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Does anyone truthfully have airbags that don't leak?


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#1 verynice

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Posted 02 August 2017 - 11:32 PM

Over the past decade I've had four sets of airbags from hellwig or pacbrake and they've always leaked whether I've used "quick connect" fittings, ferrule style fittings, short hoses, long hoses, slime....Once a weak check and add on every set I've had.  Trying to find a slow leaks on my current "big wig" bags again and thinking of just buying the compressor kit for them.  Was just curious if everyone has this problem.  Or, have found a solution?


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 1992 Chevrolet 2500 350 4X4- Utility bed Factory Alaskan Truck/Camper combo-

 1999 Northstar TC800, 2000 Six Pac D850, Many Callen Canopies-

 2004.5 Dodge 2500 5.9D 4x4-2010 Lance 825-Toyo, Thuren, Solar, Hellwig BigWig everything- current rig

 

 


#2 Bill D

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 01:52 AM

I've had mine Ride Rite bags on for 2+ years now.  I only top them up with air every couple of months and I daily drive the vehicle.  I did the install myself.  I was extremely careful to make straight cuts and use a brand new blade, when doing the install.  I tested for leaks with soapy water.

 

I ran individual lines for my airbags.  I'm comfortable saying mine do not leak.

 

Hope that helps.


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#3 K6ON

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 02:05 AM

Yes!   I've have a set of Carli long travel airbags on my Dodge for over six years and they have yet to leak any air. Expensive but worth every penny.


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#4 moveinon

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 02:17 AM

I have Ride Rite air bags also.  I replaced the push on fittings with commercial screw connections sealed with teflon tape to make sure they were protected against rocks and sticks on forrest service roads and over two years have no leaks.  Previous truck over 6 years over very rough roads and 1 ton loads with the same type of hoses and connections with no leaks.

 

I ran individual lines also because I use the bags to level camper occasionally.  I am not familiar with the airbags you are using, but with mine if the screw on connections are sealed correctly with teflon tape the bags just do not leak.  I use the same connections on my compressor at much higher pressure and no leaks there either.  I would suggest you get a spray bottle of soapy water and spray it on to your fittings so you can find where you might need to repair a leak.  Bubbles clearly show where the leak is.


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#5 Tuff Guy 62

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 03:10 AM

Ride Rites with camper on continuously for almost two years. No leaks


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#6 allanb

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 03:47 AM

I've had mine Ride Rite bags on for 2+ years now.  I only top them up with air every couple of months and I daily drive the vehicle.  I did the install myself.  I was extremely careful to make straight cuts and use a brand new blade, when doing the install.  I tested for leaks with soapy water.
 
I ran individual lines for my airbags.  I'm comfortable saying mine do not leak.
 
Hope that helps.

Ditto, except been on only a year, and used continuously 7 months of that.,with camper on and off Five times. Use 70 lbs with camper on, 30 lbs off
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#7 verynice

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Posted 03 August 2017 - 03:59 AM

O.K., I never have used tape because I've trusted the coating that comes on the pipe thread fittings.  Ill try taping the airbag fittings and holdem underwater.  thanks


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 1992 Chevrolet 2500 350 4X4- Utility bed Factory Alaskan Truck/Camper combo-

 1999 Northstar TC800, 2000 Six Pac D850, Many Callen Canopies-

 2004.5 Dodge 2500 5.9D 4x4-2010 Lance 825-Toyo, Thuren, Solar, Hellwig BigWig everything- current rig

 

 


#8 MuleHawk

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Posted 06 August 2017 - 01:04 AM

I set mine at 30 psi 7 months ago and they haven't leaked. Before that I had them at 45 psi when I had a FWC and they never leaked then either.
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#9 verynice

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Posted 06 August 2017 - 01:26 AM

The tape seems to have worked for a few days now, hasn't dropped whatsoever.  20lbs. dead on.  On a seperate note, next to the ride of the Carli long travel bags(my buddy has a set) these big wigs are the best riding of any I've used.  They only need about half the pressure of the smaller ones and give a little more down travel.  A good compromise between the Carli's and traditionals-  http://www.hellwigpr...ig/big-wig-air/


Edited by verynice, 06 August 2017 - 03:17 PM.

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 1992 Chevrolet 2500 350 4X4- Utility bed Factory Alaskan Truck/Camper combo-

 1999 Northstar TC800, 2000 Six Pac D850, Many Callen Canopies-

 2004.5 Dodge 2500 5.9D 4x4-2010 Lance 825-Toyo, Thuren, Solar, Hellwig BigWig everything- current rig

 

 


#10 hebegebe

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Posted 06 August 2017 - 04:45 PM

I noticed some surface cracking on the lower edge of my bags they are 13 yrs old but still hold air well Is it time to replace?
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