Maintenance on Air Lift System

[Dave&Ginny]

I know many folks on here have the Air Lift system on their tow vehicles. I wanted to share a solution to a problem should it arise.

My truck has 2 of these systems and a year ago I had problems with one of them. I tracked it to the modulator that tells the compressor to turn on and off. I called the factory and they replaced the unit. Now a year later and the same manifold stopped sending signals to the compressor again.

It was determained that the manifold was located below the compressor which meant the manifold was collecting moisture.

[homeguy]

Dave
Is your unit mounted inside the cab or outside?

[Dave&Ginny]

Both systems are mounted outside.

[markw]

I could see moisture maybe being a problem with outside mounting. Mine is under the back seat in my CC.


Mark

[Dave&Ginny]

I might have to move mine into the bed of the truck and see if that helps. I already have too much under the seat of the truck and I wouldn't want the noise.

[atom ant]

Dave,
Doesn't the compressor bring in moisture, regardless of where the components are mounted?

On my last truck, the Dealer put a manual release valve in the dash which was convenient, but sometimes exhausting that air inside the cab was not the most pleasant smell It smelled like pulling the valve core out of your bike or car tire - kind of rubbery -blech-.

[markw]

Dave, your compressor should only run when the bags need aired up. Once up it shouldn't run anymore unless you have a leak. Your Kelderman might be different than just my AirLift bags though.


Mark

[atom ant]

That makes sense, except mine will need another 1 or 2 more compressor runs to settle down once rolling.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by markw

Dave, your compressor should only run when the bags need aired up. Once up it shouldn't run anymore unless you have a leak. Your Kelderman might be different than just my AirLift bags though.


Mark

Mine does pretty good but must have some leaks somewhere. It will kick on each time I start the truck for a few seconds and then a couple of times a day when I'm pulling the Redwood. Like I said before, I have 2 different compressors and they each have a different sound so sometimes it sounds like they're trying to harmonize.

[johnboytoo]

Ours does the same... I presume it 'settles' when parked and will go 'brrppp' for less than a second when started...

Even noticed on the BIGGEST bumps that it will fool it a bit...
My guess is that it needs a LITTLE longer 'lag' time so it doesn't immediately fill if it senses a low air condition...

Maybe it's the electronics guessing it needs more air, then realizes it doesn't ?!?


but even with that - about my favorite thingy on the truck, especially with the wireless remote right by by knee !

[atom ant]

I was actually impressed that the remote setting is continuous - meaning it does an occasional handshake and corrects itself. I didn't know it would do that when I bought it.

[markw]

I have the in-cab controller but not the remote, so mine only run when I add air.

Mark

[piper guy]

I have the wireless remote but not the auto-leveling option. I got tired of my compressor coming on when the rig was on an incline (sitting) and the sensor decided that it wanted more air.


I cut the grey trigger wire from the sensor to the compressor and wired it into one of the upfitter switches on the truck panel. Now, after I set the pressure I want, I turn off the sensor trigger and the compressor won't come on. When I need to change anything, turn on the switch, hit the remote and set the pressure.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by piper guy

I have the wireless remote but not the auto-leveling option. I got tired of my compressor coming on when the rig was on an incline (sitting) and the sensor decided that it wanted more air.


I cut the grey trigger wire from the sensor to the compressor and wired it into one of the upfitter switches on the truck panel. Now, after I set the pressure I want, I turn off the sensor trigger and the compressor won't come on. When I need to change anything, turn on the switch, hit the remote and set the pressure.

Ah -the gray wire If forgot you said that Vaughan.

I've ordered my second one and am putting it on the pin box air bag. Tired of dragging out air for that thing.

[Elliott & Vicky]

Which AirLift do you have? The 5000 or the 5000 ultimate? And did anyone install them yourself?

[atom ant]

I have the 5000 Ultimate and installed them myself. It wasn't very much fun. I have the factory hitch and had to grind down some of the 5000 nuts to get them to fit between the hitch bracket and the frame.

[johnboytoo]

No way - installs are a thing of the past for me

Camping world installed mine fro $39 if bought there - WELL worth it !!!

[GA1817]

I guess these air lift systems are only for FORDS?

[piper guy]

Well ~ no. For instance in my Dually, I don't need the AirLift for load carrying. When I hook the RW up the whole rig sits level. The airbags are used for suspension control and to stop the chucking and bottoming out when going over bad dips and bridge joints, etc.


Can't imagine having a fifth wheel tow vehicle without them. My buddy has a 2011 GMC and couldn't believe the ride in our rig. His wife asked him why they bounced off the seat over a bridge in their rig and the same bridge in ours barely ruffled the truck at all.


Guess who pur bags on the truck, ordered an air hitch and is scheduled at Mor/Ryde this spring ??

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

No way - installs are a thing of the past for me

Camping world installed mine fro $39 if bought there - WELL worth it !!!

I had a 5th Airborne pinbox installed on my Montana at Camping World, to be followed by installation of a dome satellite antenna. I walked out of the store and saw one guy holding the pin box with a forktruck and two guys beating it into place with a sledge hammer. I cancelled any future installs.

Camping world installs are a thing of the past for me at any cost