Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mcmlxix · 02-01-2007, 11:33 PM

I was thinking of putting air bag suspension on just the back of my 71 SWB. I eventually want to throw a hitch on there to pull a car trailer... I want some height adjustabilitly in the rear.. Right now I have the ECE 4/6 drop with springs,adjustable panhard bar and shock relocator brackets...

Will bags support a 22ft enclosed trailer with a car?
Is it a problem with bags on the back on springs on the front?
I assume there are different bags rated for different loads?
Does a bigger heavier bag effect ride quality?

Any input would be appreciated...
Thanks

krue · 02-01-2007, 11:37 PM

I know NOTHING about lowriders or airbags on pickups, but I know my dad's Volve TRUCK uses air bags for suspension, so they have to make some heavy duty bags.

**CMars45000** · 02-02-2007, 12:19 AM

At the shop where I work, we do kelderman and airlift conversions all the time on trucks that people tow A LOT with. many of the systems completely replace the leaf springs in favor of heavy duty bags... the type of the bag and the system would be dependent on the intended application..

**N2TRUX** · 02-02-2007, 12:37 AM

If you just want to adjust your rear to help handle the load, then buy some small helper bags. The work perfect for hauling loads in a lowered truck.

Longhorn Man · 02-02-2007, 06:19 AM

bags are for heavy loads, low riders use them for comefort and adjustability.

Rokcrln · 02-02-2007, 08:21 AM

Right now I am building a 70(LFD's Low buck truck build) for towing and it is leafg in the rear but will be lowered about 7" out back. I have a set of firestone bags that are going in just for towing and keeping things level. I know you have coils but the added bags would still work the same for when you tow and when you just let out the air and you are back to what you have now. Best of both worlds. Just keep in mind a SWB truck is not ideal for towing that long of a trailer and a coil spring rear adds to the problem because it has a slight side to side shift every time the suspention cycles. Keep it at 55 and you should be fine as long as your load is set right. Mine will be a SWB as well but only towing a 16' Carson steel deck car trailer.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

02-01-2007, 11:33 PM	#1
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? I was thinking of putting air bag suspension on just the back of my 71 SWB. I eventually want to throw a hitch on there to pull a car trailer... I want some height adjustabilitly in the rear.. Right now I have the ECE 4/6 drop with springs,adjustable panhard bar and shock relocator brackets... Will bags support a 22ft enclosed trailer with a car? Is it a problem with bags on the back on springs on the front? I assume there are different bags rated for different loads? Does a bigger heavier bag effect ride quality? Any input would be appreciated... Thanks __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

02-01-2007, 11:37 PM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Re: Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? I know NOTHING about lowriders or airbags on pickups, but I know my dad's Volve TRUCK uses air bags for suspension, so they have to make some heavy duty bags. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-02-2007, 12:19 AM	#3
CMars45000 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 204	Re: Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? At the shop where I work, we do kelderman and airlift conversions all the time on trucks that people tow A LOT with. many of the systems completely replace the leaf springs in favor of heavy duty bags... the type of the bag and the system would be dependent on the intended application.. __________________ Project Family Values Build Thread Vehicles/Projects: -1971 C10 SWB Fleetside! Gathering parts now, will begin frame-off resto soon... Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. -Aristotle

02-02-2007, 12:37 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? If you just want to adjust your rear to help handle the load, then buy some small helper bags. The work perfect for hauling loads in a lowered truck. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-02-2007, 06:19 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? bags are for heavy loads, low riders use them for comefort and adjustability.

02-02-2007, 08:21 AM	#6
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Rear Air Bags and towing? GOOD? BAD? or UGLY? Right now I am building a 70(LFD's Low buck truck build) for towing and it is leafg in the rear but will be lowered about 7" out back. I have a set of firestone bags that are going in just for towing and keeping things level. I know you have coils but the added bags would still work the same for when you tow and when you just let out the air and you are back to what you have now. Best of both worlds. Just keep in mind a SWB truck is not ideal for towing that long of a trailer and a coil spring rear adds to the problem because it has a slight side to side shift every time the suspention cycles. Keep it at 55 and you should be fine as long as your load is set right. Mine will be a SWB as well but only towing a 16' Carson steel deck car trailer. Kevin LFD Inc.



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