Topic Sponsor
Towing/ Hauling/ Plowing Discuss all of your towing and/or cargo moving experiences here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Are air bags the way to go?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-07-2016, 02:05 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BACK2GAS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 225
Received 38 Likes on 27 Posts

Default Are air bags the way to go?

Just ordered a travel trailer and want to prepare for the inevitable rear end sag. I know that there's a million options. I can't get into all that.

I'd like to hear from some folks who have done the trial and error of trying the different bags, springs, devices, etc. and have come to the conclusion of what works best for the least amount of effort, the most cost effective, simplest to install, easiest to maintain, etc. etc. etc.

I'm a simple animal. I can accept the experiences of those who have tried different methods and I'm willing to make a purchase based on the experience of others - good and bad.

Thanks for your input.
BACK2GAS is offline  

Popular Reply

09-11-2016, 12:04 AM
Martian
Some guy
 
Martian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 16,627
Received 2,025 Likes on 1,286 Posts

Default

Both of you, just shut up.
Old 09-07-2016, 07:02 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Ricktwuhk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 14,966
Received 5,989 Likes on 3,553 Posts

Default

It seems that having a properly loaded trailer, with tongue weight that does not exceed the truck's payload, and a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch, usually requires no modifications.
Ricktwuhk is offline  
The following 2 users liked this post by Ricktwuhk:
lewisra (09-07-2016), Velosprout (09-07-2016)
Old 09-07-2016, 09:59 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
acadianbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,060
Received 159 Likes on 126 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Ricktwuhk
It seems that having a properly loaded trailer, with tongue weight that does not exceed the truck's payload, and a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch, usually requires no modifications.
X2. You don't even know if there is an issue yet.
acadianbob is offline  
The following users liked this post:
Ricktwuhk (09-07-2016)
Old 09-07-2016, 10:39 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Ricktwuhk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 14,966
Received 5,989 Likes on 3,553 Posts

Default

Hopefully the OP had either read a bunch of the posts and done the calculations, or knew how to figure the max trailer he could have. So many people buy, then realize how badly they screwed up.
Ricktwuhk is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 11:53 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
BACK2GAS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 225
Received 38 Likes on 27 Posts

Default

Geeeeeezzzz...it's like asking my wife a question. Never a straight answer. Thanks for chiming in.

I got 3 responses from 2 people neither of which even remotely touched my question. You guys must work for the government.

I think I was pretty straight forward with my question. I wanted to hear from people who have tried several different methods of leveling out the rear of their trucks. I figure there are people who have tried everything and ultimately settled on one device.

I wanted to know what worked best for them. It's such a simple question. The circumstances, scenarios, situations, and the potential relevancy to my needs are MY problem. I'm not asking for permission.

I just wanted to hear what worked for people who have tried different ways of leveling the rear of their truck while towing a load. That's it. So simple.

"Don't know if I have a problem yet" So I'm planning ahead, I'm anticipating solutions if I have an issue. It's not uncommon for people to run air bags, helper springs, Timbrens, or other devices.

Please if anyone has any input of "value" that's "relevant" to my "question" I would appreciate it.
BACK2GAS is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 01:36 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
BRUTE448's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,117
Received 158 Likes on 134 Posts

Default

what trailer did you order, and what does your yellow payload sticker say?
BRUTE448 is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 02:06 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
sunofabeach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 309
Received 65 Likes on 38 Posts

Default

the answer to your question is yes, airbags are the solution to any future issues you may have.


they will not raise your ratings but will help to eliminate porpoising and help with your overall towing experience.
sunofabeach is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 02:15 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
jp360cj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 1,262
Received 172 Likes on 148 Posts

Default

What they are saying is that the truck is designed to sit level when at (or near) capacity. So assuming you aren't overloaded you shouldn't need anything to pick the rear up level with the front.

However, if your truck sits level unloaded you will have an issue even loaded. I think air bags are a good option in that situation. With my 2" leveling kit (shop that installed it said it was 2" but I think it may actually be 2.5") my truck sat 3/4" low in the rear. This is with a Bakflip cover and Swing Case with tools/hitches/etc. I added a General Spring 800# add a leaf hoping it would sit level AND not sag when loaded. Well, it now sits 1.25" high in the rear and sits level with about 800# in the bed. I want to pull the rear block (1.25") and would like to drop front down a little. I think I would have ultimately been more satisfied with air bags and lowering the front to make it level unloaded.
jp360cj is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 02:40 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
ALTAJAVA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Posts: 151
Received 8 Likes on 7 Posts

Default

The bigger question should be how often are you carrying a load. If it's only several weekends a year then airbags are fine, and depending on the load I might even add timbrens to that. If you are pulling a load every weekend I would add another leaf to the pack first.
ALTAJAVA is offline  
Old 09-07-2016, 02:43 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
untraceable's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 425
Received 63 Likes on 51 Posts
Default

Cant tell you if the absolute best solution, but as far as cheapest, easiest, zero adjustment once installed, its tough to beat Timbrens.


I was introduced to them when my dad bought a new F250 SD and when he hooked up to his new toyhauler he bought at the same time, that back end squatted beyond belief. He had Timbrens installed and it instantly corrected the situation.


Knowing how much my brother's 2010 F150 scab sags with our trailer and equipment, I didn't hesitate to put Timbren's on instantly when I bought a 2016 Scab.


Ride unloaded is not effected, fully loaded ride is more secure and still provides a soft ride.
untraceable is offline  
The following users liked this post:
TooManyVehicles (09-10-2016)


Quick Reply: Are air bags the way to go?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:47 PM.