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Can’t level camper with air ride?

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by Malinois38, Apr 11, 2023.

  1. Apr 11, 2023 at 7:35 AM
    #1
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

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    2022 platinum with air ride. Picked up my camper a week ago from storage and noticed it was nose high with the new truck compared to my 2008. So, I lowered the hitch ball down 2 inches to the lowest setting on the hitch. And now, the air suspension just adjusts and levels the truck. Which still makes the camper sit nose high??
    I’m stumped, because I can’t go any lower with the ball as the bottom of the hitch would be too close to the ground. And even if I did, I think the air ride would bring it back up to level the truck, which is too high to level my camper. If I manually drop the rear down, it goes back to neutral at 18 mph, so that’s out. Not sure how to address this issue. Any suggestions appreciated!
    BTW upgraded tires to 275/60/20 (33”) and other than that she is stock.

    75296357-167C-4465-AD18-A18FFDA42303.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2023
  2. Apr 15, 2023 at 5:25 AM
    #2
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    You can adjust the height of the air suspension. Check your owners manual on how to perform this function.
     
  3. Apr 15, 2023 at 9:16 AM
    #3
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

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    You are correct, however when you go over 18mph the air ride takes the the truck back to the neutral position which levels the truck.
     
  4. Apr 15, 2023 at 10:05 AM
    #4
    RichterScale

    RichterScale I identify as a potato

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    Sounds like too much tongue weight.
    Weight distribution is more important than how level the truck looks. If you're tongue weight is too heavy, jacking up the rear end with air bags just puts even more force on the rear axle.
    Need to get some of that weight shifted back to the trailer axles and more weight shifted to the front axle of the truck for better braking and steering control.
    https://www.tundras.com/threads/airbags-vs-weight-distribution-hitch.12955/#post-238698
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  5. Apr 15, 2023 at 10:43 AM
    #5
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

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    I agree that the tongue weight is heavy. But my 2008 Tundra handled it well, while distributing weight to the front axle and to the trailer axles. All while staying under rear axle ratings. I’m sure the new Tundra will do the same. I just have to get the camper level or a little nose down for traveling. Don’t ever want to be nose high.
    And I am not jacking up the air bags as with after market air bags. This is just how the Platinum air ride system works after you enter your trailer information. Strange, but there is no manual adjustment for traveling at speed, only up to 18 mph. Bit of a learning curve for me, as I’ve never had or wanted them. But, I think this is the best set up for towing that Toyota offered to meet my needs.
    So, I just ordered a 9” drop shank which will allow me to drop the ball down 2 more inches if needed. I’ll update this thread when I get it all hooked up.
     
  6. Apr 15, 2023 at 10:44 AM
    #6
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    That's a bummer. Wonder if there are manual settings you can use? Sorry, my tech on 3rd gens is lacking.
     
  7. Apr 15, 2023 at 10:51 AM
    #7
    RichterScale

    RichterScale I identify as a potato

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    Sorry, it didn't register that it was a 3rd gen when I was reading. I'm assuming it's a whole new truck and redesign. I don't know thing one about the new Tundras.
    That said, is there anything inside the trailer that can be moved around to shift weight back a little?
     
  8. Apr 15, 2023 at 11:07 AM
    #8
    Malinois38

    Malinois38 [OP] New Member

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    No problem. Only thing I could do would be reposition the two 6v batteries mounted on the front. Airstream’s tend to have heavy tongue weight’s compared to other campers.
     
    RichterScale[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 15, 2023 at 12:37 PM
    #9
    RichterScale

    RichterScale I identify as a potato

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    I kinda figured there wasn't much that could be moved. But I'm not familiar with airstreams either.
    Basically, I have no idea what the hell I'm talking about, but if I keep making suggestions anyway, I might get lucky.
     
    Malinois38[OP] and Mattedfred like this.

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