Best Procedure For Using Air Bag Kit In Conjunction With Weight Distribution Hitch

Updated 03/25/2025 | Published 03/17/2025

Question:

Hello. I have been looking for information on the best procedure for adjusting my air lift 2009 Chevy 2500HD with Air Lift 5000 Air Helper Springs. The etrailer support videos have been helpful, however, what I haven’t found is information on adjusting my air lift in conjunction with towing with a weight distribution hitch. Can you assist directly, or recommended an air lift + wt dist hitch set up procedure? Thank you

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

Hello Steve, thanks for reaching out. As far as adjusting your air bags while using a weight distribution (WD) hitch, the best procedure is to hook up the WD hitch, then adjust the air bags as needed. You should adjust the air bags until the distance from the top of the tire to the wheel well is equal on both the front and rear axles on your truck.

The correct Air Lift kit for your 2009 Chevy 2500HD is part # AL57275.

If you are looking for a WD hitch recommendation, just let me know the GVWR of your camper and I am happy to look into it and get back to you.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Steve

3/24/2025

Hello Jesse M, thks for your reply, based on information that I found over the weekend below from eTrailer (4 years and 6 years ago) you might want to consider changing your answer: ‘ we always recommend setting up the airbags first and then setting up the weight distribution hitch. Setting up in reverse will cause the airbags to take weight off of the weight distribution hitch, which will give you less sway control to your set up ‘ Your thoughts? Regards, Steve

Jesse M.

3/25/2025

@Steve That answer you mentioned is wrong. You will want to set up the WD hitch first, then fill your air bags as needed. Exactly how I did it on my Ram when I had air bags. Once its actually all setup, that's fine. I know with mine I aired the bags to 20lbs then the system was fine. To set it up the first time though, you want the bars to be working the max, then can help with some sag with a little more air. Unless you have coil springs, shouldn't need much air at all. The answer you referenced above technically would be true if you added a ton of air it could take some pressure off the bars. If you are adding 20 or so PSI like I did it will not change noticeably.

Steve

3/25/2025

@JesseM ok, thanks again for replying, your answer makes good sense