Can Airbags be Used with a Weight Distribution System on a 2018 Ford F-150

Published 10/04/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(840)

$693.55

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path

(359)

$624.44

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3009)

$565.82

Question:

I’m pulling a travel trailer with my 2018 F150 Super Crew with the max towing package, and a 10000-pound rated equalizer hitch. I can level the truck and the trailer when I tension the equalizer as tight as I can get it. I’m within spec for payload, axle weights, GVW, and CGVW. The combination rides and handles well. My concern is driving at night with my headlight aimed a little high. Although the truck is sitting level, as measured at the wheel wells, the back end is down about 1 7/8” compared to the unloaded truck. Would air bags be a good solution to this problem, or do I need to look elsewhere for a solution. Below I have listed the unloaded, and loaded weights. TRUCK EMPTY WEIGHT MEASURED STEER AXLE 3140 DRIVE AXLE 2180 GROSS WEIGHT 5320 MAX TRAILER WEIGT 7000 ACTUAL LOADED TRAILER WEIGHT 6200 MEASURED TONGUE WEIGHT WITH HITCH 825 PASSENGERS AND CARGO IN TRUCK 550 ACTUAL PAYLOAD 1375 MAX RATED PAYLOAD 1730 LOADED WEIGHTS MEASURED STEER AXLE 3220 DRIVE AXLE 3500 TRAILER AXLE 5280 GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT 12000

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Yes, airbags should help to level the truck even further which will then bring down the front end to stock height or very close. A weight distribution system like your Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37100ET is not necessarily designed to completely level the vehicle, it is designed to help you gain back around half of what you lost while coupled to the trailer which is why suspension enhancements like airbags are sometimes used in unison with a weight distribution system.

For your 2018 Ford F-150, I recommend using the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F2582. These airbags are going to be a perfect addition to your towing setup. They are adjustable so you can play with the amount of support/comfort and they are made in the USA. The installation process is also fairly easy as you can see in the attached video. If you would also like to add an air compressor kit I recommend the Firestone Air Command I part # F2097 but it is not required.

Please note while using a weight distribution system with airbags, you will want to set the pressure in the airbags first then take out the rest of the sag with the weight distribution system.

expert reply by: Conner L