated. I guess I am just unsure if I want more crap on my truck that could potentially break.

[tsteel]

Originally Posted by H2C

Mr. B, I am considering adding the same air bags to my F-250 and appreciate your pictures of an actual install...not just the sketches the vendor posts.

I see your pressure connection in the rail near the fender well. Did you also go with an onboard air compressor package? If so, which one and what are your thoughts on it?

AirLift has the Smart Air auto-leveing system, which I had considered, but most posts I have seen about it indicate it may be too sensitive and is always adding and venting air. Some suggested hooking up a kill swtich to shut off the unit once the bags are at pressure, but this would defeat the "maintenance mode" which keeps the units at pressure, especially if there is a small leak.

If you go with a on board compressor you need to get a 5 gallon tank and run the bags separate with 2 valves so you can adjust each one. I have seen air ride fail due to one bag usually fills up faster than the other and is a pain to get them equal.

[aminal_99]

Hey, messaged you on the other forum as well, I'm wanting some pics of the front of the top mounts, do you have any of those? Also, whats the part number on your B&W? *Edit, I can tell now that you have the 1199R. Still don't know what location you put the hitch in though.

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Last edited by aminal_99 : 11-18-2009 at 05:19 AM.

[aminal_99]

Also, I was wondering, did you have to use the 49" location? I'm about to purchase the 1105R set up. Needing to know rather quickly! Thanks!

[aminal_99]

Well, Too late. I used the 1105R and the AirLift 57291 in the 49" position. I really wanted to go with the 46" location since I have a 100 gal transfer tank and a huge weatherguard tool box on top of that. But the 49" just made more sense because both the airbag brackets and the B&W side plates would share 3 bolts. Only two problems, the handle is going to need to be trimmed because i can't turn it with it at stock length. And the passengar side bolt that goes through the shock mount for the airbag kit has to be replaced with about a 1/2" longer bolt!
With the 49" location I probably just don't have room for the companion now, or if anything I would need to figure out a way to modify the handle on if if I do get it. All is well, as of right now I don't have a trailer to pull with this set up, but now I have the ability to! Also, i'm going to have a bracket made out of 2.5"x2.5" square tubing to drop into the turnover ball location, like an upside down L so i can have a place to store my winch cradle when wheeling, without it sticking out in front of the truck or behind.