Why Are 100psi Rated Compressors Being Recommended For Air Springs With 150psi Capacities

Updated 12/10/2024 | Published 12/05/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(797)

$762.32

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Dual Path

(350)

$1029.00

Question:

Getting ready to buy the Firestone F2709 suspension kit for my GMC 2023 3500 dually. while ready all the Q/As for a possible compressor kit to go with it, I noticed a lot of the expert answers are suggesting the firestone or Air lift models that only have a max PSI of 100. It the F2709s are rated at 150 PSI why would I use a 100 PSI compressor? is it possibly because I would probably never put more that 100 PSI in the bags and this makes the 100 PSI compressor more cost efficient? Thanks

asked by: Michael G

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael,

If your air springs can go to 150psi then you really should go with a 150psi rated compressor so that you can fully utilize your springs. In those other answers there could've been some other factor that made that lower rated compressor the best option but that's very specific to the situation that neighbor is in. Firestone's compressor systems just weren't as good as the competitors in some of those situations or the neighbor just didn't want to have to drill an analog gauge into the dash and run lines when the other options had a remote or app to monitor and activate the compressor. Since then Firestone has come out with some systems that utilize a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone like other companies were already doing so you can finally get the best of both.

I recommend going with the Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor # F99VV. This kit comes with an ECU that will allow you to adjust your air springs independently or together, utilizes a Bluetooth app for operation, includes mounting hardware, and is rated for 150psi so it can fully air up your springs. I've attached a video below where Jake installs this compressor kit on an F-350 to give you a better idea of the installation process and some tips for when you go to complete the install.

I can't say you won't need the extra 50psi capacity because I don't really know your intended use but 1 ton trucks are typically going to fall in the 50-100psi range. There's more factors to this though like your truck's suspension and just overall ride comfort that can play into how much air is being added. If your suspension is worn out you're going to need to increase the pressure to compensate. The pricing between these is close enough that there really isn't a more cost effective psi to go by. If it were me I would just get the 150psi compressor on the off chance that I would end up needing that extra 50psi of capacity if I went with the 100psi compressor and would hate to pay twice to get what I need.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Mike

12/6/2024

Kevin Thanks for the info. To answer your question my only intention with the setup will be for towing my fifth wheel RV. On the setup I had on my GMC 2500 before buying the 3500 I had the Firestone 5000 lb bags with manual fill and never went over 45 PSI pull the same 5th wheel Does Firestone make a single path version of the F99VV? Thanks

Kevin C.

12/6/2024

@Mike Yes, it looks like they recently came out with a new single path kit. I've put in a request to get it added too our site and can let you know when it's available.

Mike

12/6/2024

@KevinC Thank you. Yes please let me know when it’s available Mike

Kevin C.

12/10/2024

@Mike It's now available under part # F66VV.