We ordered a 5th wheel and are more than likely going to put Firestone Airbags on to eliminate some of the sag in the truck bed. Anyone have this modification to their truck? Or can you recommend a product brand? Don't really want to go with additional leafs but will consider it. We don't have the 5th wheel yet, but will be hooking up to one at the dealership this week when our Reese receiver comes in and is installed so we can see what the sag looks like (or if there is any). Just want an even/level truck as we are going down the road. The 5th is an Evergreen Everlite ordered with a Reese Revolution pin box (auto slides up to 22") and will come in around 7300lbs dry, however Evergreen will weigh it after it is built and provide us with an actual dry wt. The Tundra is the 5.7L Crew Max (shortbed) with tow and TRD package and 4x2. Any thoughts?
Which model did you order? I have been looking at their models, but most of them seem to appear to heavy. I have the DC-5.7L with the SR5 tow package.
I believe that the airbags are the more preferred route. I have been doing research for about a year and have already figured the Firestone Airbags would be installed when I finally get a Fiver.
We went with the 30RLS-5. The smallest and lightest of their fiver line. Dry wt should be around 7300 or so as we opted for the free standing dinette instead of the bench style/booth seating which cuts about 300lbs or so. They design their products to be towed with a 1/2 ton truck which is why we went with them. We are a Toyota family (Three Tacomas previously and now the Tundra) and really don't want to buy domestic unless it becomes necessary.
We went with the 30RLS-5. The smallest and lightest of their fiver line. Dry wt should be around 7300 or so as we opted for the free standing dinette instead of the bench style/booth seating which cuts about 300lbs or so. They design their products to be towed with a 1/2 ton truck which is why we went with them. We are a Toyota family (Three Tacomas previously and now the Tundra) and really don't want to buy domestic unless it becomes necessary.
I just installed the firestone ride-rite airbags on my 08 CM yesterday. I waited till auto anything had a sale on them was about 225.00 to my door. Very easy install took about 2.5 hours and ran the air valves in the gas tank door like I found on here somewhere. I do have a small leak I found out this am the one lost a little air over night for a test but sure its a loose fitting. Should have done it last year. I am towing my crawler around no 5th wheel.
We were quoted $375 installed at a truck accessory dealer here in town. Didn't ask about where the air lines would run, guess I should. What is the advantage of running the air valves in the gas tank door? Is it just easier to use from that location? Thanks for the reply.
What is the part number for the Firestone kit you are installing? I didn't know if there was a single kit that I could order or if there was a combination of part numbers that were required to complete and manage the install. Any advice you can provide would be great as I've only begun to shop around.
I have a 08 DB cab. 5.7, short bed. Went with the firestones, tow a 5th wheel, about 9500#. Carry about 35/40# in the bags does great. Just wished I had went for the onboard compresser unit. Does anyone know if the onboard compresser be added later?
I have a 08 DB cab. 5.7, short bed. Went with the firestones, tow a 5th wheel, about 9500#. Carry about 35/40# in the bags does great. Just wished I had went for the onboard compresser unit. Does anyone know if the onboard compresser be added later?
Bob,
How does the Tundra do on hills/in the mountains. Also what receiver (hitch) do you have? We have a 5th wheel on order with the Reese Revolution pinbox on it and are installing a std Reese reciever. The combination of the two will allow it to move 23" automatically as needed. If you could share your towing experience I would appreciate it. I am getting mixed signals about towing a fiver with a Tundra (from the domestic owners especially) but want to hear your opinion. Thanks in advance,
you will love the airbags. i LOVE them for pulling my 5er. i had a TT when i originally bought the tundra, and i needed the bags more for that than i do the 5er. the overall improvement from "no bags" to "bags" was greater noticed with the TT because of all the weight hanging off the bumper.....but it is still well worth it with a 5er. i have a fairly heavy 5er (for a half ton anyways...) so i would definitely not want to tow without the bags. i have aired them down to 5psi just to see how it was like. it obviously wasnt level anymore, but i the ride was alot rougher and harsher. i run about 40psi in my bags when fully loaded....it isnt completely level, but it does ride the best at that setting. (remember i have a leveling kit in the front, so when i say level in the rear....i mean where it sits unloaded.)
i also have the firestone wireless control system. i went 1 year with the regular setup where you have to fill them manually with a compressor......that got old in a hurry
Mike, it tows very well, I haven't tried any long trips yet, several 200/300 mile ones. No mountains yet, heading to S.C. from Ohio this spring. I am towing about 9500#. Just make sure you have good trailer brakes, there is plenty of power to pull anything you want.
Bocephus: What kind of towing weight is you rig looks awfull large?
dry weight on the sticker says 8150. i have never had it weighed when its loaded....
i would guess i have 1000 lbs of random crap in it.
i usually have 2 yamaha raptors in it - 900 lbs
i usually camp where there is no water, so if i fill the 110 gallon water tank - ~900 lbs
Thanks guys..... just ordered my set for $237.11 delivered to my door. All indications are that the installation should be smooth and only take a few hours. Appreciate your shared experience as always.
part of the instructions tell you to cut the rubber off of the bump stop between the frame and the top of the leaf spring. this looked like a pain in the a$$ to me.... i loosened the U bolts holding the leafs to the axle and totally removed the little rubber bumper
part of the instructions tell you to cut the rubber off of the bump stop between the frame and the top of the leaf spring. this looked like a paint in the a$$ to me.... i loosened the U bolts holding the leafs to the axle and totally removed the little rubber bumper
I took my kit outside and started to figure everything out today.... I didn't take the time to get split loom, but I'll do that tomorrow. Everything can cool off while I'm removing the bump stops.
I too will copy your gas tank install and likely move them a little farther apart for my purposes. I've got a small air gauge for 4-wheeler tires that should allow me to achieve 5 psi for normal riding around....
Have you had any ongoing leaks or issues with yours since the install in February 2009?
Good luck with that. We just bought a light 5'er and towed it about 100 miles home with no problems but it was completely dry. We had a couple of significant grades to pull, did well. Our pin weight is 975, overall dry at 6600 lbs, full trailer capacity is ~ 8200. It's in dry dock now waiting for spring - can't wait! We'll see how it does loaded and may be looking for some air bags at that time. Keep us posted
It will have to be a light one (around 7,000 pounds dry weight). Plus you will need to get either a sliding hitch, a pin extender like the Airborne pin box and/or the FW needs to have the new concave front style.
Are there any special tools or jacks needed to install this and can one person do it?
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