Air Lift On Board Compressor System

[Idahomauledriver]

Hi I am a newbie and this is my first post.

I recently purchased a Hawk that will be installed on my 2005 3/4 ton Dodge diesel right after the first of the year. In anticipation of the install I called my local mechanic shop and spec'ed out an airbag system. I specifically asked for Firestone after doing some research which included this forum. I dropped the truck off on Monday and picked it up today and after looking at the box I realized they had installed an Air Lift system.

Does anyone have any experience with this brand ? I looked at a few reviews on the internet and most purchasers rate it 4 to 4.5 stars out of 5. So it is getting good ratings.

I would appreciate any input anyone might have as to the Air Lift Brand before I push the nuclear button at the mechanics.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Stalking Light]

I had initially had Air Lift bags on my Tacoma but the first install they used the wrong kit and their attempts to fix it with the correct kit also failed so they ended up putting Firestone bags on, which have worked fine since.

If you asked for Firestone and they installed Air Lift I would complain, especially if they charged you for Firestone which are a bit more expensive, I think.

 

[Argonaut20]

The Air Lift bags I had on an older Tacoma worked fine, but they didn't do well on the 2006 Tacoma. I replaced them with Firestones and have had no problems since. I agree that, if you specified Firestone, that is what should be on there.

 

[Cayuse]

I have the Air Lift bags on my Tundra and have been very happy with them. Have about 18 months on them with multiple desert trips and highway miles as well, no issues. I don't have the on board compressor system installed, ran the lines back next to the license plate with a valve on either side.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

I have Firestone lift on a f-350, never had a problem, however , NEVER let the air drop below 10lbs or your asking for trouble.
I don't know the the cost difference, but what does it matter , you just paid a lot of money for your camper , don't skimp now.

I would take it back on principle ALONE !
As far as an onboard compressor, just more stuff to fail and mess with .... KISS.
I had separate schrader valves installed and I have a portable 12vdc compressor that works just dandy...



Happy Trails...

 

[chnlisle]

We have an '06 Ram 2500 with a fully loaded ATC Cougar. This is the largest ATC camper. I have never needed a suspension modification.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

We had Air Lift air bags on our old Tundra years back, and didn't have good luck with them.

I have also heard the same from many other customers.


The Firestone Ride-Rite seems to have a good reputation in the overland community.




..

 

[ntsqd]

I too was wondering of the need on a 3/4t truck. Ours is a '96 CTD with a 6.5' Phoenix camper in an 8' bed and I run the under-riding over-load leaves flipped upside down so there's no way they ever can make load bearing contact.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Time to nuke em'

 

[snuffy]

Air lift does have a air bag now with a bump stop inside maybe thats what you have .. i have ride rite on my Power Wagon, no problems yet..

 

[XJINTX]

Mickey, I have Firestone airbags on F250 with onboard controller. I have my saved lower fill at 5 lbs... so I need to raise to minimum of 10? I will raise today!

 

[Tuff Guy 62]

Air lift does have a air bag now with a bump stop inside maybe thats what you have .. i have ride rite on my Power Wagon, no problems yet..

I know this is off topic, but are the ride rites the only suspension mods to your PW.

A Power Wagon is my fantasy truck but you hear a lot about limited payload and slide in camper no-no.

BTW I run ride rites on my 2000 Chevy 1500 with an ATC Panther shell. Handles like a dream.

 

[Idahomauledriver]

An Update.....First of all thank you for all the replies this is a great forum. Well after much study on the Internet, a call to the Factory and discussions with the mechanic/installer I have decided to try and see if the Air Lift system will work for the following reasons:

It is already installed on my truck so the truck has been drilled in various places and I doubt that the Firestone system will use all the same holes since the compressor is located in a different location.

The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 system has a Lifetime Limited Warranty and the Controller II has a 2 year Warranty. The installer has agreed to troubleshoot any problems at his expense and install a Firestone system without charge if the Air Lift system fails.

The factory rep was very knowledgable and familiar with the weather conditions here in North Central Idaho and stated that the system had been tested in Michigan winters and performed well.

When I Googled comparisons of the two systems there were several independent reviews that highlighted the differences those primarily being better warranty on the Air Lift.....a plus but more difficult to install .....a minus but which is now a done deal, but other than those both systems were comparable according to the independent reviewers.

Finally.... A feeling in my gut that the Air Lift company is trying very hard to be a top notch product, they added brass fittings in a number of areas and upgraded the compressor recently and then added lifetime warranties to the bags ( if I read it right ).

So the journey begins..... I will add updates if anything interesting happens.....Thank you all for taking the time to respond.




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[northshorehenry]

Driver, I would get that "promise to replace" in writing from the mechanic. Should it need replacing two years from now, buddy may have a "faulty memory" and deny everything.


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[snuffy]

you will be fine. to Tuff GUY 62, Other than the airbags i have gone to 18in.wheels with E rated nitto tires. My hawk is just under 1500lbs.wet the truck handles fine.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Mickey, I have Firestone airbags on F250 with onboard controller. I have my saved lower fill at 5 lbs... so I need to raise to minimum of 10? I will raise today!

Sorry not to get back to you till now, air bags under inflated and then bottomed out when you go off a curb or offroad and all the weight goes to that air bag can cause rupture. If you keep enough air in the bag where it won't bottom out you'll be fine.
When I'm traveling I run mine at 30lbs when I'm home I let them be till get ready for a trip then air back up if they are low , which does happen over months.
I hope I didn't ramble too bad .