Is an Air Bag System Required on my 2017 Ford F-350 When Hauling a Fifth Wheel?

Updated 03/06/2020 | Published 03/05/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3013)

$498.56

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

(3013)

$448.90

Question:

5th wheel tongue weight 1975lbs Trailer gross weight 14,000lbs 2017 F350 SWB 6.7L 24k 5th wheel hitch puck system 20,600-21,500 max towing Max tongue 5th wheel 10 of trailer weight Some people say I have stated that I need air bags. Of course some say I don’t need them. What is a must and why? What is needed from a safety standpoint and why? What is nice but not a must? Please help.

asked by: Ken R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Good Questions! Long story short there is never a time air bags are required. That being said it is a really really good idea to have them for the sake of the hauling rig. Using an airbag kit like the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted part # F35FV on a four wheel drive or the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F2600 on a two wheel drive model will take a lot of the stress and strain off of the rear suspension of your 2017 F-350 this will help to ensure you don't find yourself with a worn out suspension system in a short amount of time.

By adding these they will help to ensure you don't get the spring sag that we typically see in hauling trucks. Another positive effect you will see is that your truck will be sitting level that helps to keep weight on the front tires so you have a normal driving experience rather than going through the looser handling and lowered braking performance that is typical when hauling without them. A level truck also makes sure that you suspension geometry stays the same so you will not experience weird tire wear and lastly keeps your headlight level so they are pointing at the road where you need them and not in other driver's eyes. As a side effect they also help improve the ride quality loaded and unloaded.

So yes they will save your factory suspension. Yes they will help make towing safer by keeping the handling characteristics of the truck the same. Yes they will level the truck. Yes they will make the ride smoother. But no they are not required by any law I know of. I would not haul a fifth wheel without air bags as a personal choice. I have installed a lot of these systems and the before and after is always a world of difference. I have linked the parts and an installation video for you below. Happy Camping!!

expert reply by: Randy B