Air Bags in SUV: repair or replace with spring/damper

OK, the Navigator is getting a little long in the tooth and the bagged suspension has parts that need replacing/repair. This is usually used as a daily driver, but occasionally needs to tow a 20' car trailer or a ski boat

Would you guys repair the air ride suspension, or get rid of it and put in a normal setup. I've heard that springs and dampers are less expensive. Would the conversion make it easier or harder to tow with?? What other factors should I consider before making a decision?

if the bags are good, just put an air valve by the rear license plate where you can pump them up at any gas station like air shocks..

Springs are better if it is only doing one thing (Aka towing or daily driving) but airbags really come into their own if it needs to transition between those two roles–effectively requiring two different spring rates. I would fix the air bag system, because springs will be either a mediocre compromise, uncomfortable as a daily driver, or dangerous with the trailer.

Can you get air shocks?

what's broken? whats the cost vs coil springs?

It's mom's SUV. I haven't looked myself, but was told that the bags are really bad; i.e. have chords/threads showing through the surface rubber. I'll try to get some photos later.

+1 for fixing the airbag system, for the same reasons Tom mentioned.

Air shocks might work, the only problem with them is that they support the weight through the shock mounts rather than the spring mounts on cars where they aren't the same thing. And it would probably be cheaper to fix the airbags.

Look at Arnott for the bags. I used them on my wifes ride and they were WAY cheaper than anything else I could find and come with a lifetime warranty.

Thanks. Good tip.