Is Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring # F2446 Compatible with B&W Gooseneck Hitch in F-450

Question:

Hi, I have been reading a lot of QandA regarding the Firestone air bag set up and I just wanted to verify that that Firestone air bag part #F2446 will fit my 08 long bed F-450 with a BandW gooseneck hitch already mounted in the bed.. Thx

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

In the case of the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit # F2446, which fits the rear axle of your 2008 Ford F-450, there will NOT be any interference problem to worry about. Sometimes an air bag kit can interfere with goose neck or 5th wheel hitch installation. This can happen when the two items use similar mounting locations along the truck's frame.

This kit installs without drilling and it works either with or without factory top overload springs. The kit includes everything you need to complete the installation, including brackets, the air springs, hardware, air line and inflation valves. The written instructions are linked for you.

If you care to avoid the hassle of having to manually inflate and deflate the air bags to suit your load requirements, then you might consider adding an on-board compressor unit. These give you the pleasure of pushing a button to adjust bag pressure from the comfort of the cab. We offer both single- and dual-function kits. Single function compressors control both bags equally. Dual-function kits let you adjust each bag separately, which is great for compensating for uneven cargo loads.
We also offer standard- and heavy-duty kits.

For example, for standard-duty and single-function operation you can use the Level Command II compressor # F2158. For a heavy-duty dual-function compressor use part # F2219.

The two linked articles concerning Firestone air bag and compressor kits might be of interest to you as you consider what will be your best option.