1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Weight Distribution hitch/airbags thread

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by lotsip, Aug 15, 2018.

?

Does anyone rec/ air bags for hauling a 26 foot travel trailer on my 2013 5.7 Toyota Tundra?

  1. Yes, highly recommended .

    18 vote(s)
    66.7%
  2. no, not necessary.

    9 vote(s)
    33.3%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. Jul 5, 2020 at 2:19 PM
    #181
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs
    Thanks guys, i think a better question would be what would happen if your WD bars were too strong for the application?.

    just in the short drive home the trailer was acting as if it had zero tongue weight. I was assuming there was so much spring in the WD bars that the weight was being transferred improperly
     
  2. Jul 5, 2020 at 2:30 PM
    #182
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    I only use 1 bar for my trailer in that light weight range.
     
  3. Jul 5, 2020 at 3:51 PM
    #183
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    Never trust the RV dealer to set it up right. Most are not qualified and untrained. Your better off educating yourself so that it's done properly. It's really not that hard to do.
     
    jordoncloutier likes this.
  4. Jul 5, 2020 at 3:55 PM
    #184
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR

    It's dangerous to have too much WD. With less weight on the rear axle you can experience a loss of traction in bad weather. Also more weight on the front can effect steering and make the truck feel unstable.
     
  5. Jul 5, 2020 at 3:58 PM
    #185
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    That's just wrong. Get the proper WD bars for the trailer's weight. A WD hitch is designed to be used with both bars.
     
  6. Jul 5, 2020 at 4:07 PM
    #186
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    Sorry but you are just wrong.
    My WDH is a single bar model.
    My trailer is light enough that the single bar is the version that is right for my application.

    I agree that it is not that complicated to calculate and design the system for yourself and there are also plenty of RV dealers that do understand and can correctly do this for you,the trick is weeding out the morons from the ones that can help.
     
  7. Jul 5, 2020 at 4:08 PM
    #187
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    What WD hitch do you have that uses a single bar?


    How do you weed out the morons if you don't have a clue yourself?
     
  8. Jul 5, 2020 at 4:19 PM
    #188
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    I have no idea,I have had it a long time and the trailer is not here right now for me to see.
    The lighter trailers are fine with a single bar design as long as it is actually rated for the general weight of the trailer you have.
    You don't want too heavy a WDH for your trailer or the whole thing will not ride correctly or feel right on the road.

    So while the huge or heavier rigs that seem so common here might require the 800-1200 lb models the smaller lighter weight rigs clearly need a WDH more appropriately designed for them to be right.

    I will try to remind myself which one I have though as it sounds like this is what the OP likely needs as well.

    Here is one like mine though

    https://www.reeseprod.com/products/weight-distribution/light-duty-wd/light-duty-wt-dist/xihofqeC8HJjZZHcC5mjH|qss9R1qHf3

    https://www.reeseprod.com/support/installation/N66069.pdf
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2020
  9. Jul 5, 2020 at 4:36 PM
    #189
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    The OP is using a WD with two bars. In your post it sounded like you were suggesting he remove one bar and run single. It would be cheaper to buy two new 400-600lbs bars then buy a whole new hitch set up. Personally I would try an adjustment and if the ride doesn't improve buy some lighter bars.
     
  10. Jul 5, 2020 at 4:46 PM
    #190
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs
    Thanks guys. I watched the video on how to do an initial setup. Im gonna try that and see if it is in spec. Once that is correct I’ll do a test drive to see if i need to order lighter bars, appreciate the advice
     
    Ruggybuggy likes this.
  11. Jul 5, 2020 at 5:28 PM
    #191
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    Yeah the "A" did not show up because I can not type evidently?

    I use a single bar WDH is what I was saying and not half of a 2 bar setup.

    But as the OP stated from the start he has a WDH rated for almost twice his tongue weight too and that is not a good idea from what I understand.

    You want to have a WDH rated to be distributing the weight of your actual rig and not that of someone elses.

    I also would weigh the Tongue myself and do so there is no false optimism or exaggeration involved as there always seem to be when talking about trailer weight in the real world.
     
    Hbjeff likes this.
  12. Jul 5, 2020 at 6:01 PM
    #192
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    So I take it that you are pretty familiar with what someone would need based on their trailer? I need one for this one that we just bought.Screenshot_20200705-180509_Chrome.jpg
     
    Hbjeff likes this.
  13. Jul 5, 2020 at 7:39 PM
    #193
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs
    How funny! Mine is 20’7 as well i think


    1670bh sonoma here
     
  14. Jul 5, 2020 at 7:56 PM
    #194
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    2135897-36-revo.jpg
     
    Jsena and Hbjeff[QUOTED] like this.
  15. Jul 6, 2020 at 4:27 PM
    #195
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    Not really unless it is an Egg maybe?



    I just know what it takes to tow my own rig and others like it from experience really and reading for myself.

    My main RV does not really require a WDH at all with my 1st Gen LB Tundra and I have towed many many miles without one too.
    Then when I upgraded to a newer but identical Egg it had a WDH setup with it and I tried it for the heck of it and was hooked from the first mile really and will never not use it unless I have a good reason not to?

    My setup does not require one at all but the sense of being planted and in control at all times is a priceless feeling when towing I think and though I get into fairly deep conversations every time I am in a group of others with the same setup I just dare them to try it before arguing or shut the hell up!
    We have Rallies with the same trailers a few times a year so I get lots of new excuses all the time too but no one who has tried the WDH setup ever wants to go back,no one.

    I also know that you can have to much WDH and that you want to be near the higher side limit of the hitch rating with your rig for best performance too.
    So if you have an 800 lb WDH setup and a 500 lb tongue it is probably a good idea to get a lighter WDH setup really.

    But there is a lot of good info out there and like with most new knowledge it takes time and research to be comfortable with a new setup.

    Luckily there are also Forums now for about any trailer that you can imagine so talking to others with the same exact questions that you have is not to tough top do.

    0E489655-FBD0-48EF-9F4D-98C72BBD5563.jpg
     
  16. Jul 6, 2020 at 5:15 PM
    #196
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    Thanks. I'll look into a Coachmen forum. Screenshot_20200702-203540_Chrome.jpg
     
  17. Jul 6, 2020 at 7:56 PM
    #197
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    I'm a member there as well. Your trailer is similar in size and weight as my Coachman 204RD. I may be a touch heavier at around 5.5K. I use the Equalizer WD hitch rated at 6K and works well. The Equalizer give you sway control as well.
     
  18. Jul 6, 2020 at 8:38 PM
    #198
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2018
    Member:
    #22402
    Messages:
    16,058
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    George
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra DC SR5 Barcelona
    Alot of them
    Thanks...I'll look into that one. Do you have a link to the forum? I haven't searched for one yet. Was reading the article about our wonderful (sarcasm) Florida education director signing an emergency order to send kids back to school in August. :eek:
     
  19. Jul 6, 2020 at 8:52 PM
    #199
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR

    Here's the link to the Forest River forum. https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/
    Coachman is owned by Forest River. There is a sub forum for Coachman.

    My inlaws stay that live in Florida for six months of the year and the wife and I spend a month during Christmas. If the state can't get control of the situation my plans for a warm winter holiday isn't going to happen.
     
  20. Jul 7, 2020 at 1:55 PM
    #200
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs
    I called husky today, they agreed that 800-1200lb bars were way too big for this application.

    the tech said that dealers tend to only stock the thicker bars to make it easier on themselves. Sad but sounds plausible
     
  21. Jul 7, 2020 at 10:14 PM
    #201
    Ruggybuggy

    Ruggybuggy Seasoned Veteran

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36508
    Messages:
    3,142
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dave
    NW ON, CANADA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra OR
    I guess your buying new bars. Maybe try trading it to someone locally who may need a larger hitch.
     
    Hbjeff[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. Aug 24, 2020 at 10:40 AM
    #202
    runCMD

    runCMD BAMF Nerd

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #17911
    Messages:
    238
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Radiant Red CM SR5 TRD OR
    3/2.5 BOSS lift, 35s
    I've done a lot of looking online and got a lot of conflicting opinions. I'm receiving my Micro Minnie 2306BHS later this week (Dry 4260, GVWR 7000, dry hitch: 495). I just finished installing AirLift 5000s with Daystar Cradles. I'm happy with the way it looks and it didn't seem to roughen the ride up TOOO MUCH. It did seem to raise my fenders almost 1" in the rear and give me some rake back from what it was (running ToyTec BOSS 3/2 with blocks in the back), even with only 5psi in the bags.

    I purchased a BlueOx Sway Pro 1500 WDH as well. What i have figured at this point my process will be as follows:

    1) Install the hitch on my truck,
    2) Attach the trailer to the ball
    3) Pump up the airbags so that I only have 1-2" of sag
    4) Configure the Blue Ox to take up the rest of the sag and distribute trailer load.

    Is there anyone else here with a similar setup? What has your experience been and what is your process?
     
  23. Aug 24, 2020 at 3:55 PM
    #203
    Buckaroo

    Buckaroo New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2019
    Member:
    #39114
    Messages:
    245
    Gender:
    Male
    Central Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra 5.7L 4WD DC TRD
    2020 GD 2670MK Travel Trailer
    I don't have the air bags but I would first try to set it up without any air just using the WDH with the goal of returning to the front/rear height prior to hitching up the trailer. If you can do that with just the WDH, then the air bags can handle additional load going forward. If you can't, you use the air bags to return to beginning heights.
     
    mountainpete likes this.
  24. Aug 24, 2020 at 4:04 PM
    #204
    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20928
    Messages:
    2,406
    Alberta, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement Crewmax TRD
    Function before sparkle.
    WDH moves weight, airbags just raise height. So reverse your #3 and #4. Set your Blue Ox properly so that it is properly distributing trailer load and then add air to your bags to do any final touches.
     
  25. Aug 24, 2020 at 4:24 PM
    #205
    Catmann1972

    Catmann1972 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48204
    Messages:
    304
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Rhode Island
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport
    I have used air bags on my tacoma, which i just traded in for a Tundra. I agree with the other post, air bags are last, and only if you are sagging too much. But beware that when and if you add air to the bags you don't raise your tongue of the trailer too high. The objective is to even out the truck and have about 1/2" of the trailer tongue down.
     
    mountainpete likes this.
  26. Aug 24, 2020 at 4:49 PM
    #206
    runCMD

    runCMD BAMF Nerd

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #17911
    Messages:
    238
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Radiant Red CM SR5 TRD OR
    3/2.5 BOSS lift, 35s
    Everything I was reading was that if you raise the truck up after setting up WDH, you undo a lot of the weight distribution.
     
    szabo101 and Tundyfundy like this.
  27. Aug 24, 2020 at 4:54 PM
    #207
    Catmann1972

    Catmann1972 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2020
    Member:
    #48204
    Messages:
    304
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    Rhode Island
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Sport
    Thats not true. The WDH when adjusted properly will send some of the trailer weight forward and place it on the front axle, then when you add air to the bags all you are doing is increasing the rear end height and not putting anymore weight to the front axle, which can only be done with the WDH. The air bags are only leveling out the truck.
     
    runCMD[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Sep 12, 2020 at 11:10 AM
    #208
    The Dude

    The Dude New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2020
    Member:
    #41747
    Messages:
    274
    Gender:
    Male
    Chandler, AZ, not anymore :(
    I'm running Firestone bags and WDH. I probably have to reconfigure WDH though. When I hooked up, it sagged. I put a level on the tongue, inflated the bags to about 65 psi, and sent it!

    066197C3-BC1D-4CA0-B5A1-1BB72F9AD114.jpg

    Inflated, vs, deflated (12 psi) bags


    CF5692EF-15D6-406A-A193-378C11F5F239.jpg
    92145706-4F3A-4CD5-9F51-22D1476DE692.jpg
     
  29. Sep 12, 2020 at 11:43 AM
    #209
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24845
    Messages:
    4,897
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC 5.7 2wd
    Trd sways, bullydog, magnaflow, sumo springs

    The Wdh companies say to do the opposite. You want to set the wdh with air in the bags, otherwise you are not measuring the fenderheights correctly.

    air bags have nothing to do with weight distribution, they just return your ride height in the back

    you aren’t using a WDH to fix the sag. You use it to prevent the front suspension from lifting and reducing steering control
     
    Hightide and Tundyfundy like this.
  30. Sep 20, 2020 at 11:08 PM
    #210
    runCMD

    runCMD BAMF Nerd

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2018
    Member:
    #17911
    Messages:
    238
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Radiant Red CM SR5 TRD OR
    3/2.5 BOSS lift, 35s

    Thinking more on this, I think it may be true. Just based on the fact that in order to hook up the weight distribution spring bars without having too much tension on them, you hitch and then raise the tongue with the trailer jack. Once hooked up, you lower the jack and it puts more tension on the spring bars.
     
To Top