That's exactly the spot I installed my air valve. It's handy and out of the way if you need to use it. It's been about three years and I was thinking I removed a bolt but it was a plastic plug. Enjoyed the review and I love my airbags.
Had a 2009 F-150 w the 5.4, no airbags, have a 8.5x20ft open trailer I tow 3 four wheelers on. All around 9,000 pounds. Never had a problem. Did squat a bit though
Hi Mich, enjoy your videos very much thank you. Do you have any recommendations on the 2011 to 2014 F150s the four-wheel drive you're always driving around town and I never really use in the four-wheel drive that much hardly at all do you have any recommendations on how often you should go somewhere on a dirt road and just use it or is it not like the old days where you should have use it or lose it. What can you recommend. Or if any body has a recommendations I would like your thoughts.
I honestly don't use my 4wd that often. I'll use it during the winter during really bad storms and to pull people out. Come summer time, I use 4lo pulling the boat out and in, and the occasional off-road excursion. Depending on where you live, 2wd could suite your needs.
My truck is very similar it's a 2011 EcoBoost 4x4 xlt super cab I just installed the same air bag system and watched your videos, and they are very good. Question though, do you have a leveling kit on it? It looks a bit taller in the front, thanks in advance
Hi Mitch, I tow a 2.5 tonne boat here in Australia with a ute (Pickup in USA language!), and notice bad bouncing up and down and it seems to see-saw front to back wheels too, if that makes sense? I was wondering what difference your airbags made specifically to the ride? Can you describe how it changed? I know you said it was better, but how was it better? Thanks, Grant.
Hey! Gotta love those Utes you have over there. As for the ride quality changing, it helped with that bouncing or see-sawing as you said. It settled the truck down faster so it wouldn't keep lifting the rear end.
Have you hauled your boat a long distance yet? If so how did it handle with the air bag set up? I'm in the same boat, big boat and a 1/2 ton truck. Thinking about using the same system you are using if it made a long distance haul better.
I have not hauled it long distance yet with the new setup yet. Though I will say it does feel more stable with the sir system. The only thing I would be cautious on is the size ratio. One good wind and you will be going for a ride.
@@gsadv2230 I'm sure if you take the necessary precautions you should be alright. Haha at least you'd go viral. But yea, you never want to be that guy who loses the truck.
If that was my 04 f150 with that poopy 5.4 the Second u put that boat on it and started to move it would blow up in 2 seconds but I have a 21 foot proline boat so and it have air bags and u could put were you put air in them you could put them on the license plate that’s where it is on mine
Please test the air connections before you try to install. Mine leaked at the brass fitting insert that goes into the plastic end cap (yup they are plastic if you order them thru any online retailer). That cannot be repaired and I doubt you’d see any bubbles if you sprayed a soapy solution when installed. Called the company and they want you to submit an online request. They are not willing to overnight a replacement to a brand new defective part. Their warranty on a brand new product is too slow if you are planing a time to do the install. Makes me wonder what would happen if you’re on the road and there is a warranty issue. Ah sir, go on line and submit a request, while your truck suspension is out of service? Be aware.
Eliminating the squat doesn't put weight back on your front axel where you need it. You can still wind up with a dangerous amount of sway. For the best results use a weight distribution/anti sway hitch. And never exceed your combined gross vehicle weight rating, if you should get into an accident and are overweight you are at fault and legally liable for injuries and damages. I'm a professional truck driver with over 30 years experience and will tell you that safety should always come first.
I agree that safety always comes first. However boat trailer do not allow for weight distribution hitches since they are hydraulic brakes and the tongue slides back and forth. The weight does transfer forward to a point that helps. But I always try to do everything possible to stay safe while towing.
Air bags are nice for leveling the truck, but they add zero weight back to the front axles. Your rear axle is still acting as a fulcrum, air bags or not. That's the misconception some have about airbags thinking they are shifting weight back to the front. They do not. That being said, you do get better handling with airbags by stiffening the rear suspension. But the braking and steering control is still compromised, especially in wet conditions. Ideally you need a weight distribution hitch and air bags. But like you said, with surge brakes on your boat trailer, you don't get that option.
