Airlift 1000 Airbags: Alternate Schrader Valve Locations

[steven1955]

I am getting ready to install Airlift 1000 airbags in our 2007 V8 Limited. I see a lot of folks install the Schrader fill valves in the rear bumper cover so that the valves are hidden when the rear hatch is closed. But.... We travel with a receiver hitch bike rack so it would be a real pain to open the hatch to change the air bag pressure if we use that location.

Has anyone found a good alternative Schrader valve location that allows access without opening the hatch?

 

[Warwicke36]

Mine are at the bottom of the bumper, very stealth but very accessible. I'll take a pic tomorrow

 

[riceandpho]

i have drilled a hole at the trailer plug bracket, just at the corner for easy access.

 

[steven1955]

Hi Warwicke36 and riceandpho,

Would either or both of you guys say your Schrader valves would be easily accessible if you had a bike rack mounted with two bikes?

I had thought about mounting my Schraders in the trailer plug bracket but can't see me enjoying squeezing between the bumper and our bikes.

 

[swampdodo]

I've seen people on the net put the valves next to the gas filler so it is protected by the locked gas door...not sure how easy or dangerous that would be for a 4Runner.

 

[swampdodo]

...like this Tundra...

Airbag fill ports located in fuel door. | Toyota Tundra Forums

 

[Warwicke36]

Hi Warwicke36 and riceandpho,

Would either or both of you guys say your Schrader valves would be easily accessible if you had a bike rack mounted with two bikes?

I had thought about mounting my Schraders in the trailer plug bracket but can't see me enjoying squeezing between the bumper and our bikes.

Super easy access even with my Rigd ultraswing. Would imagine bikes would be the same...

Super stealth IMO... I have one on each side in the same spot as I ran the lines separately from each other not 2 into 1.

 

[cwilliams563]

I put mine underneath on the drivers side of my aftermarket tow hitch assembly. I didn’t personally like idea if it being in the hatch. Was afraid I’d bump or break them loading/unloading plus felt it was unsightly, albeit a convenient place in the hatch. Mine aren’t the most convenient location though having to get down and under to reach. Seems like the gas tank lid would be pretty convenient. I installed both on the same side for easier access.

I also installed a PNEUMADYNE pneumatic toggle switch and tied the lines together. With the flip of a switch the airlift bags can be independent or run on common line. Super convenient for airing up, down, and checking psi because you only have to use 1 Schraeder valve.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I've seen people on the net put the valves next to the gas filler so it is protected by the locked gas door...not sure how easy or dangerous that would be for a 4Runner.

This is how I did it on a different vehicle. Not having to crawl under was a huge plus in my opinion. May have looked a bit odd adding air in public areas seeing I used a bicycle pump.

 

[steven1955]

This is how I ended up installing my two Schrader valves: I removed the two screws and plastic threaded inserts behind the rear driver's side wheel that fastened the rear bumper cover to the 4Runners frame. I then replaced the two screws and inserts with the two Schrader valves. No holes to drill and so is completely reversible should I decide to remove the airbags in the future.