Country Campers

Brian,
I used a 450 VIAIR to air the bags in the initial install of the LoadLifter 5000 in my truck. The VIAIR failed, I believe, due to being installed in an outdoor environment. (See https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...owing-30a-fuse for the full story.)

The failure was due, I believe, to "only" having an IP54 rating and that I had it installed permanently in the truck bed. (See https://www.viaircorp.com/tech/compressor-comparisons for a list of VIAIR units and their IP ratings.) IP54 translates to a limited ingress of dust (dust-protected). No interference with equipment caused. plus Protected against splashes of water from any direction.

The replacement I bought is a VIAIR Constant Duty 45055. See https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...uty-ada-system That unit has an IP67 rating. Protected against all dust ingress (dust-tight). A vacuum must be applied, with a test duration of up to eight hours based on airflow. Protected against immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. The Constant Duty has operated, without a hiccup, since the install in Dec '20. It "lives" in the bed of the truck (permanent install).

All that said, when the 450 failed the original compressor supplied by LoadLifter was installed (I had thankfully held on to it). The small LoadLifter works just fine--really no dramatic difference in performance. The small Loadlifter compressor works just fine doing it's job.

So bottom line: my recommendation is to leave the 450 tucked away, stored somewhere out of the environment when not in use and it will probably last a long time. Use Loadlifter's compressor--it works just fine. At least on a Ford.

Howard

I'd agree with Howard. I have a similar Viair (to his new one) installed and it's great for big jobs. They used to make a solenoid for airlift to use the air in the tank to fill the bags (same airlift remote to inflate them, just opens a solenoid instead of running a pump). That said I haven't been able to find it recently (was looking for Yoda) and I think you didn't really save much since you need the airlift remote setup anyway. If I was doing it again(I haven't needed bags on this truck) I'd just rub their little pump.

Country Campers This was the video I was thinking of on how to run the bags off the Viair system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ-V...el=EpicCowlick

I guess any air solenoid would work. My guess is Airlift quit making or rebranding them due to the availability on the market.

Quick google found most out of stock but did find https://www.ecstuning.com/b-air-lift...RoCcdAQAvD_BwE

Amazon even has loads of them quick search for IP65 style and found https://www.amazon.com/Pneumaitc-Nor...07&sr=8-2&th=1 (I did not see the IP rating listed)

Agreed any solenoid should do the job. What makes it a really nice setup is keeping the Airlift manifold and control system to let you wirelessly control the bags, and it automatically adjusts for pressure changes or adds in air for any leak down over time. You would basically buy their control system and not use the included pump.

I pump mine up with my bicycle pump (not kidding). Eight full strokes on the pump takes me from 8 psi to 40 psi. But I don't know what the bike pump's IP rating is.

Jim

TucsonJim Jim, Do you have the one foot powered one or the bicep powered one? I'm also going to guess that it is extremely portable and has multiple other uses.

Foot powered:
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Bicept powered:
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I use the hand pump. It also has a built in pressure gauge. The one I use can be used on both Presta and Schrader bicycle valves.

Jim

Country Campers I have a the Loadlifter 5000 with the Airlift wireless compressor. The wireless compressor is super convenient. Other than that you don't really need it in my opinion. Oh, and I have a Viair 450 RV that hasn't been used in 2 years

I'd go wireless...the way Jim does it.
But....
You knew this was coming....lol
Why do you want to install air bags? Your trailer is 8800 pounds empty. 1700-1800# pin weight.. and you have a one ton 3500HD truck.

I was wondering that also. I have a '23 Chevy 3500 SRW, and usually have a 2,900 lb pin weight. I have Timbrens on the truck, but they are more for the lateral motion then keeping the truck level. The truck with the trailer was level prior to putting the Timbrens on.

My 2021 and 2024 Silverado crew cab 3500HD SRW both handled my 337 just fine. I dont see the need for airbags but its not my time or money.
I realize that airbags are popular with some folks but my belief has always been that if you need airbags you didnt buy enough truck.

My trailer runs about #2000 pin weight and squats the truck about 2". I have plenty of payload and plenty of truck but after a conversation with COReflection he described the better towing experience after installing airbags, he has a very similar truck to me but tows a 303RLS that is #1000 heavier. I tried the Timbrens on the previous truck and did not like the jarring when hitting the road to bridge transitions. I have never had air bags and just going with what he said and the willingness to try them. I will probably opt out of the onboard pump, but it would be nice. Just seems like I may be missing something.

Brian

I have air bags on my pickup. When you maintain the stock ride height you prevent your headlights from shining on the tree tops and your steering geometry remains correct.