Will A Weight Distribution System Still Be Needed If I Add Air Bags To My Truck?

Updated 01/22/2026 | Published 01/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2280)

$253.99

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle

(1382)

$621.99

Question:

Im looking to add an air lift suspension system to my chevy 1500 Z71 to help level the ride. I currently have a weight distribution hitch but the truck sags about 1-1/2 with that. If I add the air lift system will i still need the weight distribution hitch.

asked by: Robert P

Expert Reply:

Hi Robert!

I would still use the weight distribution system with an air bag system installed. Both will help with sag, but the weight distribution system has the added benefit of also helping eliminate sway from the trailer. Air bags can help with that as well, but the weight distribution system will do a better job of that.

With that said, how often do you tow? If it's not all the time, I recommend going with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle # AL88288. The internal jounces in these mean you can run them at zero psi. That's important as they will not impact your unloaded ride. They still have plenty of capacity to level you out, but being able to run them at zero is just an added plus for them.

One thing to note if you do go this route, set the air bags before setting up the weight distribution system. Doing it the other way around will how the weight distribution system was set up and throw everything off.

Out of curiosity, what are you towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Air Lift AL88288 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
(click to enlarge)

Robert P.

1/15/2026

Thanks. I'm towing a Jayco travel trailer. And if the lift system helps with sway control could I switch out the distribution system for just a sway control system,brake system? And going back to both if I kept them does the ball connector need to be reset to adjust for the new hieght of the truck? And not having any experience with lift systems how safe are they,like can they pop or explode and are the jounces there in case something like that does happen. Hay thanks again try to cover all my concerns. Iwas leaning to the product you mention is it to difficult to install by an average mechanically inclined person?

Lazer S.

1/21/2026

@RobertP Since you already have the weight distribution system, I would honestly stick with it instead of going to a different system. I'm not a huge fan of the braking style sway control systems, but they do work. You will need to do a few adjustments to your weight distribution system after getting air bags set to where they need to be, but it should be fairly minimal. As to the bags, there is always a chance of them failing, but I have been doing this for over a decade and have never actually seen it happen. When they are installed properly, they are extremely reliable. The internal jounces just give you a little more peace of mind in the off chance they do fail as well as more protection from bottoming out. Lastly, I would say the install it's a 6 or 7 out of 10. It's basically all bolt on stuff, but there is quite a bit that needs to be done. I think the average person could get this fully installed and ready to go in an afternoon. Quicker if you have ever done anything like this before.

Henry B.

1/17/2026

I have a 23 silverado 1500 with Sumo none air and they keep my truck level with 3 -2000# hay rolls on 16foot trailer .

I W.

1/17/2026

I have a 2026 GMC sierra 1500. I have a 6800 lb travel trailer. I use both the sumo and WDH, and that works great. Without the trailer hooked up, when hitting small bumps, that feels a little pounding as the stopper makes contact with the sumo. With trailer, GREAT! Wtihout, a little bothersome, but, I don't really mind.

Rob H.

1/22/2026

@IW I'd agree that while towing the ride and load-leveling are fine but otherwise while empty relatively small bumps hit the new rubber bumpers and it can be quite abrupt. I like the improvement while towing but am not happy with the unloaded ride when I hit a dip or bump in the road. Its more like a 1-ton.

Lazer S.

1/22/2026

@RobH This is a fairly common thing we hear. Have you considered the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit - 2k # RAS4611 or Heavy Duty - 3k # RAS54FR instead of SumoSprings? They are more expensive, but they are a lot less jarring than jounces. I have heard they can actually improve the ride a little as they help with body roll as well. They don't work with the composite leaf springs though.

Rob H.

1/22/2026

@LazerS No, I have not. The truck is coming to the end of its lease and while I love the baby Duramax I've decided I need an 8' box instead of the 6.5' it has so it'll be getting a new owner at the end of lease. I'll probably get a 3/4 or 1-ton next time (with an 8' box and a cap to load it up a bit) so I won't be needing any suspension upgrades - but I'll miss that little diesel.