Suspension upgrades for a 130 to carry a camper

[Fubar]

Hey guys,

I have trip coming up and need to sort a few things post haste.

I have a few queries regarding changes I need to make to my 130 so it will better cope carrying a slide on camper I am just about to finish building and press into service.

Query 1
I have two options for the rear suspension, replace the coils with Firestone airsprings, or invest in a set of ‘poly’ air bags. The truck is 100% focused as a camping/touring vehicle. I am primarily interested in ride quality here as both options can easily handle the weight of the camper I will be adding. I just need to get rid of the saggy arse!

The poly’s are easy to add and robust, the full airspring allow better levelling when parked/camped and would greatly facilitate loading & unloading of the camper.

Can anyone add their advice and experience here?

Query 2
If I use the airsprings I have two options the way I see it.
This is the identical spring to the Airbagman offering:

W01-358-5712, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5712 - TruckSpring.com (http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Reversible-Sleeve-Air-Spring__W01-358-5712.aspx)

or
W01-358-5426, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5426 - TruckSpring.com (http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Reversible-Sleeve-Air-Spring__W01-358-5426.aspx)

The difference being the height of the piston between the two. Am I right in assuming the 3.62” piston would suit my application better.

What is the advantage disadvantage between the two options?

Query 3
Legality – I spoke to Airbagman this morning and they maintained their kit does not need a Engineers Certificate in NSW.
Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[MLD]

PM Cal415 (Mick) he has traversed your queries with an air bag conversion. Also give Gordon Shaw at Opposite Lock Rockdale a call, he has airbags in his 110.

MLD

[Homestar]

The Ho Har's might also chime in - they have air bags on their 130 for when the camper is on the back.

[alan48]

Hi,
I have a 2013 puma 130 crew cab with a Beyond slide on poptop camper and we fitted the sleeve type air bag man air bags (blue colour) to replace the inner rear spring with standard outer rear spring and as well to control the roll more a second set of rear shocks-adjustable Tough Dogs which we normally run on setting 3 (did use setting 2 on previous big cab 130 with same set up). We run the bags at about 40psi and have just returned from the Kimberley and centre. Car rides well but even better if shocks on zero if camper off. Bags do let us adjust ride height to suit.

[eeyore]

If you do a search, I both Rangier Rover and rovercare have do airbag conversions on Isuzu-engined 120 utes. Their threads will be the guides I use when I finally get around to (read: have enough money) to converting mine :)

[bully130]

I have the fire stone airbags on my 130 for 7 years now with an in cab controller and just love it
I have a 2.1m tray with a slide on camper box and also tow my comp truck
cheers
Ian

[Fubar]

Thanks for the input guys.

I chatted to a few people and caught up with the brother-in-law to check out his 130 with firestone bags on the back.

The ride unloaded was smoother than mine when unloaded (factory coils), that was the clincher.

I've ordered a set from the US and will knock up some mounts this weekend.

Provided shipping works out I should be rolling on air in a fortnight.

Cheers,

Jas

[Fubar]

Well I got my bags from Truckspring and they were exactly what I ordered....exactly the wrong ones:censored:

I knew after further research the two bags in my OP where not right for my application however I still bloody managed to order a set.

I ordered the super tall bags with the 3.62" base. Part No. W01-358-5712.

W01-358-5712, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5712 - TruckSpring.com (http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Reversible-Sleeve-Air-Spring__W01-358-5712.aspx)

What I should have ordered was W01-358-5422.

W01-358-5422, Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring, Firestone Air Bag 5422 - TruckSpring.com (http://www.truckspring.com/products/Firestone-Reversible-Sleeve-Air-Spring__W01-358-5422.aspx)

Anyhow, before I send them back does anyone want a set of cheap bags to suit a lifted and flexy defer????

I'm ordering a new set tonight and will be sending the others back late next week.

Fubar

[Vern]

Are you sure they are too long? My rear coils are 16.8 in unsprung height, retained I would assume they flex at least another inch or so longer.

I may be interested if they fit. What are they worth?

[Fubar]

They are 4' taller than needed for a stock height Defender 130.

I can do them for $350 to your door, that's $100 cheaper than I got them for.

Cheers,

Fubar

[cal415]

Still got the bags Fubar? i could make good use out of them on the 110 ute i am fixing up... they would be an great bag for the back of a defender, the shorter bag you mentioned i would probably avoid.

[kelvo]

Still got the bags Fubar? i could make good use out of them on the 110 ute i am fixing up... they would be an great bag for the back of a defender, the shorter bag you mentioned i would probably avoid.

They might be http://www.aulro.com/afvb/wheels-tyres-suspension-sale/214173-firestone-reversible-sleeve-air-spring-w01-358-5712-a.html