I decided to install some air bags. Wanted to see if they stabalize the truck while towing. Pretty simple install. Took 2 hours. No fancy in cab inflation system (yet). Just put the inflator thingis in the wheel wells for now.
I put 10 psi in them (min recommended) and it lifted the back end about 3/8" with no load. Cursory test drive revealed nothing that I could discern. Real test will come tomorrow with the trailer hooked up.
For those that are curious, I have a well adjusted rig while towing. I use a Reese Dual Cam setup. Rig is level. WD bars are level. Weight is distributed well between all the axles. So I really don't need air bags for any reason. But I wanted to stiffen up the back end as I tow at the GVWR of the Tundra (lots of people and gear in the truck) and at the GCWR. Just felt the back end on my 4x2 non-TRD felt more like a Cadillac than a truck. Thought about TRD shocks but they would have been lots more $$$ than the air bags and would have stiffened up the no load ride so I decided to go with air bags. I'll report back after towing the trailer.
Just went out and towed the trailer home. Set it up as usual. Rear sagged 1/2" as expected with the WDH set up. I had the airbags set at 17 psi before hooking up. They were at 29 psi after hooking up with the WDH (I guess that whole PV=nRT actually works). I also had 400 lbs of dirt in the bed of the truck. I aired them up to 40 psi and the rear raised less than 1/4".
Drove home and the ride is definitely improved. The back way home has a challenging part that always gets the rig bouncing along. The bounce was greatly diminished but not eliminated. That means I can keep the airbags on. I might try 50 psi and see what that does. I don't want the airbags to carry any load, per se, just add damping to the system.
I tilted the side mirrors down to watch the rear tires and, as usual, the sidewalls were flexing more than I would like. I think once I change out to light truck tires, I will be happy with my towing ride.
Tom
UPDATE: (I know, I'm talking to myself). Towed the trailer back to the farm. Used the same setup, but it turns out the trailer tires were all at 43 psi. To low. Aired them up to 50 psi and now I'm happy. Ride is where I want it.
I want to make it very clear that I am NOT using the airbags to level anything. Without them, I have everything setup just right. Truck is level, front to back (which actually means the tail is sagging 1" or so from no load). Trailer is level. Weight distribution is good. I only use the airbags to stiffen up the rear suspension while towing. When I have them aired to 40 psi, they provide < 1/4" of additional lift, but make the suspension stiffer. Just what I wanted.
yup you are talking to yourself - with 114 viewings lol . Good information. When are you changing your tires? You need to let us know what the difference is with the new tires.
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Matt
2003 4runner Limited
2003 Sequoia Limited
1989 Supra Turbo
Air bags are the bomb! I installed them on my 4R and could not be happier with the added support that they give when towing. Last year I had one of those hitch mounted baskets when I took a ski trip. The basket was loaded with probably 200+ pounds of stuff which made the 4R really nose high. Hopefully the airbags will helps this out as well if I ever do that again!
Don't worry we are listening. I always listen to the voices in my head.
I love my air bags too. They work well to dampen the bouciness. As you said I dont use them to carry any load, just to help control bounce and sway. They smoooothed things out alot.
I also have the dual cam reese anti sway device and a WDH with 10k bars.
__________________ 2002 TUNDRA AC 2WD = NOT STOCK
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I also have air bags on my truck and noticed the firmed up ride. Good stuff when towing. I bought a in cab controller to inflate the bags but my dog chewed it up.
Since plan -A- was done at that point, I just mounted my inflation valves in my license plate. Drilled the top 2 holes a little larger and fitted them in there. Easy access and they look good too.
Ken
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UPDATE: Air bags installed
I always listen to the voices in my head.
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