AirLift rear bag system - info you need to know

[PhantomChameleon]

Got another update from Timber Grove this afternoon - the adjustable mounts are back from being laser cut and are now off to go through the forming process. Steven said they should be back by Friday so will hopefully have another update then.

I will be in Montana for the rest of the week and the weekend getting my GoFast Camper installed so super excited for that and about this product to help support all the extra weight on trips!

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[Muddzy]

I installed Airlift airbags on my Rubicon with a 2.5in lift. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply as I just got back from a 6k mile trip. I towed a 4k trailer from NJ to Denver and then to Durango, CO. I also had a half rack, RTT, 270 awning and a packed Gladiator for MTN biking, camping and fly fishing.

I was the one that bought multiple airlift airbag kits based upon what their website spec'd, other posts and a call to the manufacturer (not much help). As I mentioned in a previous post in this thread, the spec'd airbag was better than the others, even though the included spacer appeared noticeably too small for my springs. I installed it anyway since I read a few times that it's the diameter, not the length that works. I didn't know if I believed that since it begs the question -what's the point of different size spacers in the other models I considered?

After my trip I can say the airbags worked. I quickly inflated them to 25psi and already had some load on my springs. During all of my travels towing, I was only flashed for hi beams 1x. Previously I would've been flashed at least a dozen times over a similar distance/load. Handling was excellent (each air bag is independent of the other) and I didn't feel sway in the corners or too much rigidity on bumpy roads (didn't try off-road). The rear of the truck still looked like it was a little lower than the front but not as bad as it did without the airbags.

Next week I will be again towing my 4200lb boat with a loaded Gladiator. I want to setup the airbags properly (inflate to 30psi with no extra load on springs). I'll report back.

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Got another update from Timber Grove this afternoon - the adjustable mounts are back from being laser cut and are now off to go through the forming process. Steven said they should be back by Friday so will hopefully have another update then.

I will be in Montana for the rest of the week and the weekend getting my GoFast Camper installed so super excited for that and about this product to help support all the extra weight on trips!

I'm watching this thread because I have a GFC and interested in the Timber Grove bags. You're going to like the camper. I sure do. Right now I'm about 1,700 miles from home, 2 weeks out, haven't decided when I'm heading back, haven't really thought about it yet.

 

[PhantomChameleon]

I'm watching this thread because I have a GFC and interested in the Timber Grove bags. You're going to like the camper. I sure do. Right now I'm about 1,700 miles from home, 2 weeks out, haven't decided when I'm heading back, haven't really thought about it yet.

Just picked the camper up this morning - such an awesome group of people, and the camper is amazing! So stoked to have this thing, can't wait to put it to use!

Hopefully today or early next week there will be an update from Timber Grove on the mounts, def looking forward to trying that product out. The sag with the camper isn't bad at all, but it would def be nice to have some extra stiffness, and I'm guessing when we are loaded up with 2 bikes on the back and all the camping stuff that it'll def sag a little more than I'd like.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I installed Airlift airbags on my Rubicon with a 2.5in lift. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply as I just got back from a 6k mile trip. I towed a 4k trailer from NJ to Denver and then to Durango, CO. I also had a half rack, RTT, 270 awning and a packed Gladiator for MTN biking, camping and fly fishing.

I was the one that bought multiple airlift airbag kits based upon what their website spec'd, other posts and a call to the manufacturer (not much help). As I mentioned in a previous post in this thread, the spec'd airbag was better than the others, even though the included spacer appeared noticeably too small for my springs. I installed it anyway since I read a few times that it's the diameter, not the length that works. I didn't know if I believed that since it begs the question -what's the point of different size spacers in the other models I considered?

After my trip I can say the airbags worked. I quickly inflated them to 25psi and already had some load on my springs. During all of my travels towing, I was only flashed for hi beams 1x. Previously I would've been flashed at least a dozen times over a similar distance/load. Handling was excellent (each air bag is independent of the other) and I didn't feel sway in the corners or too much rigidity on bumpy roads (didn't try off-road). The rear of the truck still looked like it was a little lower than the front but not as bad as it did without the airbags.

Next week I will be again towing my 4200lb boat with a loaded Gladiator. I want to setup the airbags properly (inflate to 30psi with no extra load on springs). I'll report back.

I hauled one of my cars to a weekend event 3 hours away. The airbags did the trick. Very stable ride and the truck onky sagged a little in the rear with 500 pounds of tongue weight and my gear in the back (plus 100 pounds of restored parts for delivery)
I ran with 25 psi. Could go a bit more but I was happy with the results. Flashed only one time on a narrow rough backroad.

 

[Cruizer8]

I quickly inflated them to 25psi and already had some load on my springs.
...
I want to setup the airbags properly (inflate to 30psi with no extra load on springs). I'll report back.

This is my biggest concern with with the Airlift or Firestone bags. If it requires an unloaded truck to get the full benefit then it isn't as useful to me. For instance, I have my RTT and camping gear all loaded up. Before putting everything on/in I air up the bags and everything is peachy. If I decide to do some off-roading I wouldn't want the bags to be full so I would have to deflate them. Once done I can reinflate them, but the springs will have sagged somewhat so I can never get back to where I started before the gear was in/on. Luckily I think that won't be an issue with the TimberGrove bags.

 

[bryanklay]

ok. i am in on the timber grove idea. therefore i am subscribing to this thread.

 

[Gren71]

While lurking I read a post about not using the T piece because the bags could shift pressure.

i NEVER even considered this as an option for happening. I have the T piece and use the bags every time I tow over the last two years(ish), though only at 10-15psi.

This idea of pressure shift has me wondering if re lining the bags to be independent would help decrease that tractor trailer wind suction effect when they pass me on the highway.

Since im %1,000 new to this whole idea of pressure shifting Ill be doing a little googling. But if anyone has any insight im game to read it.

I was also pondering the whole suction thing and wondering....were supposed to inflate the bags before adding a load to the truck. I wonder if I inflated the bags to my normal 10-15psi AFTER adding the load if it would cut down on that suction feeling. I have my WDH dialed in so I actually dont even need them for my 5,600lbs TT. But I have them so i may as well us em!

 

[Benbean66]

This is my biggest concern with with the Airlift or Firestone bags. If it requires an unloaded truck to get the full benefit then it isn't as useful to me. For instance, I have my RTT and camping gear all loaded up. Before putting everything on/in I air up the bags and everything is peachy. If I decide to do some off-roading I wouldn't want the bags to be full so I would have to deflate them. Once done I can reinflate them, but the springs will have sagged somewhat so I can never get back to where I started before the gear was in/on. Luckily I think that won't be an issue with the TimberGrove bags.

Just a thought, but what if you kept a high lift jack with you, and after you let some air out of your bags, and go wheeling, you could jack the rear of the truck up from the hitch to stretch out the springs, and then add air to the bags...?

 

[XJFanatic]

Just a thought, but what if you kept a high lift jack with you, and after you let some air out of your bags, and go wheeling, you could jack the rear of the truck up from the hitch to stretch out the springs, and then add air to the bags...?

My exact thoughts.

 

[Cruizer8]

I was also pondering the whole suction thing and wondering....were supposed to inflate the bags before adding a load to the truck. I wonder if I inflated the bags to my normal 10-15psi AFTER adding the load if it would cut down on that suction feeling. I have my WDH dialed in so I actually dont even need them for my 5,600lbs TT. But I have them so i may as well us em!

Inflating them will affect the spring rate whether the truck is loaded or not, so as far as stiffness, I wouldn't expect much of a difference if inflating with or without a load. The only difference that I would see is that you can't lift the truck back to level if you have a load on already. With the WDH, level shouldn't matter since that is already taken care of.

Just a thought, but what if you kept a high lift jack with you, and after you let some air out of your bags, and go wheeling, you could jack the rear of the truck up from the hitch to stretch out the springs, and then add air to the bags...?

I hadn't thought of that, that is a good excuse to get a high lift jack...

 

[CFLgladiator]

Why not inflate before loading and then load the truck up. Now measure the pressure afterwards. Now you know how much to inflate it with your truck loaded to that level again if you deflate for offroading.

 

[Cruizer8]

Why not inflate before loading and then load the truck up. Now measure the pressure afterwards. Now you know how much to inflate it with your truck loaded to that level again if you deflate for offroading.

I believe that would only get me to the same stiffness but not the same height level. Since the air bags work by exerting force sideways against the springs it allows the springs to be stiffer but can't physically lift.

One of the added benefits of the TimberGrove vs Airlift is that I could use the TimberGrove to level my RTT. From everything I have heard of the Airlift kit, you can't raise the truck at all.

 

[CFLgladiator]

I believe that would only get me to the same stiffness but not the same height level. Since the air bags work by exerting force sideways against the springs it allows the springs to be stiffer but can't physically lift.

One of the added benefits of the TimberGrove vs Airlift is that I could use the TimberGrove to level my RTT. From everything I have heard of the Airlift kit, you can't raise the truck at all.

That's a great point

 

[Benbean66]

Placed the order with Steven from Timber Grove this morning. I will put out an update when they come in and are installed.

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