Recommend a good source of air bags for a trailer?

[e9999]

I want to put air bags between the frame and the axle on a utility trailer. Simple extension / compression in line. Nothing to contain them sideways. Although of course the axle may move back a tad when the springs compress due to the shackle. Don't know how much they can handle of that. Idea is for more flexibility in load management cuz the leaf springs are too feeble and too flat for good clearance between frame and axle with heavy loads.

Saw a number of air bags here and there. But anything good and inexpensive from a good company comes to mind that you'd particularly recommend? Has to be cheaper than new springs, preferably.

TIA

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

maybe Slam Air Adjustable Air Springs For Lowered Trucks or Ride Control Rear Ride Control Kit depending on spacing between frame and spring.

The first one is the part number for the FJ60, the second I have on my '85 2wd toyota pickup.

 

[MANUCHAO]

try adventure trailers

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/homebuilder.html

or this dudes but I dont know if these are for trailers.. Im planning on running them on my FJ60 someday soon...


Suspension Components: Air Ride Technologies - Ridetech.com

 

[e9999]

can the air bags typically handle some minor (1" or so) back and forth of the leaf springs you think? IOW, are they fairly flexible sideways or do these things have a rigid skeleton?

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

If you are talking about my post, Yes, the air bags I posted are very flexible, no rigid frame.

 

[Dcon]

For my trailer(s), I used the Firestone Ride Rite Kits. I chose the one (part #2250) which uses the 6781 bags that Adventure Trailers use. The kit includes the hardware and air lines which I figured was worth the extra $49. Summit has the kit for $260, and the bags for $105. Firestone Ride Rite, Coil Rite, Sport Rite 2250 - Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kits - summitracing.com

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Yes the 6781 bag is important. It is the most universal application for all sorts of Ford and Chevies, so a good one in case you blow one or need one somehow in the middle of nowhere...

 

[WMac]

I beleive Firestone is the maker of the airbags seen on trailers.

Firestone Industrial Products Co. ~ North America

 

[Michael1]

I want to put air bags between the frame and the axle on a utility trailer. Simple extension / compression in line. Nothing to contain them sideways. Although of course the axle may move back a tad when the springs compress due to the shackle. TIA

I'd like to do the same, but don't know how the axle is going to be held in place laterally, unless a custom suspension trailing arm is made (similar to what the Adventure Trailers owner used), or the leaf springs remain. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Michael

 

[yooper]

The two main companies are AirLift and Firestone (Ride-Rite).

The air helper springs that are made to go with leaf springs can handle the flex no problem.

You will have to measure your trailer to figure out what size to get and probably need to call the manufacturer to figure out which model to get - their websites are all geared to kits for specific vehicles.

New or added leaf springs would probably be less hassle and expense.

 

[yooper]

I'd like to do the same, but don't know how the axle is going to be held in place laterally, unless a custom suspension trailing arm is made (similar to what the Adventure Trailers owner used), or the leaf springs remain. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Michael

I think he means to keep his leaf springs and wants to add air bags. I think.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Here is my firestone bag installed... Very happy. Also AT, who runs these, has reported ZERO failures if I remember correctly...

Ride height is actually about 1" more inflated...

 

[Michael1]

I'd like to get rid of the leaf springs altogether. Ever since I drove two nearly identical rental cargo trucks, one with air rear suspension, and one with leaf springs, I can't be satified with leaf springs anymore. The difference was night and day. The leaf spring truck beat up the contents, as well as, the driver. The air suspension truck was nice and smooth. That really sold me.

Michael

 

[yooper]

I'd like to get rid of the leaf springs altogether. Ever since I drove two nearly identical rental cargo trucks, one with air rear suspension, and one with leaf springs, I can't be satified with leaf springs anymore. The difference was night and day. The leaf spring truck beat up the contents, as well as, the driver. The air suspension truck was nice and smooth. That really sold me.

Michael

Lots of suspension designs are better than leaf springs, just more expensive and more difficult to design. Go for it! dieselcruiserhead's is pretty nice...

 

[e9999]

yes, I was thinking to use the bags in addition to the leaf springs.

I'm open to the idea of an extra leaf, though. But changing the springs is not that cheap.

 

[yooper]

They look cheap here:

Trailer Parts Superstore - Double Eye Trailer Leaf Springs

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

The only way I'd do leafs is long and soft with shocks... Used is the best way. Like old stock 60 series springs, leafs removed, would be perfect...

 

[Dcon]

Leafs with bags maybe??? even with my alignment hasssles I had with my trailer(solved), I am sold on the bag/trailing arm setup! Go for the bags! Dieselcruiserhead has the idea!