Doj Dewd

So I am new to towing a TT and have a Blue Ox WDH system to attach with.

In the Blue Ox instruction PDF it says to deflate the bags, if applicable, prior to intital hitch install. However, it never says to inflate or re-inflate them.

When do I inflate the bags?? And how much?

Now, I have previously levelled the front springs on the truck, but left the rear height untouched. I can gain some height back by inflating the bags though. My thoughts were to maybe pump the bags up and regain the stock height ratio between front and rear (or at least close to it anyway). Then I would treat this as my stock height for the hitch setup/install and just be sure to pump 'em up to the same PSI everytime I hook up.

Am I on the right path here? Any and all ino is appreciated!

Later,
Jason

TonyB

There are 2 trains of thought.

1) Air up enough to level the truck

2) Air up enough so the suspension doesn't bottom out.

I go by #2. Depending upon weight. You will have to experiment to figure out how much air pressure you need.

On my dually, I leave the bags at 5psi when empty and towing my boat. My flatbed, loaded, I'll air up to 15-30psi. With the camper in the bed (cabover type), I'll air up to ~60-70psi.

Tony

AirLiftCompany

I've seen this discussion a couple of times, and there seems to be a couple preferences depending the user. You could hook up the trailer and setup the WD hitch leaving it just short of level and then come back and add air to the bags.

The other popular option is for those who have a decent amount of weight in the bed on top of the trailer. They seem to like putting all of the cargo in the bed and using air to level the truck then they use the WDH to bring everything back to level once the trailer is hooked.

Honestly, as long as you are at least using both systems in some manner I don't think the sequence is going to effect you too much.

Ideally if you have a controller for the bags you could simply hook up the WDH and add a slight amount of air before hitting the road, then just adjust the psi while driving for maximum comfort.

Don T

my air bag instructions say 10 lbs minimal,with the compressor I think it will automatic adjust the bags to 10 psi. I connect my fiver and on level ground as I pull out my drive I add air to level the fiver. I do like to run the fiver a little nose heavy and find it does not sway the rear end when I do this. fiver is 10,500 lbs gvw and I think I run about 25 lbs when loaded to go camping.I do not fill my fresh water tank till I get where I`am going . I carry fresh water for drinking from home in gallon jugs. I have great tasting water and hate some camp grounds for the water they have. Looked under my 99 Golden falcon and see four shocks that I have never replaced . I think they will be replaced this week. I will have to take one to the parts store and get a match. That should make the fiver run smother lol. I don`t know how or why I never thought to replace the shocks........

Doj Dewd

i agree with you for your situations, however, i am asking specifically for the use of airbags and WDH used together - or - if even needed together.

i think this sounds good, but, i think airing up AFTER tensioning the WDH bars would actually release tension in them thereby taking away from the weight distribution . . . does this sound right?

again, this sounds fine, but pulling a 5ver with the weight directly on the axle is a completely different (and more appropriate) use of the airbags versus when used in conjunction with a WDH system and a tag-along trailer.



i think my original thoughts of airing up to regain the regain the rear height to match the levelling springs in the front is a bad idea. reaosn being - i would no longer be putting the engineered suspension to work. by airing up enough to get the stock height ratio back (unloaded) the suspension will be completely unsprung. i would only be riding on the tires and bags and i think that may create a bouncy or harsh ride.

any more thoughts? i am not new to airbags and towing in general. just new to using airbags in conjunction with a WDH . . . if even necessary . . .

Don T

I would add that I get a much smother ride when I add the 25 lbs towing my fiver.I can hit potholes and have seen that the air bags seem to smooth out the ride much better than helper springs. helpers will unload and then load themselves for a much harsher ride. I tongue towed a trailer with helpers and hated the ride. I removed the spring helpers and added the air bags and will never go back. Did you even try to pull with just the air bags ? I know the hitch you speak of are good but Is it needed ? If I had the $$ I would have gone and removed the springs completely and just have air bags. Tractor trailers tucks have not used springs for a long time because they are better with air and now can be bought for our trucks. A four link system and air bags would be the best I think to handle the weight towing . My .02

AirLiftCompany

Airing up after will relieve some tension. I should have mentioned that you don't want to add a ton, I'm more implying 5psi increments to improve ride quality.

You definitely don't want to take the truck back to factory stance, it is designed to squat with a load. Rather the goal is simply to level the truck.

I haven't read through this link but I recently saw someone else post it in a different forum. It may be worth a read.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm