Weight Distribution hitch/airbags thread

You're correct. Loading your airbags after setting up the weight distribution actually adds more load on the back axle. What you need to do is set your airbags to the desired psi, and then calibrate your hitch to that height. Before hooking up the trailer in the future just add Air to predetermined psi and hook up the trailer. Loading airbags after WDH is calibrated and set up is a common mistake but it’s the wrong way to do it.

 

WDH then airbags is what the field rep from Andersen told me at an RV show. He considered the airbags more cosmetic once the WDH was properly setup and the weight it adds to axle is negligible. If it was a lot of weight, you didn’t setup the WDH properly to begin with.

Someone needs to the the math!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg
somebody did the math. Rear axle weight almost doubled compared to just WDH.

 

https://images.carid.com/reese/pdf/reese-66006-installation-instructions.pdf

here's a copy of the Reese WDH instructions. It clearly states to level the vehicle before hooking up trailer

 

Tundyfundy...
Is this what you were mentioning?

“For vehicles with air springs, air shocks or automatic leveling system, check vehicle owners manual. Unless otherwise specified, level the vehicle with the vehicle loaded as it will be when towing before setting ball height and attaching trailer.”

I was thinking if I add airbags or summo springs it will be to support the back of the truck/suspension in case of a bump. I was planning on using the WDH to do most of the work so as not to increase the weight on the rear axle. These directions are confusing!

 

Heres a good video. He shows how to adjust bags before final calibration of WDH. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CAKb18ZXs

 

Here the Curt WDH video. Clearly states to adjust airbags before connecting and adjusting hitch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkewkvU8Ot8

 

Yes! The concern is changing the height of the ball after calibrating WDH. You will change how the load is distributed and add more weight to the rear axle and possibly exceed your ratings. The hitch working properly is directly related to the height of the trailer and the height of the hitch ball during set up and calibration. If you do all this just to change one of those measurements with airbags then your not getting the maximum weight distribution out of the hitch. You can use airbags but make sure you calibrate the hitch to the final height of the hitch ball by inflating airbags before final calibration. As in the video I posted you can load the trailer onto the ball and then fill the airbags to roughly level the truck, then make all your final calibrations of the WDH. Once the final calibration is done you don't want to mess with the airbags.

Sumo springs are different because they don't change the ride height. They wont increase pressure after the hitch is set up. With sumo springs you can just hook up the WDH per manufacturer recommendations as normal

 

Thank you the videos really clarified what you we trying to say. I was debating the airbags because I was told they could impact the unloaded ride. Others have said not to worry it’s only 5 lbs. I was going to look into cradles.

 

I have the airlift 5000 with jounce bumper and I notice them very much when the suspension compresses. It’s more rigid the longer the upstroke of the bump, if that makes sense. It feels more rigid. If I didn’t have a travel trailer I would for sure sell them and just get some sumo springs.

 

Good job on clarifying this @Tundyfundy - I'll adjust my approach.

 

This is the understanding I now have as well. I feel like there is so much conflicting information out there. I get that some of it is because every situation is different, especially with these automatic systems some vehicles have. I have about an inch and a half of leeway with my current ball height, so I think I will try to air my bags up to 30-40PSI and see if it's within spec. If not, I have another hole I can drop the assembly to on the shank to lower by another 1.5"

I get the cosmetic feeling, but for me it's more than that. I noticed they make the ride quality a lot better, though I haven't tested again after adding lift with my shackles

I had airbags on for about a week without cradles. This is my do-everything truck and I don't want to lose the articulation for the mild offroading I do. Ordered cradles the same day I installed my airlifts.

I noticed the same thing. With my block lift in the rear I was basically sitting on the jounce bumpers when riding unloaded. I just installed Toytec shackles at 1.5" to give them more space and it's a world of difference riding around unloaded

 

My 2020 4X4 CrewMax tows 9800 pounds. We are purchasing a Winnebago 172BH with the following specs: 4000 GVWR, 3400 Dry Weight, 620 Dry Hitch Weight. Which Equal-i-zer hitch do I need?

There will be approximately 800 pounds of passengers and cargo in the truck itself too to factor in.

Thank you in advance!

 

You will need the 10K Equalizer. I have the 6K Equalizer and pull 5.5K with a hitch weight around 550lbs and I'm borderline with my 6K hitch.

 

Thank you!

 

Do I need a weight distribution hitch while hauling my Tacoma with this trailer?
I got a 2018 CM, 4X4.

Trailer Weight Specs

• GVWR: 9,900 lb
• GAWR: 5,200 lb per axle
• Manufacture Capacity: 7,240 lb
• Empty Weight: 2,750 lb

Trailer Dimensions

• Bed Length: 18'
• Width Between Drive-over Fenders: 83"
• Total Width of Trailer Including Rub Rails: 101"
• Bed Height: 25.5"
• Fender Height from Ground: 33"
• Fender Height from Bed: 8.5"
• Dovetail Length: 2'
• Dovetail Height from Ground: 19.5"
• Front Rail Height: 6.5"
• Ramp Length: 61.5"
• Hitch Height: 18"
• Tongue Length: 53.5"

 

I usually go with the rule that if my towing weight is over 50% of max trailering weight I use a hitch. Better to be safe than sorry

 

How much does the tacoma weigh? Your trailer is pushing 7500lbs when loaded right? I would do a WDH

 

By max trailering weight you mean max towing capacity?

 

I'll find out the weight of the tacoma this week. But looks like I'd need a WDH.
Next question is should I buy one or rent?
Any recommendations?

 

Craigslist

also, is this a 1 time tow or a regular thing?

 

One time, weekend trip... I was just told by the trailer rental guy I wouldn't need a WDH with this trailer.
Thoughts?

 

Yes or anything over 5K I would use a WDH

 

Yeah, that's what the owner's manual recommends, if I recall correctly.

 

How far are you towing? If it’s just across town, you wouldn’t need one. If it’s across the country, one would help. Is your truck stock?

 

One time in town I wouldn’t sweat it

 

Yeah stock.
200 miles round trip.

 

Don’t speed and you’ll be fine for 1 trip imo. Not worth the money

 

I tow my tractor without a WDH a couple times per year without any issues but its only 140 miles or so each way. Around 7500#. I drive like a grandma, keep it under 65mph. The last trip was through our latest 40-50mph windstorm (whoops) and even then, zero issues.

I have a WDH for my camper though because its a giant wind sail with the aerodynamic prowess of a cinder block. Itll yank the truck around pretty good if its windy out at all.
If you take it easy on the trip you should be able to manage it just fine. That said, a WDH will make it more stable if that gives you peace of mind.

 

Yeah I wouldn’t waste money on it for a one time 200 mile trip. Just don’t try to drive fast. Keep it at or under 55.