air bag question

[lnbski3]

New trailer is a bit heavier than the last and think I need air bags to get the rear on my truck up. What system would you recommend?

[taviking22]

I like my Firestone Ride Rite air bags. Have the inflate/deflate switch in the cab. There are other ways to level your ride, tho'.

[lnbski3]

The dealer setup the equalizer hitch I haven't read the book to decide if that needs adjustment, what other options do I have?

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by lnbski3

New trailer is a bit heavier than the last and think I need air bags to get the rear on my truck up. What system would you recommend?

Originally Posted by lnbski3

The dealer setup the equalizer hitch I haven't read the book to decide if that needs adjustment, what other options do I have?

Sounds like your truck is nose high and you want it to be more level. Is that correct?

Assuming you've 'run the numbers' and the estimated 1600 lbs tongue weight (11,000GVWR * 15%) does not exceed your truck, hitch, or rear axle ratings, then the place to begin would be to check your hitch setup. It could be the dealer set the hitch up wrong and not enough weight is being transferred to your front axle. Your hitch manual can provide the numbers for the difference in the front end 'rise' when hitched (with the bars in place) and unhitched.

You probably already know that your weight distribution bars are light for this trailer. I don't know if you can order new bars or not for the hitch you have. The manufacturer could provide that information.

Hopefully that will help you get you where you want to go.

[troutboy365]

I recently installed Firestone airbags as well and I found it to help considerably. The trailer weights are in line with my tow vehicle and even have some room to spare there, but being a little older truck I don't think the suspension is what the new ones are like. I'm tying to buy a couple more years out of my truck.

[TWP723]

I put the Air Lift 5000 Loadlifter kit on my F250 two weeks ago and have no complaints. Except the fact, their customer service is a bit to be desired. Not the easiest install lying on your back in the driveway. But the result was well worth it. They keep my truck level (not up) and the TT tracks awesome. No roll, sway or porpoising. Highly recommend.

[Clayton4971]

Originally Posted by TWP723

I put the Air Lift 5000 Loadlifter kit on my F250 two weeks ago and have no complaints. Except the fact, their customer service is a bit to be desired. Not the easiest install lying on your back in the driveway. But the result was well worth it. They keep my truck level (not up) and the TT tracks awesome. No roll, sway or porpoising. Highly recommend.

X-2

[SkyBound]

There are a few different products out there to help with rear end sag. As stated above, first and foremost you want to make sure your weight distribution hitch is dialed in correctly, as to return the front end of your truck to its unhitched ride height.

After that, considering it's a heavy trailer, there will be some rear end sag. That is normal even with the hitch set properly. There are 4 main choices for enhancing the rear suspension of the vehicle:

1. - Add a Leaf Spring
2. - Roadmaster Active Suspension
3. - Air Bags
4. - Timbrens

I personally went with Roadmaster Active Suspension because it benefits my vehicle the most. Timbrens are maintenance free, but not customizable like the Air Bags. Air Bags can have leak issues, require a compressor and a bit more attention. Add a Leaf can cause a harsher unloaded ride. All things to think about!

[TexasRT]

Firestone Ride Rite are my choice, had them on my other "06 F250" for 8 years and never had an issue.

[Plowtoy]

I like the Timbrens. Other than the fact my wife says the truck "rides like a lumber wagon" now with out anything behind it, once the camper is hooked up, there is no squating. The lumber wagon thing most likely wouldnt be a problem for you as your truck is a few years newer and has leaf springs in the rear. The coil springs on the Tahoe have over 223K miles on them and have compressed some over time. Timbrens, when installed correctly, only work once weight is put on them. There should be between an inch to an inch and a half clearance from the axle unloaded. When loaded, they should make contact. Simple to install and no need to adjust anything once they are installed.

[skijlw]

I went with SuperSprings. I really like the fact that they have no effect on the ride when the truck is not towing. Also no maintenance and I don't have to do anything except hook up the RV and go.

[SouthCo]

I have the Firestone Airbags and really like them. Traveled to FL earlier this year with a golf cart in the bed of my pickup and the camper hooked up and it towed great.