How to Choose The Right Air Compressor System for Firestone Ride-Rite Airbags

Published 08/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Coil-to-Air-Spring Conversion Kit - Rear Axle

(11)

$564.06

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor with Tank - Analog - Dual Path

(374)

$885.92

Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Dual Path

(374)

$623.52

Question:

Looking to purchase #2595 for my 2014 Ram 1500. I tow a travel trailer 27foot 6,600lbs with a equalizer weight distributing hitch. We are looking to do a cross country trip and spending a year on the road. Which compressor would you recommend, standard duty or heavy duty.

asked by: John V

Expert Reply:

There are a few things you will want to look for when choosing a compressor system such as: compressor size, single/dual function, and optional air tank. A standard duty compressor is capable of up to 130 psi whereas a heavy duty compressor is capable of up to 150 psi. The bigger the compressor you have the less work the compressor has to do which in turn creates less stress on the compressor. An underworked compressor will last far longer than an overworked compressor.

You will also want to take into consideration whether you want a single or dual function air control valve. A dual function control valve will let you adjust each airbag individually to account for off center loads whereas a single function air control valve will only let you adjust both bags together.

When choosing whether or not to obtain an air tank you will want to first determine how quickly you want to fill and deflate the bags. An air tank will allow you to do this on a moment's notice and will not require extensive waiting periods.

For a standard duty/single function air compressor system without an air tank I recommend using the Firestone Air Command II part # F2178. For a heavy duty/dual function air compressor system with an air tank I recommend using the Firestone Air Command II part # F2168.

I recommend using the heavy duty compressor with dual function control valve and air tank for the reasons listed above. I have also attached an installation video of the heavy duty compressor system on a 2015 Ram for you.

expert reply by: Conner L