bag controls

[Low68]

How does every body control their bags? I really like the idea of the Air ride level pro, but don't have the 1000+ dollars for the electronics. I don't want to run air lines into the cab, so a remote sender is a must. Dakota Digital has some nice gauges, but they are expensive too. I figure I can make my own control panel, as I have already succesfully done that for my dad's truck. So I am just looking for what you guys are doing so I can get some ideas. Thanks.
Dan

[PBFAB.COM]

I would recommend some of the Air Ride Tech. valves, some paddle switches, and gauges (if you want to get a little fancier use some Dakota Digital air pressure gauges and senders). This is a clean, functional set-up that won't run you too much.

[jimmydean]

This is what I ran:



I think I paid $30 for it. It's clean and was easy to hook up. The controls are 4"x2"x1", so it's not huge like some of the other setups. I've been real happy so far, but my truck is still in the driveway. I mounted the box under the driver seat and have the control in the split of my 60/40 bench.

As far as running air lines in the cab, it's only 4 1/8" hoses. Mine are in pairs (2 per side) and it's smaller than the wires I ran for the switches themselves.

<edit> the cable for the control box is about 5' long, so I can stand outside and control my truck. It's safer that way until I get the adjusters on my dump valves. Right now my truck dumps like it's going off a cliff.

[Shane]

hey jimmydean ... where did you score the control unit for $30?

[67Fleet]

most likely on ebay. I've seen them on there for that price.

[jimmydean]

Ebay. He had it listed for $39 (a good deal) "or best offer". I told him I would give him $30 shipped and he took it.

I would have paid $39 for it, but he asked for offers, so I offered.

My right side seems to fill faster than my left for some reason, so when I use the middle button, it comes up sideways. I should have my fill/dump adjusters early next week. I should have my rear done this weekend since I am working on it right now!

[XXL]

Looks like quite a deal for $30!

Originally Posted by jimmydean

As far as running air lines in the cab, it's only 4 1/8" hoses. Mine are in pairs (2 per side) and it's smaller than the wires I ran for the switches themselves.

The problem I have with the gauge lines isn't their size, but the fact that they're air lines... 4 years or so ago, when I was using ART dual needle gauges, I had a gauge air line break (they're very thin wall and flimsy-- not like the DOT lines for the bags themselves), and since it's reading bag pressure, that means it's LEAKING bag pressure. Fortunately, I had enough compressor and air tank to limp my way home by constantly pumping it up as it leaked out.

I currently don't have any gauges installed... been that way for some time. I do have a DD unit to install, but just haven't gotten to it. The senders are threaded directly into the ART valves, so there are no gauge lines to pop.

[abadsvt]

I didn't know that you can do remote sensors instead of running air lines to the truck. Thats awesome. Is there any wrong with that or is it just more money? Sorry to hijack! thanks Josh

[XXL]

Originally Posted by abadsvt

I didn't know that you can do remote sensors instead of running air lines to the truck. Thats awesome. Is there any wrong with that or is it just more money? Sorry to hijack! thanks Josh

Yep. Same as how most cars deal with oil pressure readings. They are converted from fluid pressure to an electrical signal via a transducer (we usually call them sending units), and a voltage signal is then sent to the electronic gauge that's calibrated for the voltage value coming out of the sender.

[LuckyHG]

I really like the dakota digital ones, a friend of mine found a set up for $100, never used still in box. PErsonally i just run the 1/4 inch air line into the cab

[robsm88]

Originally Posted by LuckyHG

I really like the dakota digital ones, a friend of mine found a set up for $100, never used still in box. PErsonally i just run the 1/4 inch air line into the cab

Question about this. Ok, my parts have been here for some time while I installed the 4-link and bags. I am setting up my air system now and noticed that I ordered 1/4 inch line and fittings for my guages. I noticed most peoples setups seem to be running 1/8". Anyone see any problem using 1/4 other than the bigger hole in the cab? Thanks.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by robsm88

Anyone see any problem using 1/4 other than the bigger hole in the cab? Thanks.

Air pressure is air pressure, so you're fine so long as you adapt down to the fittings on the gauges.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Ebay. He had it listed for $39 (a good deal) "or best offer". I told him I would give him $30 shipped and he took it.

I would have paid $39 for it, but he asked for offers, so I offered.

My right side seems to fill faster than my left for some reason, so when I use the middle button, it comes up sideways. I should have my fill/dump adjusters early next week. I should have my rear done this weekend since I am working on it right now!

How did you configure your search to find such an item? I did a search on "bag controls ... air bag control ... etc" and didn't see anything.

Thanks!

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by Shane

How did you configure your search to find such an item? I did a search on "bag controls ... air bag control ... etc" and didn't see anything.

Thanks!

"7 switch air"

<edit> I forget what I did the first time, I think I did a search for "switch box" or something. He has had others too, but 7 switches is what I was looking for. I just noticed another seller has one (same exact setup) for $100 + $29 shipping, ouch.

[Shane]

Thanks jimmydean ... i sent him an email asking details.

[LuckyHG]

Originally Posted by robsm88

Question about this. Ok, my parts have been here for some time while I installed the 4-link and bags. I am setting up my air system now and noticed that I ordered 1/4 inch line and fittings for my guages. I noticed most peoples setups seem to be running 1/8". Anyone see any problem using 1/4 other than the bigger hole in the cab? Thanks.

Makes no difference, i have seen people run 1/2 all the way into the cab.