Air bags for towing

Question for you @Teegunn since you are running the 5000s. Why do you keep 20psi in there when you're unloaded? Why not empty them to 0psi since the 5000s have the internal jounce bump stop? Wouldn't 20psi somewhat negate the benefit of the AT4X suspension? Looking at options for my new AT4X myself. Thank you

That's a good question. I used to run them at a lower psi. 6, 8, 10 and gradually up to 20 as I felt out the ride and stance that I liked the best and worked the best for me. I like the stance and feel of the truck better at 15 to 20 PSI in the airbags. I do have quite a few power tools/misc in the bed of my truck continually, IDK, few hundred pounds worth I suppose. Also a hard rolling bed cover. So probably 300ish extra pounds constantly in the bed vs unloaded?

The cushy ride is not negatively effected much at 20 PSI, at least not in my opinion. This is by far the best riding truck I have ever had or been in. It is quite significantly better riding than the 2020 AT4 (which also had the Airlift 5000 airbags) that I had before this 23 AT4X.

I have the RC 1.5" front level with UCA's, and the Airlift 5000 airbags in the rear of course. Is the ride as soft as it was stock? No. But man, it was soft and plush, stock. Too much for my usage actually. How it rides and feels as I have it is perfect IMO. Still plush and soft but with the right amount of firmness.

Am I talking about a mattress or something even more interesting here (which would take place on a mattress), lol? No, but it sounds like it a bit!
 

Has anyone used the RoadActive Suspension setup? I’ve heard good things, but I’ve only ever seen people use airbags.

Had these on my 2021 F150 for work. They do what they're advertised to do. They also make your truck ride like shit when unloaded. If you're a fan of a leveled truck, you might as well forget it when you're driving around empty.

I'm a much bigger fan of AirLift air bags. Used em on every truck since 2015 with really no issues.
 

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Guys: etrailer in St. Louis MO said that the 5000s will work on my 2024 1500 AT4X AEV. After looking at the install video on an earlier model, I'm wondering if the Multimatic shocks might get in the way. Anyone done Airlift's on a 2024 for absolute confirmation that they'll work? Thanks!
 

Guys: etrailer in St. Louis MO said that the 5000s will work on my 2024 1500 AT4X AEV. After looking at the install video on an earlier model, I'm wondering if the Multimatic shocks might get in the way. Anyone done Airlift's on a 2024 for absolute confirmation that they'll work? Thanks!
I returned the 5000s and went to the RAS. I went to install the 5000s and my tape measure was saying it wasn't going to work. Honestly though I didn't really mess with it too much, just packaged everything back up and ordered the RAS. Every site will confirm fit for an AT4 but had no idea about AT4X.
 

Rough country air spring install. Also chose to add the cradels to allow the rear suspension to fully articulate instead of have the bottom of the air springs fully attached to the axel. Will be getting ARB compressor setup with air tank to fully round this out. I also have a fill spot incase of a compressor failure.
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Nobody makes airbags for the AT4X? IDK about the 2500 and 3500, but my 23 AT4X 1500 has the airlift airbags. No problems, they work great.
Did you need/use spacers when you installed the Airlift bag kit on your AT4X? Thanks.
 

…Has anyone here had experience using spacers when installing any of the airbag kits. For example the Firestone kit specifically calls for them (2” spacer blocks. Part #F2366) when installing on an AT4X. I know the Rough Country bag kit also has a specific measurement to make, if within a certain window than they also recommend spacers (SKU 10022). These both go under the bottom plate of the bag system, on top of the axle perch/landing. Not sure I’ve seen mention of spacers for Airlift brand kit… but if other manufacturers are calling for them on “lifted” trucks than I’d have to imagine they do also.

Specifically looking for any real world intel on 1500 AT4X bag experience here… to spacer or not to spacer. Thank you!
 

Have not looked into the airbags
Hello,
I have a '23 AT4X and I hooked up my toy hauler (6000 lbs) and it squats to where the camper is riding like 6-8 inches off the pavement near the tongue. I want to get airbags for it for that reason. Has anyone else done this? If so, can anyone recommend a good kit to go with? Thanks!
we don’t have the toy hauler ourself. But we do have the same hitch set up as yours. We got that when we got the camper. With the weight distribution bars it levels it out a bit so the towing is easier. We have the 2024 1500 at4 6.2L v8.
 

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Airbags for towing, often called air helper springs or air suspension bags, are an aftermarket solution designed to improve vehicle stability and handling when carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. They are installed in the rear suspension of trucks, SUVs, or vans and work by providing additional support to the factory suspension system. When towing or hauling a heavy load, the added air pressure in these bags helps maintain proper ride height and reduces sagging, which improves control and safety on the road.

One of the main benefits of airbag systems for towing is enhanced stability. By preventing excessive rear-end sag, airbags reduce the risk of swaying or fishtailing when pulling a trailer. They also help distribute weight more evenly across the vehicle’s axles, which can lead to better braking performance and reduced wear on tires and suspension components. Many airbag kits are adjustable, allowing drivers to fine-tune the pressure based on the load, providing a customized balance between comfort and load support.

Installing airbags for towing is relatively straightforward with most kits, and many use the existing leaf spring or coil spring mounts. Some systems are manual, requiring a hand pump, while others are automatic or electronically controlled, allowing you to adjust air pressure on the go. Overall, airbag suspension systems are a smart investment for anyone who regularly hauls heavy cargo or tows trailers, as they improve safety, handling, and overall vehicle longevity.
 

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