Troubleshooting Air Bags Destroyed While Driving Trailer Off-Road With 2017 Toyota Tacoma

Updated 12/30/2022 | Published 12/29/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(375)

$443.38

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3116)

$594.12

Question:

Hello, I have installed these airbags in my Tacoma 2017 4WD with a trailer with a 450lb tongue weight and they were working fine until I hit off-road, they were destroyed, I guess they were pinched in between the leaf springs and the chasis, how can I prevent to this happen again? and if this will be cover by the warranty?

asked by: Misael

Expert Reply:

Without knowing exactly what was done off-road it is difficult to say what would have damaged your # AL59561. Realistically this shouldn't be a problem as long as they are properly inflated and not overloaded. However, if you were driving through heavy brush it is possible branches or other debris could penetrate/damage the bags.

Also, depending on your driving and the off-road conditions, the tongue weight and whatever weight you have in the truck bed could be amplified if you were hitting large bumps at a higher speed. This could ultimately overload the air bags. It is best to be careful and take it slow when driving off-road with any air bags.

You can try reaching out to Air Lift to discuss the warranty, which covers defects in workmanship or materials for the lifetime of the vehicle of original installation. It never hurts to ask, but more than likely since you were off-road that will not be covered and will fall under "misuse" according to the policy.

If you decide to replace your air bags, and plan to continue taking your trailer off-road, I recommend using the Firestone # F2407 instead. The construction of the Firestone air bags is far superior with four layers of reinforced rubber. These use a braided wire girdle and are anchored with a rolled crimp seal. They also have a higher capacity at 5,000 lbs.

If you don't already have one, I also recommend adding an air compressor like the # F2158. This will allow you to control the air pressure off-road or wherever else you go. This will help you make sure the air bags are properly inflated and stay in good shape.