Air Bag help

rlbostic · 07-10-2019, 09:06 AM

I am new to the 5th wheel world and have a question about air bags. I have a 2004 Keysone Cougar 314 EFS with an empty weight of right at 12000lbs. I am towing it with a 2105 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax. I have only towed a long distance one time sine owning it. It does bounce when I tow so I would like to add air bags. My question is I have decided on airlift air bags and on board compressor. Im trying to figure out if I need the air bags with the internal jounce bumper and if the 5000lbs are enough? Thanks for any and all help!

**wingnut60** · 07-10-2019, 11:12 AM

The AirLift 5000 with the internal bounce stop would be best, but either is plenty for what you are needing. At 12000 gross, the pin should not be over 2400, seems like that should be plenty of truck. Perhaps an extra leaf spring might be an option? What is your payload on the door sticker?

fjr vfr · 07-10-2019, 09:52 PM

He said empty (meaningless number) weight of 12000lbs.
The only number that matters is the total gross weight. The pin weight will be about 20% of that.
Don't forget the hitch itself, passengers and anything else in the truck counts as payload.

**wingnut60** · 07-10-2019, 10:14 PM

You're right, thought he meant towing weight. Probably a gross around 15000.

ON EDITL: Keystone Cougar brochure shows the 314EFS to have GVWR of 11530,
so my original thoughts may be correct.

fjr vfr · 07-11-2019, 11:43 AM

You're right then, so your original thoughts may be correct.
He's new and still learning...lol
The AirLift 5000 would be plenty. I wouldn't use them at full pressure...maybe half.
After all he'll need some suspension...lol

Primo Rudy's Roadhouse · 07-15-2019, 05:50 PM

I have the 5000 with internal jounce and the onboard air. Was advised by airlift that they will ride rougher than regular when empty. The onboard air will only air down to 5 psi so the theoretical advantage is gone. I would recommend the regular air bags. I was able to find my bags for $100 on ebay so I can't complain

Rhagfo · 07-18-2019, 01:59 AM

Not sure GM has released the 2105 HD 2500 DMax yet, so is it a 2015 or 2005? I will assume 2015, even at that I would replace the shocks with Bilstein shocks.