Let’s Talk About Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of aftermarket upgrades for trucks and SUVs. Suspension enhancements are near and dear to me. And the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single caught my eye as a potentially game-changing product. This system promises on-the-fly adjustability for air suspension, simplifying the process of maintaining optimal ride height and comfort under varying load conditions.
What really sparked my interest was the promise of effortless air spring adjustments. I’ve spent countless hours manually tweaking air pressure in my own vehicles, and the thought of automating that process was extremely appealing. I regularly haul gear for backcountry trips, and constantly adjusting for changing loads is a pain. I’ve also observed colleagues in the tactical sector struggling with saggy suspensions on overloaded vehicles during training exercises. I wanted to find a reliable solution to recommend.
Upon unboxing, the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single system appeared robust and well-made. The components felt solid, and the wiring harness looked to be of high quality. The height control valve seemed particularly well-engineered. This contrasts sharply with some of the cheaper air compressor kits I’ve encountered over the years.
Compared to similar single-path air control systems from Air Lift and Viair, the Firestone system stood out because of its automatic leveling capability. Many competitors require manual adjustments or offer more complex dual-path systems. I chose the Firestone system for its promise of simplicity and ease of use. The $210.65 price point felt reasonable for the purported benefits.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The components looked good, but I was eager to see if the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single could deliver on its promise of automatic, hassle-free air spring control. Would it truly simplify load management and improve ride quality? Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single** to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single on my personal pickup truck, which I use for everything from hauling firewood to overlanding expeditions. I chose a diverse set of testing locations to ensure its reliability. This included bumpy forest roads, paved highways, and even a few off-road trails. The initial setup took a few hours, with careful attention paid to proper wiring and air line routing.
The system performed admirably in different conditions. The automatic leveling feature truly shined when loaded with a heavy payload of camping gear. It maintained a consistent ride height even on uneven terrain. I encountered no issues with performance in wet or dusty environments.
The system was intuitive to use. Once installed and calibrated, it required virtually no intervention. After the initial setup, the system automatically leveled the vehicle, maintaining optimal ride height. There were no surprises or malfunctions during the first few uses.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single has proven to be a reliable addition to my truck. The system continues to perform consistently under various load conditions. It maintained optimal ride height without requiring any manual adjustments. The constant tweaking is finally a thing of the past.
Durability has been excellent so far. There are no signs of wear and tear on any of the components. The air lines and fittings remain leak-free, even after repeated exposure to rough terrain. This proves that high-quality materials were used in the system’s construction.
Maintenance is minimal. I periodically inspect the air lines and fittings to ensure they remain secure, but no repairs or adjustments have been needed. The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single significantly outperforms my previous experiences with manual air spring adjustments. It provides a level of convenience and automation that I didn’t realize I was missing.
Breaking Down the Features of **Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single**
Specifications
- Height Control Valve: This is the heart of the system. It automatically adjusts air pressure in the air springs to maintain a preset ride height. This ensures optimal handling and stability regardless of load.
- Single-Path System: The system inflates both air springs equally. This simplifies installation and operation. It is ideal for applications where side-to-side leveling is not required.
- Compatibility: Designed for use with Firestone’s Coil-Rite, Ride-Rite, and Sport-Rite air bags. This provides a complete air suspension solution for a variety of vehicles.
- Instant Air Source: Provides on-demand inflation and deflation. It allows for quick adjustments to ride quality based on driving conditions.
- Single Button Control: Simplifies operation. A single button press initiates the leveling process.
These specifications are important because they determine the system’s ease of use, reliability, and overall performance. The height control valve ensures consistent ride height. The single-path design keeps the system simple. Compatibility with Firestone air bags ensures seamless integration.
Performance & Functionality
The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single performs its job exceptionally well. The automatic leveling function is both accurate and responsive. It maintains consistent ride height.
The system’s strength lies in its simplicity and reliability. The single-button operation is user-friendly. The height control valve is highly effective. A potential weakness is the lack of independent air spring control. This may be a limitation for users who require side-to-side leveling.
The system exceeded my expectations. It delivers on its promise of automatic, hassle-free air spring control.
Design & Ergonomics
The system is well-designed and built with high-quality materials. The components feel robust. The wiring harness is well-organized.
The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single is user-friendly. The single-button operation eliminates any learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single is built to last. The components are resistant to wear and tear. The air lines are leak-proof.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular inspections of air lines and fittings are recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single comes with all the necessary components for installation. This includes the height control valve, wiring harness, air lines, and fittings.
There are limited customization options for this particular system. The primary function is automatic leveling of air springs, but there are no optional controls or features. The system is designed to work seamlessly with Firestone air bags. I’m not aware of any compatibility issues with other brands.
Pros and Cons of **Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single**
Pros
- Automatic Leveling: Effortlessly maintains optimal ride height under varying loads.
- Simplified Operation: Single-button control makes it extremely easy to use.
- Increased Stability: Improves handling and reduces body roll, especially when towing or hauling heavy loads.
- Enhanced Ride Quality: Provides a smoother and more comfortable ride, even on rough terrain.
- Reliable Performance: Durable components and leak-proof air lines ensure long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Single-Path System: Does not offer independent air spring control for side-to-side leveling.
- Limited Customization: Lacks advanced features or user-adjustable settings.
Who Should Buy **Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single**?
The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single is perfect for truck owners, SUV drivers, and RV enthusiasts who frequently tow or haul heavy loads. It is also great for those who value convenience and ease of use. This eliminates the need for manual air spring adjustments. The product would be most beneficial to contractors, campers, and overlanders.
Individuals who require independent air spring control for side-to-side leveling should skip this product. It is only a single-path system. Those who prefer more advanced features and user-adjustable settings might also find this system too basic.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality air compressor for initial inflation. You also might want to consider a digital air pressure gauge for precise monitoring.
Conclusion on **Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single**
The Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single is a reliable and easy-to-use air suspension control system that delivers on its promise of automatic leveling. It simplifies load management and improves ride quality.
At $210.65, the price is justified by the system’s performance, durability, and convenience. This proves to be a solid value.
I would definitely recommend the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single to anyone looking for a simple, effective way to manage their air suspension. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of comfort, stability, and peace of mind.
Ready to experience the benefits of automatic air spring control? Upgrade to the Firestone 2186 Automatic Air Command Single today and say goodbye to manual adjustments!