Rear Air Bags Or Weight Distribution Hitch?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PAYSON, ARIZONA
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rear Air Bags Or Weight Distribution Hitch?
I have a 22' travel trailer that I use quite often. I was wondering wich would be best for my application as far as leveling the truck and trailer. I hall a quad also in the back of my truck.
With this load I squat a little in the rear end. I have been told by many people to go with the adjustable air bags to level the ride and other people have told me to go with the weight distribution hitch. The truck with trailer drives very nice no sway or bouncing. I am fairly new to this rving thing so i need sugestions.
Thanks,
Tim Ryden
With this load I squat a little in the rear end. I have been told by many people to go with the adjustable air bags to level the ride and other people have told me to go with the weight distribution hitch. The truck with trailer drives very nice no sway or bouncing. I am fairly new to this rving thing so i need sugestions.
Thanks,
Tim Ryden
Trending Topics
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: South Western New Mexico
Posts: 822
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As long as the truck is handling the load good with the exception of sagging in the rear, I would start with the air bags, air it up to level and go for a ride. That will tell you if you have to go any farther.
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PAYSON, ARIZONA
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What brand of air bags are you guys using? Are they easy to install on the third generations with the box frame? How much were they and where did you get them from? Any help would be great......
Thanks,
Tim
Thanks,
Tim
#10
IMO, I'd say the equalizing hitch is more important for handling than the air bags -- unless you have worn out rear springs. Based on personal experience, I wouldn't tow a large trailer without an equalizing hitch.
I've got Airlift airbags on my truck. Two years and 30K miles, no troubles at all. Summit Racing has them.
However, I have read that you have to be a lot more careful drilling holes on the '03+ hydroformed frames than on the '02's and before -- like mine.
I've got Airlift airbags on my truck. Two years and 30K miles, no troubles at all. Summit Racing has them.
However, I have read that you have to be a lot more careful drilling holes on the '03+ hydroformed frames than on the '02's and before -- like mine.
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have both, and have worked in the trailer insustry for a while. Get the equalizing hitch, it adds a huge level of safty as well as fixes your problems. I never had to get a role over from anyone using equlizing hitches, and they realy cut down on sway although they are not ment for that. Air bag are great to, and fairly cheap, 220$ on line from suspension connecton. I use both and haul a heavy trailer just fine with it.
#12
I have a 19' TT (4500# on a heavy day) and it's amazing how much difference there is between towing with and without the equalizer hitch. The bouncing (porpoising) and what little sway I sometimes do run into without the hitch are completely eliminated by towing with the hitch. I've never had any experience with air bags but have heard great things about them. IMO I would start with the hitch.
By the way...I'm curious - what brand of TT do you have???
By the way...I'm curious - what brand of TT do you have???
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Owensboro KY
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The equalizing hitch does just that , takes weight off the rear and distributes it to the front where you need it for best braking and steering control . All you do with air shocks is raise the rear while keeping all the weight there . The more air you use , the stiffer the ride will be.
#14
Just so that you know....
The new bags for the 3rd gen trucks are a "no drill" kit. Just did mine yesterday, and they were WAY too easy to install. I used the Firestone Ride Rite kit. Also, when you lift your truck they call for a adapter for the back to add length for the install of the bags. Basically if you have lifted the back with blocks, you'll need a spacer kit from Firestone for the kit to work. Like $45 or so. BUT..... my kit came with a bump stop spacer, and the bags fit right up and exactly. It only cost me $1 for two nuts.
The new bags for the 3rd gen trucks are a "no drill" kit. Just did mine yesterday, and they were WAY too easy to install. I used the Firestone Ride Rite kit. Also, when you lift your truck they call for a adapter for the back to add length for the install of the bags. Basically if you have lifted the back with blocks, you'll need a spacer kit from Firestone for the kit to work. Like $45 or so. BUT..... my kit came with a bump stop spacer, and the bags fit right up and exactly. It only cost me $1 for two nuts.
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Ramsey, MN
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If your TT weighs more than 5000 lbs, then you better be using a weight distribution hitch. I'm not familiar with the '04.5 hitches, but my '00 has the Class IV hitch and is only good for 500/5000 without WD (tongue/tow weight), and 1000/10000 with WD. The '00 came with Air Lift bags -- I'm anxious to get the TT out and see how they work.