Airbags or add a leaf?

[TXbroker]

ok, I tow some moderatly heavy stuff a few times a month. Upwards of 12K on average. Have a 2005 F2504X4FX4 and when I hook up that gooseneck the back drops significantly. Ride is not good down the road. Have 54K on the clock.

Have any of you guys done the add a leaf? How was the ride empty?

Anyone done airbags? who like what system and what arethe advantages dissadvantages?

We have a 95F350 dually that has 1.5 ton Springs and empty it beats you to death. Loaded with the same trailer it rides like a caddy.

Any help would be appreciated?

[sea71]

I am curious too, so I am bumping this back to the top so someone with experience can give us there opinion.

[Evil Eye]

I have the Firestone Ride-Rite air bags and love em. You can deflate them to 5 or 10 psi when running empty and up to 100psi when running loaded... They are the most flexible and seem to dampen the ride a touch, as well. Btw, I tow a 12k lb 5th wheel toy hauler with an extended pinbox. Rides really well... Hope this helps.

[SoTX]

What carlson158 said. I love mine.

[Albie30]

I have a set of air ride air bags I love them You can inflate them from inside the cab to level out the truck and when you are not towing let the air out and you are good to go

[sea71]

Thanks for the responce fellas. I was thinkin air bags over add a leafs for me personnally, but wanted yalls in put.

[jngreen]

Air bags are the way to go, just be sure to not let anything rub on them or puncture them or you will have to buy new ones. Firestone recommends that you always keep at least 10 pounds in the bags to help keep their shape and so they don't smash too much and rub something. They also make kits for the front springs that can be used as a leveling kit. They will ride a little stiffer for the front but it is an easy way to gain a few inches.....

[TXbroker]

Thanks fellas, much appreciated.

If you feel like sharing what did you bags cost you? did you install yourself or have installed and do they all come with compressors?

[owtcast]

The compressor/guage set up is optional. I installed my own bags without the compressor. They aren't too hard to do. Check fitment if you have a gooseneck/5th wheel hitch frame that straddles the main truck frame. I had to do some cutting and grinding to fit mine but, it wasn't anything major. I have this type of hitch. (scroll down) >> Fifth Wheel adaptors for my King Ranch 350 available in the States?
And here is a pic of them installed. You can see the top bracket where it had to be cut down and I also had to cut the top of the U bolts for the lower bracket to fit.

Attached Images

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[TXbroker]

I already have the turn over ball hitch. That may be a problem as I do not want to cut the frame.