[y2kflhr]

I am going to be hauling an HD ultra in the back of my truck the weight is around 900, I also have a rampage lift which weighs about 300, we test loaded my buddies bike and with me in the back there was about an inch or so gap in to the bump stops, I plan on doing some long drives 3-7 hours maybe more and I have to drive through brooklyn and manhattan, so the roads leave a lot to be desired, is it absolutely necessary to get the rear raised up with airbags? I was thinking the air lift 1000 kit because I will only have it on the back 10 times max a year?

Are the airbags a safety thing or more of a comfort thing, thanks...

 

[TNC]

Maybe a little safety, comfort, and some capability boost thrown in. If or when you load a vehicle down past a reasonable sag point...and that varies from vehicle to vehicle...you've altered the ride height and the amount of available suspension from that point on. A lot of extra weight will also overcome the damping in the shocks. All that will affect handling to some degree and possibly cause annoying bottomout. Airbags give you an adjustable platform to work from that you can use to suit the specific need at any time...all within certain limitations, of course. When loaded you can set the truck back to its stock ride height, and the heavier spring rate keeps the shocks from being so easily overwhelmed. I put a set of the inexpensive Airlift 1000 models on my Express, and they work great. Keep the air pressure at minimum when not needed and add the amount of air needed to handle any reasonable load within limits.

 

[y2kflhr]

thanks that was exactly the answer I was trying to find..... I will order a set before the first trip.....

 

[Blackthunder]

I agree that the airbags are the way to go, but for my current truck, I chose a set of Timbrens rubber springs. When I tow my fifth wheel camper, it keeps the truck nice and level. Besides, the easy install and the cost savings worked for me.