Airlift 5000 vs 5000 ultimate vs 1000

Ktstull · Jul 4, 2016

Hey everyone!
Does anyone have the Airlift 5000 series airbags on their trucks? If so:
1) How do you like them?
2) How does it effect the empty ride?
3) Do you have an on board compressor?
4) How does It effect your towing?

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mtofell · Jul 5, 2016

I'm not sure what the differences are between types/brands aside from the 5000s obviously being more capable. The concept between them should be pretty much the same.

I had them on a past truck and loved them. They give you the ability to stiffen up the rear end and prevent sag when towing near your max. While towing they help prevent excessive repeated bouncing over bumps. Overall, they are a great addition.

They can come with manual fill in the form of a couple air valves (like a bicycle tire) sticking out of your truck somewhere. Or, you can get an on board compressor and a remote so you can adjust on the fly. I just had a set installed for my new 5th wheel but haven't been out with them yet (but I pretty much know what to expect). For the +/- $500 I just went with the manual fill valves.

Ktstull · Jul 5, 2016

mtofell said:
I'm not sure what the differences are between types/brands aside from the 5000s obviously being more capable. The concept between them should be pretty much the same.

I had them on a past truck and loved them. They give you the ability to stiffen up the rear end and prevent sag when towing near your max. While towing they help prevent excessive repeated bouncing over bumps. Overall, they are a great addition.

They can come with manual fill in the form of a couple air valves (like a bicycle tire) sticking out of your truck somewhere. Or, you can get an on board compressor and a remote so you can adjust on the fly. I just had a set installed for my new 5th wheel but haven't been out with them yet (but I pretty much know what to expect). For the +/- $500 I just went with the manual fill valves.

Do you remove any of the factory suspension parts when installing them?
How is the unloaded ride? About the same as factory or rougher or smoother?

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audio1der · Jul 5, 2016

The Ultimate appears to have closed-cell urethane foam jounce bumper inside the air spring, while the 5000 is only the airbags. For our application, it replaces the foam bumpstop. I have not installed a 5000 system, but have been much more satisfied with my 1000 setup than I thought I could be.

DILLIGAF · Jul 5, 2016

I just tow a 16 foot trailer and the Airlift 1000 work like a charm.

Ktstull · Jul 5, 2016

What kind of weight are you towing on your 16'?

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xrsman · Jul 5, 2016

I had the airlift 1000 on my 2014, and it didn't cut it. Now I only had 1" of rake, but it would squat even with a 500 lb tongue weight trailer on the back. If the airlift 5000 had been out when I was in the market for bags, I would have purchased them.

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Air Lift Company · Jul 5, 2016

Ktstull said:
Do you remove any of the factory suspension parts when installing them?
How is the unloaded ride? About the same as factory or rougher or smoother?

The LoadLifter 5000 and LoadLifter 5000 ULTIMATE air springs are a little more challenging to install than the Air Lift 1000 air springs. The LoadLifter series springs require removal of the jounce bumper cup (cutting, grinding, drilling) in order for you to install the bags. The Air Lift 1000 air springs are significantly easier to install as you just need to slip them inside of the coil springs.

mtofell · Jul 5, 2016

Ktstull said:
Do you remove any of the factory suspension parts when installing them?
How is the unloaded ride? About the same as factory or rougher or smoother?

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The only part that gets removed are the factory bump stops. You should always keep a small amount of air in them to keep them from creasing and getting ripped. With that small amount they are basically doing nothing so there is really no difference from the factory ride.

Once pumped up all the way it feels like you're driving on concrete

That only happens when you forget they are inflated and unhook the trailer and drive off. With my old ones I seem to remember running them at 30-40spi just to help a bit with the 5th wheel pin weight. I think they can be inflated up to 90 or something crazy like that.

I paid someone to install them and there's no cutting or drilling. They are very brand/model specific though so be sure you get the right ones. Mine were manufactured to go right next to the coils on my 2500.

Cardhu · Nov 8, 2016

Anybody got the 5000 / ultimate on a 1500 and tried the 1000 series?

feedback? The 1000s seem a bit mickey mouse or am i completely wrong about that? The price and ease seems attractive.

5000 lbs being way over kill for a 1500 acknowledged and understood.

Devin1349 · Nov 8, 2016

From the research ive done on the 1000's its worth the experiment under $100 and easy self install. i plan on getting them soon will let you know how they work out both empty and max towing experience on off road conditions- cheers

xrsman · Nov 8, 2016

Cardhu said:
Anybody got the 5000 / ultimate on a 1500 and tried the 1000 series?

feedback? The 1000s seem a bit mickey mouse or am i completely wrong about that? The price and ease seems attractive.

5000 lbs being way over kill for a 1500 acknowledged and understood.

I had the 1000's on my 2014. If the 5000's had been out at the time I would have bought them. The 1000's didn't cut it for me. I always had squat with travel trailers and my dump trailer. My truck had a 1" rake unloaded

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Cardhu · Nov 9, 2016

https://timbergroveenterprises.com/

Anybody got the timbergrove install instructions? They seem to be priced lower. Details might be in the video that are block at my work?

jasonw · Nov 9, 2016

It's in a video, although I'm sure they have typed instructions as well somewhere.

The Timbergroves are similar to the 5000 series, but you keep the factory bump stops (no grinding/cutting). Easier install.

I have the 1000 series. I don't tow or haul anything that heavy with any frequency, but every once in a while, I have the need. If the 1000 series doesn't cut it, I'm going for the Timbergrove system.

Sandbox · Nov 10, 2016

I have the 1000's in my 1500 CC. When I pull the marching bands trailer that weighs in close to 7000lbs and the bags aired up to 30PSI, the truck stays level. I'm probably going to add some aftermarket springs with a stiffer spring weight to use in conjunction with the air bags.

OUMX117 · Nov 10, 2016

If I were in your position I would get the 1000s ( I previously was and I did). They will be more than sufficient for any sane towing setup on a 1500. I have towed a 9,000lb enclosed 28' trailer from Oklahoma to the mountains of Colorado and it handled it beautifully, without a WDH I might add.

Xrsman, I loved your old truck. Do you think the Airlift 1000s not being "enough" was due to your longer coil springs because of your lift? I can't remember your exact setup though so I could be wrong.

billyw · Nov 14, 2016

With the Timber Grove and basic 5000 series, you are left with no bump stops. What are the caveats/dangers with that scenario? Anybody know?

SixPoints_Kev · Nov 17, 2016

Ktstull said:
Hey everyone!
Does anyone have the Airlift 5000 series airbags on their trucks? If so:
1) How do you like them?
2) How does it effect the empty ride?
3) Do you have an on board compressor?
4) How does It effect your towing?

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Ktstull,

I have a 1500 CC and have the Airlift 5000 setup. I was originally going to buy the 1000's but was convinced it's not worth the money, even sub $100. The 1000 system is a very easy install but don't really offer much in terms of load support and longevity. I know the 5000 is overkill for what I can tow but I'd rather have more than I need. I have a manual fill/release via a schrader valve under my bumper. The ride is a little stiffer when empty but when I'm towing my trailer it makes all the difference in the world. I'd definitely recommend the 5000. I think I bought mine for around $300 plus a $75 for install. Hope that helps.

Craw · Mar 20, 2018

SixPoints_Kev said:
Ktstull,

I have a 1500 CC and have the Airlift 5000 setup. I was originally going to buy the 1000's but was convinced it's not worth the money, even sub $100. The 1000 system is a very easy install but don't really offer much in terms of load support and longevity. I know the 5000 is overkill for what I can tow but I'd rather have more than I need. I have a manual fill/release via a schrader valve under my bumper. The ride is a little stiffer when empty but when I'm towing my trailer it makes all the difference in the world. I'd definitely recommend the 5000. I think I bought mine for around $300 plus a $75 for install. Hope that helps.

Sorry admins to resurrect an old thread but did you get the 75 dollar install at a shop? Trying to figure out if I should go with 5000 just dont want to cut the bumper off myself.

69GWC · Mar 20, 2018

Timber Grove air bags have a much easier install and are great airbags and all the parts are top quality.

Airlift 5000 vs 5000 ultimate vs 1000

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