For those that have the Firestone Air Bag Suspension Kit, I've read other sources have put "T" connection in the air line so they only have to fill it from one source for both sides.

Does anyone see a "disadvantage" of doing this?

 

as opposed to what? 2 lines going all the way back? the T will just fill both at a slower rate.

 

Yep, directions have you run 2 lines to the rear so you can fill independently but other installs I have read, guys have bought a T from local hardware store and installed that thus only having one fill point. I didn't know if there would be a disadvantage on doing so.

 

would fill at the same rate as 2 or 1 line T'd and if 1 line it is less failure rate then 2 lines.. thats the advantage

 

The only advantage i see for having two separate lines are if you consistently have an uneven load side to side (by 500 lb or more), this way you can add more air to one bag than the other. I have mine T'd so I know they are both always at the same pressure (also saved me money on only buying two solenoid valves and switches as opposed to four for my OBA setup).

 

I have a Suburban with a Rancho lift and Firestone air bags. Its been used primarily for towing really heavy trailers (2 and 3 axles) and the air bags have separate lines running to the rear bumper because in my experience when they share a fill line the air can move between the two air bags during a sharp turn or quick maneuver making them sit uneven. Honestly, never seemed like a big deal to fill up the two different valves.

 

No disadvantage to T-ing. I have two separate lines and want to change to a T just so I don't have to fill both sides separately. Getting old matching up both sides. Several years of towing with mine and I have NEVER ever been in a situation where I need to run separate pressures to level it out side-to-side.

One big advantage to me is if for some crazy reason you ever cut a line or had a failure, you'd lose the air out of the whole system...both bags would immediately deflate. That good as I would not want one full and one empty. As soon as one side failed (if you were running two lines) the first thing you would do is deflate the other side anyways.

That is true! Never experienced it, but that is what would happen. Pick your poison I guess.

 

tee here also . No problems here!

 

Good point....Hmmmmmmm.