Air lift system. What would you do? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Erik D_lux · 10-24-2002, 03:01 AM

I am trying to put a cabover camper on my rig, but am alittle worried about it being able to handle the load like I want it to. I have heard alot of good things about the air lift system, I would like to run it, but I have heard you need atleast 8" of clearance between the tire and leaf springs.

I have pretty narrow tires (33x9.5), but still measure around 7 inches of clearance. Can anybody varify if this will work or not. Its a 1994 dodge 3/4ton.

If I cant run this system what is my best choice? helper spring? Air shocks? Oh yeah and the cheeper the better I am far from rich but could see spending ~$200

KS Toy · 10-24-2002, 06:07 AM

I am not sure why you would need that much room? My air bags (Ford Excursion) go on the inside of the spring, NOT between the tire and spring. Is the suspension stock? You could ask the store you are getting them from,they might know.

Erik D_lux · 10-24-2002, 08:48 PM

Inside of the spring? Are you talking coils? I am talking about the airlift heavy duty system www.airliftcompany.com that is an air bag that you inflate and deflate on top of the rear leaf springs.

OCNORB · 10-24-2002, 09:34 PM

Eric Everyone told me that I would need overloads or air bags on my 3/4 ton Ford to haul a camper- not true. I put an 11.5' camper fully loaded (A/C,generator, everything) on mine before I had a chance to get the overloads. It handles great w/o them. I just got back from a trip to Cali (Rubicon). I towed a Jeep on a dolly behind it all for over 1000 miles and had no problems at all. It seems that the factory overloads are plenty for my camper. Anyway I would say try it on your truck first and see how she handles.

Erik D_lux · 10-25-2002, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bqnbits
Eric Everyone told me that I would need overloads or air bags on my 3/4 ton Ford to haul a camper- not true. I put an 11.5' camper fully loaded (A/C,generator, everything) on mine before I had a chance to get the overloads. It handles great w/o them. I just got back from a trip to Cali (Rubicon). I towed a Jeep on a dolly behind it all for over 1000 miles and had no problems at all. It seems that the factory overloads are plenty for my camper. Anyway I would say try it on your truck first and see how she handles.

Thanks for the advice. The reason I am alittle concerned is not only because the camper but also I want to tow my cruiser behind also. I know it should be at most 500 pds added fromt he crusier and trailer. I guess I will just try it. Will it be safe to haul a 11 ft camper and the cruiser on a trailer?

OCNORB · 10-25-2002, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the advice. The reason I am alittle concerned is not only because the camper but also I want to tow my cruiser behind also. I know it should be at most 500 pds added fromt he crusier and trailer. I guess I will just try it. Will it be safe to haul a 11 ft camper and the cruiser on a trailer?

I would say you are OK as long as the trailer has it's own braking system (electric or hydraulic/pneumatic), but if it does not then I think you are pushing your trucks brakes way beyond their design. It will probably work , but I wouldn't want to be in front of you coming down a steep canyon. Also is your trailer single axle or dual??? That will affect things also. My brother pulled an 11' camper and his rig with dual axle trailer that had hydraulic coupler brakes with no problem for a long time. He put his rig on backwards to get the tongue weight where he wanted it. Hope this helps Eric.

Erik D_lux · 10-25-2002, 09:24 PM

Yeah thanks for the replies. My trailer will have duel electric brakes. I guess I will just give it a shot.

10-24-2002, 03:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
Erik D_lux Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 1007 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 5,355	Air lift system. What would you do? I am trying to put a cabover camper on my rig, but am alittle worried about it being able to handle the load like I want it to. I have heard alot of good things about the air lift system, I would like to run it, but I have heard you need atleast 8" of clearance between the tire and leaf springs. I have pretty narrow tires (33x9.5), but still measure around 7 inches of clearance. Can anybody varify if this will work or not. Its a 1994 dodge 3/4ton. If I cant run this system what is my best choice? helper spring? Air shocks? Oh yeah and the cheeper the better I am far from rich but could see spending ~$200

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10-24-2002, 06:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
KS Toy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 7938 Location: The Land of OZ... Posts: 3,512	I am not sure why you would need that much room? My air bags (Ford Excursion) go on the inside of the spring, NOT between the tire and spring. Is the suspension stock? You could ask the store you are getting them from,they might know.

10-24-2002, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Erik D_lux Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 1007 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 5,355	Inside of the spring? Are you talking coils? I am talking about the airlift heavy duty system www.airliftcompany.com that is an air bag that you inflate and deflate on top of the rear leaf springs.

10-24-2002, 09:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
OCNORB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Member # 11154 Location: rocky mtns Posts: 294	Eric Everyone told me that I would need overloads or air bags on my 3/4 ton Ford to haul a camper- not true. I put an 11.5' camper fully loaded (A/C,generator, everything) on mine before I had a chance to get the overloads. It handles great w/o them. I just got back from a trip to Cali (Rubicon). I towed a Jeep on a dolly behind it all for over 1000 miles and had no problems at all. It seems that the factory overloads are plenty for my camper. Anyway I would say try it on your truck first and see how she handles.

10-25-2002, 09:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Erik D_lux Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Member # 1007 Location: SLC, Utah Posts: 5,355	Yeah thanks for the replies. My trailer will have duel electric brakes. I guess I will just give it a shot.