Airbag Inflation For Campers: How Much Air Is Enough?

Airbags are a common addition to campervans and trucks to help level the vehicle when carrying a heavy load. The amount of air pressure needed in the airbags depends on the weight of the load and the desired ride height. For example, a truck with a camper weighing about 3000 pounds might have airbags inflated to 40 psi, while a truck with a heavier camper could require up to 100 psi. It's important to note that airbags do not increase the payload capacity of a vehicle, but they can help to improve stability and handling by levelling the load.

Airbag pressure depends on the camper's weight

The airbag pressure for a camper depends on the weight of the camper and the vehicle's ride height. It is recommended to have equal pressure in both airbags to ensure the suspension behaves predictably.

For example, a Dodge Diesel truck with an Arctic Fox 811 camper was filled to 40 psi and felt "a little squishy". The owner was advised to try 65 psi when fully loaded. Another user with a similar camper and truck setup recommended 60 psi.

According to Firestone, a good rule of thumb is 1 psi for every 50 lbs. of weight. This means that for a 3,000 lbs. camper, 60 psi would be a good starting point.

It's important to note that the airbag pressure should be adjusted to achieve the desired ride height and stability. Too much pressure can lead to an uncomfortable ride, while too little pressure can cause the vehicle to sag and affect handling.

Some users have reported running their airbags at 30 psi, which allows the truck to remain level while still utilising the factory springs. This can help reduce side-to-side sway and improve ride quality.

Airbags should be pumped equally to prevent unpredictable suspension

Air suspension systems have been around since the early 1900s, with the first recorded air suspension designed for a motorcycle in the UK in 1909. These systems can be categorised as either complete air suspensions, which replace the standard springs entirely, or supplemental systems, which boost the capacity of the existing suspension.

Air suspension systems are particularly useful for trucks and vehicles carrying heavy loads, such as campers. They can improve the ride height based on the load weight and vehicle speed, and increase the transport capabilities of trucks and trailers by providing a better grip.

When considering the amount of air pressure to use in airbags for a camper, it is important to note that the air pressure should be equal in both bags. This ensures that the suspension does not act unpredictably. The recommended psi will depend on the weight of the camper, with a general rule of thumb being 1 psi for every 50 lbs. For example, for a camper weighing 3000 lbs, a good starting point would be to put 30 psi in each airbag.

It is also important to keep in mind that the addition of an airbag system does not allow for higher payloads or towing capacity. Other systems in the vehicle, such as braking and cooling, have specific manufacturer-rated capacities that should not be exceeded for safety reasons. Additionally, proper maintenance of the airbags is crucial, including keeping them inflated enough to maintain their shape even when not in use, and ensuring they do not exceed their maximum pressure ratings.

Airbags should be pumped to maintain a level vehicle

The amount of air pressure needed in airbags depends on the weight of the load. As a general rule of thumb, you need 1 PSI for every 50 lbs of weight. For example, if your camper weighs 3,000 lbs, you will need 60 PSI in your airbags. It is important to note that this is just a starting point, and you may need to experiment with different pressure levels to find the optimal setting for your vehicle.

When loading a truck with a heavy camper, the weight on the rear axle can cause the truck to sag and tilt upwards at the nose. This can be dangerous as it takes control away from the driver. Airbags can help to level the vehicle, but too much air pressure can lead to an uncomfortable and rough ride. It is recommended to start with a lower pressure, such as 30 PSI, and adjust as needed to find the optimal level for your vehicle.

Additionally, it is important to maintain equal pressure in both airbags to ensure the suspension acts predictably. Always keep at least 5-10 PSI in the airbags, even when the truck is unloaded, to prevent the airbags from collapsing or deforming.

Airbags don't increase payload capacity

Air suspension systems for campers, such as airbags, are designed to improve ride quality and safety, not to increase payload capacity. The purpose of airbags is to level the load and counteract suspension squat under heavy loads. While they can help distribute weight more evenly, they do not increase the strength or capacity of other components such as axles, brakes, shocks, or the frame.

Airbags themselves have a weight, and this weight is subtracted from the available payload. Therefore, adding airbags to your camper will slightly reduce its payload capacity. The actual payload capacity of a vehicle is determined by several factors, including the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), axle weight ratings, tire load ratings, and wheel weight ratings. These factors are considered when determining the payload capacity during the manufacturing process, and simply adding airbags will not change these calculations.

It is important to note that exceeding the recommended payload capacity can be dangerous and may compromise the stability and handling of your camper. Overloading your camper can also lead to legal issues if you are involved in an accident. While airbags can help improve the ride quality and safety of your camper, they do not increase the payload capacity, and it is crucial to stay within the specified limits set by the manufacturer.

When it comes to air pressure in airbags, the recommended psi can vary depending on the weight of your camper and your preference for ride height and firmness. It is generally recommended to use equal pressure in both airbags to maintain stable and predictable suspension performance. Experimenting with different pressure levels will help you find the optimal setting for your specific camper setup.

Airbags can cause amplified bounce

Air suspension systems, commonly known as airbags, are used in heavy vehicles like trucks, tractor-trailers, and passenger buses to achieve a self-levelling suspension. While these systems are designed to improve ride quality and comfort, they can sometimes have the opposite effect, causing amplified bounce when driving over bumpy roads.

Airbags are designed to lift the weight of the payload and balance it on an area roughly the size of two footballs. This takes the power away from the truck's factory spring suspension, resulting in an uncomfortable and rough ride. The side-to-side sway and amplified bounce can be especially noticeable when hitting a bump in the road, causing the vehicle to lose stability and control.

The amount of air pressure in the airbags can also contribute to the bounce. Typically, 70-80 pounds of air pressure or more is required to support a load like a truck camper. However, this much pressure can cause an unpleasant ride. Deflating the airbags to around 30 pounds of air pressure can help reduce the bounce while still keeping the loaded truck level and utilising the vehicle's factory springs.

To further mitigate the bounce caused by airbags, some people choose to install suspension stabilisers like the StableLoad. These stabilisers fill the space between the lower overload and main spring pack of the truck's suspension, allowing the factory springs to function as intended. By combining upper and lower StableLoads, users have reported resolving 100% of their suspension issues, including the amplified bounce caused by airbags.

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