Air bags or overload springs?

[83jtruck]

I have a J-20 that I occasionaly carry a camper with, and sometimes abuse with a heavy load of gravel or firewood. The rear springs ride OK empty, but are just about bottomed out when really loaded. For this application which is better, air bags or overload springs?

[jeeping1974]

i'd go with air bags as you can adjust them depending on the load you have.

[83jtruck]

Do you have any experience with air bags? Do you really have to check the pressure every week?

I was leaning towards helper springs until I saw that BJ's stocks an air bag kit, but then I found this product: http://www.supersprings.com/productguide.asp

The super-spring is about $300 though, versus $200 for the air bag. Not sure if the claims are over-hyped or not.
(http://www.supersprings.com/productguide.asp)

[malodin]

i dont have any experience with air bags, but i cannot see you having to check the air pressure every week, they are not that different from air shocks(of which you could put on that as well)

[jeeping1974]

i have not had airbags on any of my vehicles but i have installed a set in a friends truck. you do not have to check the air in the system, that is what the load controller kit is for. the whole system is sealed and runs off of an air compressor. when you need them, you simply flip the switch and the compressor will pump air to them. if they ever get to 5psi then the compressor will kick back on to make sure that they stay at the proper psi. when you are done, just let the system drain itself.

each companies systems are a little different in one way or another.

[backpack09]

I just installed a set of 1500 lb jcwhipme ($35) coil helper springs in the back of my wag for towing my 19' Hybrid camper. First trip out was this weekend, mostly backroads no highways. Never bottomed out, when loaded rear dropped only 1" as opposed to 3" before springs. My shocks are shot, so the ride was quite a bit bouncier, but I have bilsteins on the way to help that.

[Ralph]

The air bladders give a far superior ride compared to air shocks. I've installed them in a couple of trucks (Firestone RideRite brand), including a setup with the compressor and dual guages. Very good stuff. Will definitely be doing that on our project vehicle soon, and kudos to BJ's Offroad for finding the kit that will work with FSJ's.

[TPICherokee]

i dont have any experience with air bags, but i cannot see you having to check the air pressure every week, they are not that different from air shocks(of which you could put on that as well)

Actually, they are A LOT different than air shocks.... Air shocks aren't really made for a load and will make the ride really, really bouncy...