Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Single Path or Dual Path Compressor System for Air Springs

Updated 01/11/2017 | Published 01/10/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear

(1241)

$149.99

Air Lift Load Controller II Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Single Path

(56)

$307.36

Question:

I have the air lift 1000 but am not sure if i want to run separate schrader valves for each bag or air them up with one valve using a tee. I have concerns with both ways. If on a tee, i understand that as your weight shifts to one side while making turns, air in one bag will shift to the opposite bag. Does this make for dangerous handling characteristics when youre hauling a heavy load? My load would be distributed evenly. My concern with separate, independent valves is if one bag loses pressure and the other stays inflated, would that make for an unsafe situation? What are pros and cons to each way?

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Your understanding of how the air in the bags will operate is correct. If both bags are on one valve the air will shift from one to the other while turning with a heavy load. However, if the load is distributed evenly it will also return to even once you straighten out. So it isn't really an unsafe situation unless the load is much heavier on one side compared to the other.

With dual valves if one bag was to lose air for some reason your ride would then be uneven. If the other bag has a high amount of air pressure in it I would think you'd likely feel this and fix the problem. If that bag was inflated to the minimum 5 psi it wouldn't make a lot of difference or be unsafe.

A solution that may help you decide is to use a compressor system. The Air Lift Load Controller # AL25592 is for single path and # AL25651 is for dual path. With either you can monitor and adjust the air pressue in the bags as you see fit from inside your cab.

expert reply by: Charles S