Should I get Air Bags, Timbrens, or SumoSprings to Pair with My Blue Ox Weight Distribution System?
Updated 06/13/2025 | Published 06/09/2025
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Question:
I have a 2016 Ram 1500 4wd crew cab ecodiesel and I pull an Imagine XLS 22MLE travel trailer a few weekends each month during the summer. My vehicle’s GVWR is 6950, and payload is 1260. Trailer has a UVW of 5444, and GVWR of 6995. Tongue weight is approximately 950-1000lbs. I use a Blu-Ox wdh with 1,000lb spring bars. The truck rear squats even with wdh a couple inches. Wondering what you recommend to ideally level out- air bags vs. sumosprings vs. Timbren? I read your help articles, but still unsure. Thanks
asked by: Rob B
Expert Reply:
Hello Rob,
Happy to help you fine tune your set-up! Nice choice with the Blue Ox, and it sounds like you have things loaded up in your Imagine XLS 22MLE travel trailer correctly since your tongue weight is falling between that 10-15% of the overall weight.
For your 2016 Ram 1500 4WD crew cab EcoDiesel, I recommend going with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL57365. I think air bags will be the best fit for your setup since they let you fine-tune pressure for optimal ride performance and leveling.
You’ll want to hook up the trailer first, then use the air bags to bring the rear of your truck close to its stock height before engaging your Blue Ox weight distribution system. Start at 25 PSI, then increase in 5 PSI increments until you reach your desired rear ride height. Once dialed in, jot down the PSI for future reference it’ll make repeat setups much quicker and easier.
If you're interested in an onboard compressor to go with the air bags, I highly recommend the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs # AL74000EZ. It comes with a wireless remote and even has Bluetooth compatibility, so you can make adjustments right from the cab of your truck.
Do you have a specific spot that you go to with the camper, or are you traveling to different spots each time?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Air Springs
- Suspension Only
- Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Lift
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Rob
6/12/2025
After talking with another customer service agent at etrailer, I ended up putting an Air Lift 1000 on the truck. Hopefully it won’t prove to be too wimpy.