What Weight Distribution Hitch and Air Bags Work Best for a 2024 Ford F-250 Towing a 2015 Airstream  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Tom,

Thanks for writing in and including the pictures.

The issue I am seeing with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch # AN69VR is that you have too many things mounted along the A-frame of your Airstream, so there isn't enough room to install the brackets.

Instead, I recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Hitch # BLU54TR, along with the Blue Ox Signature Series Lift Brackets # BXW4021. These brackets can bolt directly to the sides of your Airstream's frame, so you won't have to worry about the propane box and other equipment getting in the way. I attached an image showing the bracket dimensions so you can see how they will mount.

Your Airstream has a GVWR of 7,300 lbs, and ideally, your loaded tongue weight will fall between 10% and 15% of the trailer's actual loaded weight. This is a good indication that the weight is distributed properly throughout the Airstream. When choosing the right weight distribution hitch, you will want to make sure your loaded tongue weight falls within the hitch's recommended tongue weight range. You will also need to account for the weight of any cargo carried behind the rear axle of your truck. The # BLU54TR has a tongue weight range of 1,000 to 1,500 lbs, so we will want to make sure your actual loaded tongue weight falls within that range before going with this setup.

Before you order, I would also like to verify that the 6" drop on the # BLU54TR will work with your setup. Can you reach out to the seller and have them measure from the ground to the bottom of the Airstream's coupler while the trailer is sitting level on level ground? Then, with your truck parked on level ground, measure from the ground to the top inside edge of your hitch receiver.

Once I have those two measurements, we can make sure we have the right setup for your truck and Airstream.

As for the air bags, I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL79DQ for your F-250 diesel. These will help support the rear suspension and keep your truck level when you're carrying a load. Just keep in mind that air bags don't replace a weight distribution hitch or increase your truck's towing capacity. These are for the 4 wheel drive model.

For an onboard compressor, I really like the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL74000EZ. This will let you adjust the air pressure right from your phone or the included wireless remote, so you won't have to stop and manually fill the bags when you need to make an adjustment.

One thing I want to mention about using air bags with a weight distribution hitch is how you set everything up. You will want to connect your trailer and engage the weight distribution hitch first, then adjust the air pressure in your air bags as needed. You don't want to use the air bags to level the truck before setting up the weight distribution hitch, since that can affect how much weight the hitch transfers back to the front axle. Once you have everything dialed in, you will want to double-check your weight distribution setup with the air bags at their towing pressure to make sure everything is working together properly.

Is this your first pull behind camper? I have always wanted an Airstream since the movie, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." I too shall have one one day.....

expert reply by: Kate F

0

Tom K.

10/14/2026

Thanks Kate, Unfortunately I asked this questions 8 days ago and just now received a reply. I appreciate the your effort but it is too late and you made no reference to the other hitch I was considering. I have already made a decision and am ordering a hitch from another vendor. Tom

Kate F.

10/15/2026

@TomK I am sorry for the delay in receiving an answer. I hope you are very happy with your decision, and I wish you many years of great adventures! - Safe Travels =)