Firestone Air Bags

[Ed N.]

Has anyone used the Firestone Air Bags to tow? Is the cost worth it? I'm thinking of getting a pair for my pickup, so I can improve my trailering experience.

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[Dick W.]

Re: Firestone Air Bags

Towing with a one half ton pickup you need all the help you can get. I have used the bags in the past and probably would again if I did not have a HD pickup. Balance the load, putting 10% of total trailer weight on the tongue. Use load bars and an anti sway device. Take your time, leave a little early so that you do not have to push and get into a situation that could be bad.

[Matt L.]

Re: Firestone Air Bags

Ed,
i have a set on my gmc half ton. i love them. definetly worth the cost. i am also considering getting a better load rated tire. my truck has a 6.2 with a supercharger so it has never had a power problem,only tounge weight problem. the bags fixed that. make sure to at least keep 10 lbs in them or you will hear them rattle.
take care,
matt

[Art B.]

Re: Firestone Air Bags

I actually work for Firestone Industrial Products Company who make the air springs for both heavy and light truck applications. I have had our kits on my trucks for 26 years and can highly recommend them. I must admit however that after 39 years with the company I may be a bit biased. As noted above the biggest improvement is on a half ton truck where the steel springs are not as stiff. If I load the bed heavy or put my 18' car trailer on the truck the ability to level the back end with the air bags significantly improves ride and handling. I would also recommend the optional compressor and cab control kit that allows you to adjust air pressure from a button on the dashboard. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like additional information on either the springs or compressor kits.

[Ed N.]

Re: Firestone Air Bags

Guys thanks so much for all this great advice. I do have a WD system on the trailer and that helps, but Dick is right, with a 1/2 ton truck I can use a little more help to prevent any sagging and improve handling. I've been trailing my Corvette throughout the state of Florida with my 2004 Titan and it's doing pretty good, but even with the WD, I think I can lift my rear up at least another inch-and-a-half. The WD bars can only do so much before they start to hit the side of your a-frame.

Art, I got them and will be installing them soon. I love the option of the compressor control, but it's a bit expensive. Maybe down the road I'll include it. I will definitely call upon you for additional information. Can you PM your contact number? The nice thing about the F2355 model for the Titan, is that they just bolt on. There is no drilling!

Dick: When I retire in a few years, I'll be upgrading to at least a 3/4 ton and maybe a 1 ton truck. I'm sure I will see a big difference. For now, I do exactly like you said. I leave early and my speed stays between 55 to 60 MPH. When I get really crazy, I may do 65. I have a new set of D-rated Maxxiss and they seem much better than my former C-rated ST tires.

Happy Trailering!