Can Too Much Air Pressure In Air Bags Cause Sway Issues When Towing?
Updated 07/08/2025 | Published 07/02/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I recently replaced the equalizers and shackles on my 2016 zinger, and also added air bags to my 2003 chevy 2500HD. i bought them from your company. The first trip went well, but the second I had a very hard time controlling sway. It was windy, but it should not have been that bad. Any thoughts as to what may have changed? I cant keep having these issues. Could too much pressure in the air bags cause this issue?
asked by: John D
Expert Reply:
Hi John!
That is a very good question. You didn't mention if you are using weight distribution or not, but if you are and the Firestone # F2250 air bags you got have too much air pressure in them, it will take the pressure off the spring bars on said system. This renders the system essentially useless. This is why you always want to set the air bags to get rid of sag before setting up a weight distribution system.
Now if you aren't using weight distribution, to much air pressure can cause a little sway, but not much.
What most likely caused this was the wind. I know several people that can tow their trailers without weight distribution perfectly fine on calm windless days. However, if there is even a 5 or 10 mile an hour wind, it will blow them all over the road when weight distribution isn't hooked up. Even with larger trucks.
Do you have a weight distribution system? If so, which one? If not, it looks like the CrossRoads Zinger can have quite a wide array of weights so I would need to know that before I can make a recommendation.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Hitch Covers
- Misc Covers
- Plain
- Rubber
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Standard
- Square
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: All Parts Needed to Upgrade a 3,500 lbs 86-1/2" Hub Face Axle to a 6,000 lbs Axle
- Search Results: b&w continuum
- Search Results: air tanks
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Is B and W Continuum Weight Distribution System Worth it Over Standard WD System
- Search Results: air bags
- Search Results: firestone airbags
- Shop: Pacbrake HP625 Premium Series Heavy Duty Air Compressor Kit - Vertical Pump Head - 12V
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha HD Air Bag Suspension Kit - Rear Axle - 5,000 lbs
- Q&A: Should I Put Heavier Rated Axles On My 2022 Forest River EVO Travel Trailer?
- Shop: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control for 2" Hitch - 16K GTW, 1.6K TW
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 86-1/2" - 6K
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Pacbrake Unloader Assembly for 12V HP625 Compressors with Air Tanks
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 86-1/2" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Video: B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System Review
- Q&A: Does the B&W Continuum Really Need the Grease Checked Every 250-500 Miles?
- Q&A: Upgrading Axles on a 2019 Forest River XLR Boost Toy Hauler
- Q&A: Recommended Axle To Replace 3000lb Axle With 86.5" Hub Face Measurement On Grand Design TT
- Q&A: Stealth Hitch that Fits 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
John D.
7/8/2025
I do have a CURT weight distribution system. I probably did have too much air in the bags, as I had it set up from when I had my golf cart in the truck as well, and didn't reduce the pressure. The trailer is a 2015 33QB. About 6800 lbs. dry wt. I'll play with the pressures and see if I can get it right. If you have any other suggestions, I'm open to them. Thank you.