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

Reply

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.

Reply

Answer 1

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Answer 2

We do have a really nice selection of hitch-mounted cargo carriers that could work well for your application, but it's just going to depend the size of your tote as to which one will be best. I really like the Curt Cargo Carrier #C18113 because…

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Answer 3

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 4

It looks like your current system is a Curt MV like part #C17052 which is supposed to help with the distribution of weight but doesn't include any sway control. This is why you were having issues with the wind. There are friction sway control…

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Answer 5

Finding the correct tension on an Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System like part #EQ37100ET is a bit of a process that will likely involve some trial and error. The idea is that when it is all said and done, you want the trailer and the truck to be…

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Answer 6

I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37060ET for your 2023 Scamp 16 travel trailer. The Equal-i-zer weight distribution hitches have been around for a long time and are the ones everyone else tries to compare themselves to. This…

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Answer 7

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 8

We do have a 7-way blade wiring harness available for your 2023 Toyota Highlander. What you need is the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness #TK57VR. This plugs into the connection in your rear cargo area for installation. You can use the…

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Answer 9

You will want to select the grommet around the steering column and feed through that. The correct Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter for a 2021 Toyota Highlander is #TK57VR. Please note the linked installation…

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Answer 10

The best way to make sure you have the proper tension on a friction sway control bar is to just do some testing of your own. The reason for this is because the amount of tension needed will vary from trailer to trailer. The owner's manual for the…

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Answer 11

While it's possible that a truck can simply be too tall to tow a fifth-wheel trailer level, it's difficult to determine this with only the truck bed height, as the height of the particular trailer you are wanting to tow will also affect this.…

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Answer 12

I spoke with my representative at Equal-i-zer and the grooves that you see at the top and bottom of the spring bar receiver on the head is normal wear. He also mentioned that keeping the receiver lubricated will help reduce on wear in the future, but…

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

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