air bags?

nwminnesota · 02-19-2015, 06:21 PM

Just wanted to confirm what I told my neighbor. Also show him what other people's opinions are. The RV dealer told him that if he adds air bags to a half ton truck this would increase his payload. I responded that the air bags help to stabilize the truck and help level the truck out.

Also I've talk to him about towing capacity. He is looking at a 5er loaded weight at 9400lbs or so with a dry pin weight close to 1500lbs. My opinion was they due make a ecoboost half ton with a max payload along with a max tow that could have enough to do it but said mostly likely that one would be hard to find used. Told him he would be better off finding a 3/4ton truck.
Please feel free to give me your opinions and I will pass the info forward.
Thanks
Sorry for any typing errors, I am using a phone..

nwminnesota · 02-19-2015, 06:23 PM

Fyi I was excluding the 2015 trucks he is in the market for 2012 or 2013

SouthCo · 02-19-2015, 09:53 PM

Just my opinion but he needs a 3/4 ton. Airbags don't increase payload. They can however give people without enough payload the misconception that they can tow more than they should.

RedHorse1 · 02-20-2015, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthCo

Just my opinion but he needs a 3/4 ton. Airbags don't increase payload. They can however give people without enough payload the misconception that they can tow more than they should.

2X. Air bags will help level the TV, they do not increase payload.

troutslayer · 02-20-2015, 08:51 AM

In all probabilities, he is at the limit on towing capacity and will definitely be over capacity on pin weight by the time he adds the hitch weight, passenger(s) and gear in the tv plus whatever weight he adds to the 5er. I was in a situation where I towed a 5er that was over on pin weight and it made towing a constant "white-nuckle" situation for me. Since then, I downsized my 5er and am now way under tow and pin weights and never worry about towing. It can be a problem not having enough truck but it's NEVER a problem having too much truck

Seann45 · 02-20-2015, 08:59 AM

Tell your friend that no matter what he does to that truck it will be unsafe to put his family in it.. There is much more than just one item to safe towing.. besides springs, or air bags, there is fame strength, brakes, cooling, axle strength, transmission etc etc etc

RedHorse1 · 02-20-2015, 11:01 AM

The RV dealer wants to sell him the 5th and to seal the deal would tell him his 1965 VW would tow it just fine.

SmokerBill · 02-20-2015, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

The RV dealer wants to sell him the 5th and to seal the deal would tell him his 1965 VW would tow it just fine.

DEALER- "Yep, your VW will tow this gem of a trailer just fine!"

RedHorse1 · 02-20-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

DEALER- "Yep, your VW will tow this gem of a trailer just fine!"

That's not a '65, I told 'ya a '65.

**norty1** · 02-20-2015, 03:24 PM

Need a bigger truck. You can't increase the capacity. Don't bet your family on it[emoji33]

troutslayer · 02-20-2015, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

DEALER- "Yep, your VW will tow this gem of a trailer just fine!"

"I hardly know it's back there!"

Seann45 · 02-20-2015, 07:31 PM

It will even out once everyone gets in there.. don't worry be happy

Ottawasteve · 03-21-2015, 11:39 AM

How many psi would he need in the airbags to level out? Maybe just a proper wdh ?

NVGun40 · 03-21-2015, 01:03 PM

There is a lot more to towing and hauling loads than just looking at the Trailer weights, Vehicle weights etc. as someone on here pointed out, there is a lot to consider. I will touch on a few things here. No airbags do not increase payload, they level the vehicle and smooth the ride. Then there are people who put "add a leafs" or "Spring helpers" on. While these do increase payload, they also change the handling dynamics of the vehicle. Also, you must consider the transmission and rear end gears, as well as cooling. Just because your F-150 is rated to tow 9,100 pounds does not mean it should... The transmission may not get adequate cooling when pushing the the limit of payload for the vehicle, or how about gearing of the transmission and rear end. What happens when you are maxed out and have to start from a stop on a steep grade? Just because it will get going does not mean there isn't wear and strain on the tranny and rear end. When you consider payload, you should also consider how that payload is loaded. When you load your TT, and you have water on board, and all the goodies for your trip. If you load most of your primary weight to the front of the trailer that puts more weight on the hitch, if you load most of your primary weight in the back of the trailer, that causes less weight on the hitch. Both ways affect how both vehicles react. The consider how you load additional cargo in the TV. Is it up at the cab, is back by the tailgate. People towing 5ers have to be careful how they load the cargo area of the TV to allow for the 5er to pivot during sharp turns.
As someone else stated. "never a problem with to much truck"
What is your life and well being and that of your family worth to you? Would you rather face the possibility of accidents and injuries or the psychological damages of the white knuckle stress to get to and from places, or spend a little extra on the reduced gas mileage of a larger more capable TV?

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