Air Bags for towing

Im looking to add some capacity to the rear leafs in preparation for towing a camper. I was thinking of adding firestone bags to the rear end.

Are there any downsides to the firestone bags?

If there is a downside or you would recommend something else, what would it be? Add a leaf? full leaf pack?

by the way, i am mechanically inclined, but was looking at bags because they seem pretty easy to do, less involved than leafs and time is something hard to come by lately.

 

I put the Firestone’s in mine 2 years ago. No problems and levels the truck beautifully when towing. Took me about 4-5 hours to do but I was taking my time.

 

Air bags are a poor choice for towing. Use a WD hitch to shift the load to the front axle and the trailer axle.

Airbags are good for payload in the bed but do not properly distribute the weight over the axles.

 

I should clarify, which may or may not change your opinion. I will also be using a weight distribution hitch. I have never towed anything over 2500 lbs, but i figured with a larger camper, people in back seat, stuff in bed that i would need both bags and a wd hitch

 

Personally, I'd try it without the airbags first.

You should keep the stuff loaded in the truck to a minimum....put as much of it as you can in the trailer.

I tow this (about 4,500lb dry weight). Truck had 2 adults and 2 kids in carseats. I haven't used airbags and don't think they are necessary for towing with a good WD hitch and proper vehicle/trailer loading.

 

What is your rear suspension setup? Stock? your sig tells me its not

 

It was stock for the first year with the trailer. Now I'm running Dakar leaf pack with the 3rd leaf removed and Fox 2.0rr shocks in the rear with Fox 2.5 coilovers up front.

 

I may find myself in the same boat. Much smaller trailer, with a lock n roll hitch. WD hitch not possible.

 

Firestone Ride-Rite air bags are great for towing I love mine. I installed mine in 2010 and have had a very good experience with them over the years. My recommendation is to get the compressor (mounted mine under the hood) and gauge/pressure adjusting switch (mounted mine under the dash); it is awesome to be able to adjust the air pressure as you are going down the road or in the parking lot to suit your needs. The load leveling hitch is also a good idea. You will find the air bags are useful for other load situations besides towing.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/firestone-ride-rite-install-question.104472/#post-2005827