Firestone Airbags alternative?

Submitted: Monday, May 21, 2007 at 08:23

ThreadID: 45707 Views:3680 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Member - Shane L (SA)

Hi all, Has anyone used these as an alternative to the Mr Airbags products?, nearly half the price of the Firestone ones, found add in 4WD Monthly and had a look as I haven't heatd back from Trucksprings as yet for my RA Rodeo and don't want to pay over $800 for the firestones here in Australia, Probags seem to be very similar product for under $500

www.probag.com.au/4wd.htm

Thanks
Shane

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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 08:39

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 08:39

Shane,

They look like the ones that I have on the back of the Troopie.
I went for the bellows so that I did not have to go for the heavy suspension. The last Troopie I had was fitted with a heavy suspension and when empty is was a shocker to drive.

With the new Troopie I have used them in the Vic High Country before I up graded the suspension. They did stop the back from sagging with the standard suspension on. They are there to assist the suspension, not as a substitute for a up grade.

Now that I have a medium lift rear springs on the back I have put them back on but at this stage have not had to pump up as much as with the old suspension. 55psi old suspension, 40psi new suspension. Max pressure for these is 100psi

The real test will come when I am fully loaded for the big trips, but from what I have heard from others that have them they are great.

Wayne

AnswerID: 241355

Follow Up By: Member - Shane L (SA) - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:03

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:03

Thanks Wayne, I have poly-airs at the moment but they aren't cutting the mustard, was looking at doing springs but 4x4 shop suggested the bellows as they fit directly above axle as opposed to in front of the axle for the polyairs. Don't really want to go for heavier springs as I have a back injury and couldn't handle the harshness on the occasions it was nearly empty. I object to paying over $800 for bellows when from the US they are 250 (US) Thought Probags looked very similar. Are yours "Probags" or Firestone?

Regards Shane

FollowupID: 502292

Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:23

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:23

Shane,

The ones that I have came in a Polyair box but are not the orange coloured bags but the heavy rubber bellows. Who made them I am not sure, but they do look like the ones that you had the link to, just by the brackets.

Wayne

FollowupID: 502298

Follow Up By: Member - Shane L (SA) - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:28

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 09:28

Thanks Wayne, Polyairs do make a bellows as well, about $700, makes the Proairs look like the go for the price $480

Regards Shane

FollowupID: 502301

Reply By: Member - Leigh (Vic) - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 15:29

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 15:29

Hi Shane

I poored all over the trucksprings site and the Firestone site and decided on a set of Ride rites for my troopy. I settled on Kit No.2115 recognising that some fabrication may be required...only minor though!! Like you I was not prepared to pay $800 for a kit that could be purchased for about $400 so I just ordered them, paid by Visa and awaited their arrival. Fitted quite easily and never looked back...very comfortable and effective.
I suggest you also look at their (Firestone) site and download the PDF of their products. Look for a bag that suits your vehicle in terms of load, height at ride and extension. I suggest the bag in my kit would most likely suit. Unfortunately the Aust retailers who sell the Firestone products are protecting their business by using different numbers to identify their product...perhaps that's their luck but they are just too pricey!! Send me a MM if you want more info. Cheers

http://www.truckspring.com/installation-instructions/firestone-ride-rite/air-helper-spring-rrin2115.pdf

AnswerID: 241401