Airlift air springs torn

[ShooterF16]

So, this is the second time I've towed a 3200lb (dry) travel trailer across the country. I installed the Airlift helper springs and several other mods to enhance the experience. Anyway, about 1000 miles into my first trip one of the bags failed (torn or exploded) so I had to finish the trip without them inflated. I replaced the bag last summer and have used them again on multiple, shorter trips. This trip from NV to NY, one of the bags failed again after about 300 miles.

Would I be a fool to replace it? Or should I get heavier duty springs to alleviate some of the sag? Any suggestions on an appropriate spring? I've towed this trailer over 10% of the ~40k miles I've put on the truck.

Thanks!
Nate

 

[rocklighting]

That is strange. I have the same airbags and I have never had a problem with them. I tow my 26' sailboat with the 4Runner, around 4300lb, but usually only 50 miles every couple of weeks in the summer. What psi were you running?

I would be curious to see they were installed correctly. There could be an issue with one of the springs on the truck. If there is a burr on the spring or if it is bent out of alignment, it would cause excess rubbing/wear on the bag. Were the bags that exploded, on the same side? How much you off-road would also affect the interegity of the bag, as you are putting added stress on the bag at different angles. If all else fails, Airlift does have a decent warranty program, I would contact them to complain.

Timbren makes a product that could help instead of the Airlift's. They are made out of rubber and seem more durable. Check out the thread below:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/103152-air-lift-1000-timbren-ses-towing.html

 

[Antman]

Man, that sucks.

When you are not inflating the bags for towing what PSI are you running in them? You have to keep a minimum of 5PSI at all times (I use 8) to keep the bag from pinching in the spring and rubbing through. I've been running my airbags for a few years with no issues and I tow every week!

Good luck- Firestone makes an airbag kit as well, may be worth a try.

 

[ShooterF16]

I keep them at 5 psi when I'm not towing. However, I "set it and forget it" so I can go several weeks before checking it.

And TBH, I don't actually know the real problem this time. It could be that a fitting came loose. I haven't been able to look yet since I've been driving with 2 kids (5 & 3) and three dogs. However, I suspect the bag...

When I learn the problem I'll be sure to update the post.

 

[ShooterF16]

Update... I looked at the airbags and the passenger side bag split on a seam. This is the original bag that came with the kit since I replaced the other one that (also) split on a seam.

I wonder if a got a "bad batch". Either way, since it's the other bag, I'll replace it and then see if I get better results in the future.

 

[ShooterF16]

[MENTION=66895]rocklighting[/MENTION], I was running 35 psi. I used my bike pump to inflate them! Ha!

Last time one popped, I did contact Airlift but it was too painful to do the warranty relative to just buying another bag for $30.

 

[rocklighting]

[MENTION=66895]rocklighting[/MENTION], I was running 35 psi. I used my bike pump to inflate them! Ha!

Last time one popped, I did contact Airlift but it was too painful to do the warranty relative to just buying another bag for $30.

The max you can inflate them to is 35psi...Now they should have a safe working load rating of a psi higher than that, but it is possible you inflated too much as bike pumps and tire pressure gauages all flauctuate with a margin or error of a few psi +/-

I tow my 26' sailboat which weighs about 4200-4400lbs. I have found 28 psi provides the best for that application. Try running them a little lower in psi. Either that or pray it was a bad batch. Let us know if you run into any other issues with them. Those here on the forum that have them would like to know if there is an issue found.