Air Bags vs Weight Distributing Hitch

[ArizonaKevin]

As some of you know I am going to be buying a toyhauler soon to haul my new SxS around and trying to figure out ways to make hauling the load easier. I have been doing some research on whether air bags or a WD hitch works better for leveling out the truck/load and keeping everything stable and want your input. From what I have seen, WD hitch will probably work better with the TH but the bags will be more versatile to where I can use them with the boat and the flat bed too.

I have also seen that you aren't supposed to have bags and a WD hitch because they work against each other, but I'm not entirely sure how that works.

 

[oldschool]

Definitely the WD hitch. Also, consider putting a sway control on as well.

 

[RCDave]

What Oldschool said

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Honestly with an F150 I'd get both. BPracing1127 needed both with his 25' Toyhauler.

You need the WD hitch without question. The airbags will stabilize and level the truck.

@Bpracing1127 back to the courtesy phone.

 

[dirtyduner]

both, alot of people think that you can't use both. Use both. Even with the WD hitch your truck is going to squat hard, especially with an older trailer. Air bags will keep you from poppin a wheelie everywhere you go.

 

[dirtyduner]

We sell the EAZ Lift Trekker hitches, we like them because they have built in sway control so you dont have to run a sway bar and they are super easy to adjust going down the road

 

[oldschool]

I used both on my F250 with a 34' TT, I also used 2 sway controls.

 

[Constant840]

Hi my name is... and I'm a 1/2 ton toy hauler hauler.

I use a distribution hitch and installed a set of the Timbren deals. Fixed the rear end squat and I was able to comfortably let a link out of the tension on the bars.

 

[pronstar]

I don’t like using WD hitches to correct for a lot of squat. It’s a lot of stress on truck & trailer hard parts.

Better to correct for most of the squat with bags to alleviate some pressure from the truck & trailer frames.


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[ltbaney1]

i have bags on my truck i use with the boat and other trailers. when i pull my dads car hauler, i use the WD hitch as well and dont run as much pressure in the bags. i normally run 35-40 PSI in the bags without the WD and i run 25-30 with the WD hitch.

 

[DLC]

F450 with air bags and a WD hutch then you might be able to tow safety!

LoL

I would do both air bag and the WD hitch.

I had a Ford Bronco on 33’s 410 gears with bags and the WD hitched worked great for towing a 24ft toy box
the bronco has a short wheelbase I did have a sway bar on the WD hitch

 

[mesquito_creek]

I use air bags to set my truck level with a full load of fuel and gear before installing the trailer. I use the WD hitch to return the truck to an acceptable condition after installing the trailer. I use both for moderate corrections according the the manufacturer specs. I think both should be able to stand on their own independently if one should fail during operation.

What I would NOT do is max my WD setting and then say... " I need more correction so let's use bags "...

 

[BigMike]

Simple answer is do both.
I tow our 35’ bumper pull toy hauler with a 13,000 pound gvwr with a lifted Chevy 2500HD (4” lift in front, 1” spaced in rear).
The WD hitch took about half of the rear end sag away and the air bags did the rest.
Without the air bags, I felt like I couldn’t steer the truck because the front end was too high. With the toy hauler fully loaded I run 55-60 pounds of air in the bags. Just enough to get the truck to sit level but not so stiff that you break your back on every pothole.
With the boat, I run about 20 pounds of air just because. Don’t need to, but I have it, so why not..

 

[BigMike]

I use air bags to set my truck level with a full load of fuel and gear before installing the trailer. I use the WD hitch to return the truck to an acceptable condition after installing the trailer. I use both for moderate corrections according the the manufacturer specs. I think both should be able to stand on their own independently if one should fail during operation.

What I would NOT do is max my WD setting and then say... " I need more correction so let's use bags "...

I do the opposite. I set the hitch up first, then pump up the bags to get it to sit a little more level.
Don’t know about you, but I hook up the trailer, lift the trailer up until the truck starts to lift up with it, then set the load leveling bars, then lower the trailer back down.
Everyone is different and I don’t know if there truly is a “correct” way or not. Lol

 

[monkeyswrench]

i have bags on my truck i use with the boat and other trailers. when i pull my dads car hauler, i use the WD hitch as well and dont run as much pressure in the bags. i normally run 35-40 PSI in the bags without the WD and i run 25-30 with the WD hitch.

This is what I was going to say. Having both is nice, and doesn't leave you reliant on one or the other. The bags at higher pressure when used with WD hitch will kind of porpoise on bridge transitions and such. When you air the down a bit, you can "tune" the ride. That becomes handy with a toy hauler, due to your water weight shifting from fresh to holding tanks over a weekend.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I have both on my truck. With my trailer 25ft iconic front bedroom. And a rzr. I can’t get the truck level with the WD hitch alone. With airbags I can get it level and takes a lot of the harshness out of the ride. Add in a dirt bike, fire wood and fuel in the bed bags will be a must. I fill the bags first then the hitch second. Do both you won’t look back with a half ton.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

If you read the specs and ratings on any of the hitch systems out there, there are 2 ratings. 1 with a WD hitch, and 1 without. The without is SUBSTANITALLY lower than with.

With either hitch you have the same tongue weight the difference is the WD hitch uses the torsion force of the bars to transfer some of that weight up onto the front axle of the truck.

We sell the EAZ Lift Trekker hitches, we like them because they have built in sway control so you dont have to run a sway bar and they are super easy to adjust going down the road

Is that the EZ Lift system that has their active away control (as opposed to reactive with a friction bar)? I've seen some of them that just seem like a loud pain in the ass.

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[Bpracing1127]

This is what I was going to say. Having both is nice, and doesn't leave you reliant on one or the other. The bags at higher pressure when used with WD hitch will kind of porpoise on bridge transitions and such. When you air the down a bit, you can "tune" the ride. That becomes handy with a toy hauler, due to your water weight shifting from fresh to holding tanks over a weekend.

Exactly right. I can tune the ride on the fly with the bags which is nice! A lot of bumps I’ll change the pressure, smooth change again. Big cross wind change again. Super handy to have. Plus if I load up the bed with fire wood I can use the truck without the bro look

 

[pronstar]

This is what I was going to say. Having both is nice, and doesn't leave you reliant on one or the other. The bags at higher pressure when used with WD hitch will kind of porpoise on bridge transitions and such. When you air the down a bit, you can "tune" the ride. That becomes handy with a toy hauler, due to your water weight shifting from fresh to holding tanks over a weekend.

Better shocks will alleviate the proposing [emoji106]

I ran 80 psi in my long-travel bags when I towed my 42’ toy hauler.

Triple-bypass Kings might be overkill, but the shocks need to control the spring, that’s its sole purpose in life.


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[Backlash]

Why not spend your money more wisely and get a truck designed to tow what you need to tow? Seems like you may be putting some strain on a vehicle that maybe truly wasn't designed to tow that much weight. Just my .02.

For towing light stuff, I'll use my Suburban. For anything even close to heavy, I dust off the Dodge 3500 DRW and drag that sucker out. I haven't felt unsafe one time with a load behind that truck. Just a thought.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Why not spend your money more wisely and get a truck designed to tow what you need to tow? Seems like you may be putting some strain on a vehicle that maybe truly wasn't designed to tow that much weight. Just my .02.

For towing light stuff, I'll use my Suburban. For anything even close to heavy, I dust off the Dodge 3500 DRW and drag that sucker out. I haven't felt unsafe one time with a load behind that truck. Just a thought.

He has a truck that is rated to do the yob just fine. Why spend money on a crappy riding 1 ton truck that he will only need several times a year, and still need some other car to drive around daily?

Using the truck he has with a few hundred in mods to make it safer and ride better, while driving smart on the road is the wisest use of his money.

 

[Bpracing1127]

Why not spend your money more wisely and get a truck designed to tow what you need to tow? Seems like you may be putting some strain on a vehicle that maybe truly wasn't designed to tow that much weight. Just my .02.

For towing light stuff, I'll use my Suburban. For anything even close to heavy, I dust off the Dodge 3500 DRW and drag that sucker out. I haven't felt unsafe one time with a load behind that truck. Just a thought.

Maybe because he only has a 25 ft trailer or so and a half ton tows it just fine.

Not everyone needs a F450 to tow a jet ski

 

[Backlash]

C'mon my truck doesn't ride THAT bad!

Just seems like it may be pushing the limits of the truck and the drivetrain is all I was thinking.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Maybe because he only has a 25 ft trailer or so and a half ton tows it just fine.

Not everyone needs a F450 to tow a jet ski

I'm going to be getting a 21 ft trailer. Half ton is more than enough.

Ian what bag setup did you get? How are you controlling the bags in the cab?

 

[dirtyduner]

If you read the specs and ratings on any of the hitch systems out there, there are 2 ratings. 1 with a WD hitch, and 1 without. The without is SUBSTANITALLY lower than with.

With either hitch you have the same tongue weight the difference is the WD hitch uses the torsion force of the bars to transfer some of that weight up onto the front axle of the truck.Is that the EZ Lift system that has their active away control (as opposed to reactive with a friction bar)? I've seen some of them that just seem like a loud pain in the ass.

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yup thats the one. When I had my first Bumper Pull Toyhauler I had a chain hitch and it was a pain in the butt. The Trekker is really a step up, everything pins in place, super easy to adjust on the fly, super easy to remove and store. A good WD hitch and bags can make or break anything bumper pull in my eyes.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I'm going to be getting a 21 ft trailer. Half ton is more than enough.

Ian what bag setup did you get? How are you controlling the bags in the cab?

You need an F650 or you are an idiot

 

[monkeyswrench]

Better shocks will alleviate the proposing [emoji106]

I ran 80 psi in my long-travel bags when I towed my 42’ toy hauler.

Triple-bypass Kings might be overkill, but the shocks need to control the spring, that’s its sole purpose in life.


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Very true. With a 42 I'm willing to bet it was a 5th or goose setup. Those are nice in help distribute more weight to the front axle. Shocks do make a difference, with a tag or a goose. I've switched mostly to goosenecks....full on bit me in the ass now with my truck down!

 

[mesquito_creek]

I do the opposite. I set the hitch up first, then pump up the bags to get it to sit a little more level.
Don’t know about you, but I hook up the trailer, lift the trailer up until the truck starts to lift up with it, then set the load leveling bars, then lower the trailer back down.
Everyone is different and I don’t know if there truly is a “correct” way or not. Lol

My tongue weight isn’t really enough to need to lift the truck up more than an inch or so. It would be fine without the WD. But according to the truck manual, I need WD for the capacity requirement per the manufacturer. So I set my truck up first so when I remove the trailer I look level. I think the key is that you don’t depend on both to achieve a safe tow.

It probably more of a convenience thing for me because I have a shell. It’s easier to load out the truck without the trailer. I might run around with the load for a day or two as I prepare, so I set the truck up first. Last thing I do is hook up the trailer and roll....

 

[Backlash]

You need an F650 or you are an idiot

Let's s not get all crazy now!

 

[ramos45]

I have air bags on truck and that's all i use for towing boat, triple axle and 1100lbs tongue weight. When i got the travel trailer still use the air bags and then tighten the Andersen WD chains. This hitch incorporates anti-sway which is why i got it.

The excursion only pulls the TT with the Andersen WD hitch. no bags on it because we use it offroad too and wouldn't want to rupture a bag.

That's my experience.

 

[oldschool]

You need an F650 or you are an idiot

And racist.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Let's s not get all crazy now!

You mean like every other RDP towing thread

 

[Backlash]

No just this one.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

And racist.

And a bully.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

No just this one.

You must be knew.

 

[Bpracing1127]

I'm going to be getting a 21 ft trailer. Half ton is more than enough.

Ian what bag setup did you get? How are you controlling the bags in the cab?

I have the air rite bags, with a wireless controller in my visor. This setup came with the pump too

 

[Flying_Lavey]

C'mon my truck doesn't ride THAT bad!

Just seems like it may be pushing the limits of the truck and the drivetrain is all I was thinking.

Like I said in my post, all hitch systems have 2 weight ratings. If you're pulling out your dually to tow a 12k load and NOT using a WD hitch, I can just about guarantee you are exceeding the weight limit on at least 1 component of that system (hitch, reciever, or manufacturer's spec).

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[yard dog]

https://video.search.yahoo.com/sear...=67899a53b2a3b7c293acf5a11a3157e2&action=view Frist you need to know how set up a equalizer hitch then you will not need air bags

 

[rivermobster]

If you read the specs and ratings on any of the hitch systems out there, there are 2 ratings. 1 with a WD hitch, and 1 without. The without is SUBSTANITALLY lower than with.

With either hitch you have the same tongue weight the difference is the WD hitch uses the torsion force of the bars to transfer some of that weight up onto the front axle of the truck.Is that the EZ Lift system that has their active away control (as opposed to reactive with a friction bar)? I've seen some of them that just seem like a loud pain in the ass.

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BANG. This man knows.

Air bags and a WD hitch do two completely different things.

You need to determine what it is you are trying to accomplish, to know what tool to use.

Make your first stop: the scales.

And then your owners manual to determine what you need to do.

And always remember this...

You CANNOT run WD bars off road, especially with a GM product. The whoops will turn your frame into a pretzel.

Make sure that all of your towing components can handle the non WD bars load. (So you won't break something when you leave the asphalt, and pull the WD bars off).

Then you have the weight distribution IN your trailer issue to deal with. This has to be correct as well.

Lots to know. Do your own homework. Everyone's set up is different. Do what is right for YOU!

 

[79 HUSTLER]

You need an F650 or you are an idiot

You got that right. The 450 on the right tows the single standup trailer “just ok” without a W/D but the 650 needs the W/D cranked hard when towing the 3 seater lake lice or it’s all over the road and major sag.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

View attachment 774767
You got that right. The 450 on the right tows the single standup trailer “just ok” without a W/D but the 650 needs the W/D cranked hard when towing the 3 seater lake lice or it’s all over the road and major sag.

I've always liked that color on the 650.

See, you should have bought the 750 to tow your lake lice.

 

[ramos45]

Lots to know. Do your own homework. Everyone's set up is different. Do what is right for YOU![/QUOTE]

I can't stress this enough. Do research and get an idea of what you need to do then hit some forums to get some "real world" experiences to assist in some decision making then hit the road and fine tune.

Not telling you what to do just saying what has worked for me whenever learning something new.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I have the air rite bags, with a wireless controller in my visor. This setup came with the pump too

I just texted you, if you can find the link of what you bought that would be great. I like the idea of being able to adjust on the fly.

 

[mesquito_creek]

My air bags are purely for looks and mild ocd.... 1/2 inch of correction for the proper look means a lot to me! I even make my passengers load up before the final psi setting. Heck, if a take a shit I have to reset for level!

 

[rivermobster]

I just texted you, if you can find the link of what you bought that would be great. I like the idea of being able to adjust on the fly.

Any air bag company can sell you the pieces you need to do this. They all have them. Just get out your wallet!



Or come by our shop. We can do it all for you if you want.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Any air bag company can sell you the pieces you need to do this. They all have them. Just get out your wallet!



Or come by our shop. We can do it all for you if you want.

Only a 6 hour drive from my house!

 

[rivermobster]

Only a 6 hour drive from my house!

See ya Monday?

 

[rivermobster]

P.S.

I have both WD bars and air bags on my truck. My set up is totally maxed out. (FS26)

I'm 19k on the scales fully loaded. My Max combined rating it 20k.

Old dinasour truck. The newer trucks have much higher ratings.

 

[Rbcconst]

As some of you know I am going to be buying a toyhauler soon to haul my new SxS around and trying to figure out ways to make hauling the load easier. I have been doing some research on whether air bags or a WD hitch works better for leveling out the truck/load and keeping everything stable and want your input. From what I have seen, WD hitch will probably work better with the TH but the bags will be more versatile to where I can use them with the boat and the flat bed too.

I have also seen that you aren't supposed to have bags and a WD hitch because they work against each other, but I'm not entirely sure how that works.

I had an F-150 i towed a toy hauler and rzr with. I used both and would recommend that. However there is a right and wrong way to set it up. Set up the wrong way it works against itself. The right way is glorious. You need to first put air in the bags and use them like an added leaf spring then set up the WD hitch. You can adjust the air some when its all hooked up but i dont recommend adjusting more the. 10-12 pounds, if you need more then that you should repeat the set up starting with more air in the bags before you set the wd.


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[LargeOrangeFont]

P.S.

I have both WD bars and air bags on my truck. My set up is totally maxed out. (FS26)

I'm 19k on the scales fully loaded. My Max combined rating it 20k.

Old dinasour truck. The newer trucks have much higher ratings.

You are too close to the limit and should buy a new $90K truck post haste. You are unsafe and a menace to society.

That is what I gathered from reading every towing thread here