How To Install A Weight Distribution Hitch When Your Truck Already Has Air Springs

Published 03/02/2023

Products Featured in This Question

24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for RV Bumper - Steel - Folding - 500 lbs

(1172)

$296.43

Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(500)

$810.13

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

(869)

$679.86

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(900)

$558.64

Question:

I have a 2013 F250 FX4 6.7l. I am installing Firestone Ride Rite air helper springs, F2703 with Air Command, 2097. I am looking at picking up a travel trailer with a hitch weight of about 950lbs. Should I use a weight distribution hitch, and what would be the proper sequence for setting them up? I have found help articles on here where one says, You will want to level the truck/trailer with the WDH before airing up the bags. and the trick to it is to first setup the air bag air pressure and then set up the spring bar tension of the weight distribution.

asked by: Dan M

Expert Reply:

Since you don't have an auto-leveling air bag system you'll want to just put the 5psi minimum in the Ride-Rite's # F2703 and then set your weight distribution. If you were hauling something heavy in the bed, like an ATV, then you would want to level the bed first and then setup your WDH. Weight distribution is going to do a better job transferring the weight and keeping your trailer tracking straight than simply leveling your bed with air springs.

If you're experiencing quite a bit of sway then I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control # EQ37100ET. The 4-point sway control can be noisy but is one of the best options at a decent price point.

If you have occasional sway then I recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control # BXW1006. This system is by far one of the easiest to install and setup each time you need to tow and will give you a much quieter ride over friction sway control.

expert reply by: Kevin C