Will Ride-Rite Air Bags Help Bounce on 1999 Ford F-250 When Towing

Question:

I have a 99 F250 Super Duty extended cab, long bed, rear wheel drive, with the 6.8 V10 gas engine. I tow a travel trailer that is about 8400 pounds loaded. The trailer has the e2 WD hitch. The WD hitch transfers about 11-13 of the hitch load to the front wheels. Axle weights and total weights of the truck and trailer are all below maximum. With the trailer hitched and WD Bars in the overload helper springs stock factory are sitting on their rubber guides. There is very little rear sag and the truck and trailer sit level. This setup tows really nicely in most situations. However on concrete highways with expansion joints or “waves” in the surface the truck bounces so much it is uncomfortable and unbearable for more than about 20 miles. Will the F2550 help take out this bounce? If not what would you suggest instead of or in addition to the F2550? Thanks

asked by: Steve K

Expert Reply:

You absolutely found the best option to help with the bounce you are experiencing with your 1999 Ford F-250 when towing with the Ride-Rite air bags, with the correct fit being the following:

- Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2550

The air bags are going to help absorb the shock of the vertical movement of your F-250's rear suspension when you hit those waves you were referring to. They can be inflated from anywhere between 5 psi to 100 psi so you may need to experiment a bit with the right psi in order to get the most benefit but they will definitely be really beneficial to your F-250's suspension.

During the installation of these air bags, you are going to want to ensure your air lines are cut perfectly straight, and the best way to do this is by using the Air Hose Cutter # AL10530.

I also highly recommend a compressor, which is going to make it much easier and more convenient to adjust the air pressure from your F-250's cab at any time you like, as opposed to having to make stops to inflate them to just the right psi. For that the best thing to use is a wireless compressor, and there's one that comes with a remote as well as the ability to use your smartphone to control the psi:

- Air Command Compressor System w/ Light Duty Compressor - Wireless - Smartphone Enabled # F2610

I have added some links below to video reviews for you to check out as well if you'd like to take a look.