I tow a 27' Fountain on a steel trailer with a 1500 silverado. Tow from May-September on weekends. Short hauls. 1-2 3 hour trips. So I don't do real major hauling. I'm looking to take out the bounce when I hit bridges or big bumps/dips and take out some sag.

My question is which should I go with? I'm looking at the medium helper springs that mount on top. They are cheaper than air bags and more convient IMO because I wasn't planning on buying a compressor. Do the helper springs effect ride when not towing??

What's your guys opinion?

They do, and I've posted some about this in the past. You can find details with the search function here on the site..

I've had bags on 4 different trucks, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton. I won't own a truck that tows, that does not have them installed. I've never had a compressor. My bags are always installed with separate fills, and I replace the rear upper license plate bolts with the schraeder valves.

When not towing, I usually run them around 25-30 lbs, and they definitely help keep the rear of the truck planted and help handling.
When towing, I have them filled between 60-80 lbs. and they definitely keep the sag and rebounding down to a minimum when towing.
HOWEVER, they are not going to get rid of ALL of the bounce. The only way to do such is to go with a Weight Distribution hitch setup. (Not sway control, just WD; lot's to talk about there as well).

Go with the AirLift 1000s or the similar Firestone. They are both made by Firestone anyhow. It's some of the best money you can spend on a tow vehicle.

I have an 08 sierra denali 1500 with airlift 1000s and a small compressor. Im towing a little bit lighter boat, velocity 260, but it handles it well. Id recommend tossing a heavier duty aftermarket sway bar on the rear as well. I have a hellwig brand one, makes it a pleasure to tow around a boat.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]518444[/ATTACH]Get one of these, best thing I ever bought. Little pricy but it really works great. We have one stretch of road by us with concrete section cuts that's set-up the perfect bounce amplitude to make you almost sick. I tried everything air bags, shocks , WD hitch. I am glad I did it all but this helped the most.


It's called a shocker hitch, you can get one here. http://www.shockerhitch.com I didn't like the red so I painted mine black.

I have Firestone Ride-Rite airbags on my truck for hauling my camper. Not too long ago I also added the Torklift StableLoad Quick Disconnect. Both make an excellent combination for heavy hauling but either on there own work very well.

yes get air bags.. I had them on my Silverado 1500 worked great..
I even put them on my Silverado hd diesel.. truck really don't need them for boat but I put them on anyways and they do help..

I bought both sets from summit racing. com they have them at good prices..

Go with the air lift bags with the compressor, had them on my 05 2500HD now getting ready to do my 08, being able to dial in ride while driving is worth every penny !!!

Thanks for the advice. I'll go with airbags.

As long as you are adding a compressor, might as well go with TRAIN HORNS as well!

Went with an air lift ride control kit. Installed today. Looking forward to testing. Thanks for all the advice.