Can Air Bags and a Weight Distribution Hitch be Used Together?

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Question:

I need to know if I can use rear air bags with a weight distribution hitch.

asked by: Dave

0

Expert Reply:

It is possible to use a weight distribution system and air spring suspension enhancement together in a 2013 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, though if you are experiencing sag with a weight distribution system, it may not have the proper rating for the tongue weight of the trailer.

To choose a proper weight distribution system, the most important thing to know is the total tongue weight of your setup. Your total tongue weight is the loaded tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of any cargo loaded in your truck bed behind the rear axle. You will need a weight distribution system that can handle your total tongue weight. Air bags should not be used to compensate for sag from using a weight distribution system on your trailer.

As an example, if your trailer has a loaded, ready to tow tongue weight of 950 lbs and you have 100 lbs of cargo behind the rear axle of your truck, then a weight distribution system rated for 1,000 lbs tongue weight, like the Equal-I-Zer system, # EQ37100ET, would not be big enough for your setup. Instead, you should use a system rated for 1,200 lbs of tongue weight, like part # EQ37120ET.

If you can tell me your total tongue weight figure, I would be more than happy to recommend the best system for you. I have included a link to a help article on weight distribution systems for you.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Dj

6/6/2020

I have a 2020 Cadillac escalade rated at 8300 lbs towing. I went to buy s travel trailer weighing 6500 lbs dry. My tongue weight is rated at 600 lbs. 1000 distributed. Do I need sway bars w air suspension? Will it be too much to tow? I am getting so many conflicting opinions

Chris R.

6/10/2020

If the hitch on your Escalade is rated for 600 pounds of tongue weight without a weight distribution system, you'll definitely need to add one to increase its capacity for the 6,500 pound camper. Its loaded tongue weight will certainly exceed 600 pounds (but should be comfortably under 1,000 pounds). For a specific system I highly recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37100ET.

Answer 1

Hello Mark, Happy to help you find the right weight distribution hitch to meet your needs. I don’t have a database that supplies specs for trailers (though it would be pretty sweet if one existed), so based on my research, the Rockwood Mini Lite…

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Answer 2

In some situations, air bags and weight distribution can work against each other if they're incorrectly set up, but they work best for two different purposes. Suspension enhancement works best for cargo carried in the bed of the truck, while…

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Answer 3

The reason your trailer is heavily leaning to one side is because of the way it's loaded. From the picture, it appears that you have much more equipment on the right side than you do the left side. This uneven loading has caused the leaf spring…

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Answer 4

The standard spring bar length for Curt trunnion bar weight distribution systems is 30-5/8 inches. Anything that has 28-3/8 inch long bars is a short bar system even if it does not explicitly state it. What you might be able to do is use chain…

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Answer 5

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

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Answer 6

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part #EQ37100ET and Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution System part #BXW1000 are both great options. However, in regards to combating trailer sway the edge has to go to the Equal-i-zer because it has true…

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Answer 7

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. The Replacement Head for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Systems part #BXW4011 is for…

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Answer 8

The head is the main difference on the #BXW0753. The angle for the trunnion bars is not as steep when compared to the head on the standard #BXW0756. The shank is the same.

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Answer 9

Both the ProPride 3P part #PR57QR and the B and W Continuum part #BW78FR allow backing up and work extremely well but since there isn't a ProPride system that would be ideal for the tongue weight of your Winnebago Minnie FLX2306 I would go with…

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Answer 10

Hey Vernon, great to hear from you again! For your trailer that has a GVWR of 11,295 lbs I actually recommend stepping up one level and going with the 18.5K #WS49MR which has the same 6" drop and fits a 2-1/2" hitch receiver like the 12.5K…

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Answer 11

It sounds like there may be a wiring issue or blown fuse on your Firestone compressor system like the part #F2543. The compressor should only run when the vehicle ignition is on, and even then only if the tank needs air. Check to make sure there…

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Answer 12

Hello Dan, Definitely on the right road to a smoother ride (pun intended). I would say that you knowing you are on the heavier end of the tongue weight you are safe finding one around the 1k mark. You just want to make sure you are closer to the…

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Can Air Bags and a Weight Distribution Hitch be Used Together?

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