Order of Operation when Using B and W Continuum with Aftermarket Airbags
Published 10/20/2026
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Question:
Truck pictured is not mine, but looking to do a similar setup up. I have a 2026 Ram 3500 DRW, and looking to put Pacbrake 7500lbs air bags in it. My camper is about 37ft and I plan to run a B and W Continuum Weight Distribution System for the trailer. My question is about the sequence of adjusting the bags and wdh. Do I load the UTV and level with bags and then hook up trailer and adjust the WDH then. Or load utv, hook up trailer than use bags and wdh at that point?
asked by: Ben G
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Expert Reply:
Thanks for letting us help Ben. For a setup like yours, I'd recommend loading the UTV and connecting the trailer with the Pacbrake airbags at their minimum required pressure. From there, you'll want to adjust the B&W Continuum weight distribution hitch first, before making any adjustments to the airbags. The important thing is to let the weight distribution hitch do its job of transferring weight back to the truck's front axle before using the airbags to fine tune the rear ride height. You'll want to follow B&W's instructions for setting up the Continuum and restoring the appropriate amount of weight to the front axle. You don't want to use the airbags to compensate for a weight distribution hitch that isn't properly adjusted. B&W actually recommends keeping aftermarket airbags at their minimum required pressure when using the Continuum. However, you can still use them to fine tune the truck's ride height if needed. Just keep in mind that adding air can change the weight distribution, so you'll want to recheck the hitch adjustment any time you significantly change the air pressure.
As far as the components go, the Pacbrake Alpha XD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit with Internal Jounces # PB57RV you were looking at is the correct kit for your 2026 Ram 3500 DRW.
For the weight distribution hitch, all of the B&W Continuum systems we carry have the same weight capacity. The main differences come down to receiver size, shank length, available rise or drop, and whether your trailer has a standard or underslung coupler.
I'm assuming your Ram has the factory 2-1/2" receiver and your trailer uses a standard coupler. If that's the case, you have a few options:
B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System # BW28FR - Standard length shank
B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System with Sway Control and Long Shank # BW64BR - Extended shank for additional clearance
B&W Continuum Weight Distribution System # BW57BR - Extended drop shank for applications requiring more drop to keep the trailer level
If you can confirm your receiver size and coupler style, I'd be happy to narrow down which Continuum will work best for your setup.
Were you thinking of adding an on board compressor with the # PB57RV or were you planning to manually inflate them as needed?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Pacbrake Alpha XD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle - 7,500 lbs
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Air Springs
- Suspension Only
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Pacbrake
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Ben G.
10/20/2026
So for setting up the wdh, would my pre-measurement of the front fender height be before or after loading the utv. To know the percentage of needed front axle load restoration.