Levelling rear while towing

[detroitfd]

Hey guys-

When towing my 7k# travel trailer, the excursion rides pretty comfortably, but sags a bit in the rear. I sort of remember reading about some using different springs or something of that nature, and others using air bags. Obviously the air bags would be adjustable, so that's a huge plus, but I'm sure cost more as well.

How much is a c omplete air bag kit? With a little poking around, it looks like you buy the bags and control kit seperately, and that's about $4-500 and up. Are there better deals to be had, perhaps buying entire kit?

If other methods such as springs, how do you guys like em? How much are these options?

Thanks in advance for your opinions guys, just beginning to check into this for the towing season coming up.

[overfly]

I use Firestone air bags with an onboard compressor. Had them on for 2+ years and never any issues. They can be adjusted for different loads, terrain, etc., which makes them very convenient. I got them here for about $500 for the bags, gauges, compressor. I'm very happy with them and the install took about 3 hours.

[OMCUSNR]

Originally Posted by detroitfd

Hey guys-

When towing my 7k# travel trailer, the excursion rides pretty comfortably, but sags a bit in the rear. I sort of remember reading about some using different springs or something of that nature, and others using air bags. Obviously the air bags would be adjustable, so that's a huge plus, but I'm sure cost more as well.

How much is a c omplete air bag kit? With a little poking around, it looks like you buy the bags and control kit seperately, and that's about $4-500 and up. Are there better deals to be had, perhaps buying entire kit?

If other methods such as springs, how do you guys like em? How much are these options?

Thanks in advance for your opinions guys, just beginning to check into this for the towing season coming up.

Are you using a weight dristibuting hitch? If you are, it may need adjusting. If set up right, the whole rig should be level, especially at that weight.

OMC

[detroitfd]

Originally Posted by OMCUSNR

Are you using a weight dristibuting hitch? If you are, it may need adjusting. If set up right, the whole rig should be level, especially at that weight.

OMC

Yes, I'm using the Equal-I-Zer hitch system. The issue is that it's adjusted all the way up right now. There are two adjustments on it : The L brackets on the trailer frame and the # of washers on the hitch near the ball. Both are adjusted fully. It's not horrible sag, but noticeable.

Funny thing you mentioned that. I didn't know you could use the hitch shank both up or down, so in Spring I'll recheck it and see if that helps.

Plus, now looking into steering wandering correction before the bags perhaps anyway. So many choices.

Thanks for pointing that ut, maybe it'll work.

[Hook'em Horns!]

Originally Posted by detroitfd

Hey guys-

When towing my 7k# travel trailer, the excursion rides pretty comfortably, but sags a bit in the rear. I sort of remember reading about some using different springs or something of that nature, and others using air bags. Obviously the air bags would be adjustable, so that's a huge plus, but I'm sure cost more as well.

How much is a c omplete air bag kit? With a little poking around, it looks like you buy the bags and control kit seperately, and that's about $4-500 and up. Are there better deals to be had, perhaps buying entire kit?

If other methods such as springs, how do you guys like em? How much are these options?

Thanks in advance for your opinions guys, just beginning to check into this for the towing season coming up.

If price is an issue, just a manual Firestone Ride-Rite [2251] at Underbid.com air spring kit can be had for less than $230. Utilize a small plug-in compressor for adjustment and you're there.

[hiljoball]

Originally Posted by detroitfd

Yes, I'm using the Equal-I-Zer hitch system. The issue is that it's adjusted all the way up right now.
Plus, now looking into steering wandering correction before the bags perhaps anyway.

Perhaps you do not have enough tension on the tension bars? It should be very hard to leever them into place. If it is fairly easy, then you do not have enough tension. Move the brackets higher on the trailer frame.

If they are adjusted right, then it makes the job easier if you crank up the trailer/truck once the ball is locked, then lever the torsion bars in place. Now lower the crank and the tension will come onto the bars. Do the reverse to unhitch.

Do you have the manual for the hitch? It has clear adjustment and useage instructions.

If your steering wander is while hitched up, it is probably related to too much downforce on the pin or insufficient tension on the equalizer.

[detroitfd]

Originally Posted by hiljoball

Perhaps you do not have enough tension on the tension bars? It should be very hard to leever them into place. If it is fairly easy, then you do not have enough tension. Move the brackets higher on the trailer frame.

If they are adjusted right, then it makes the job easier if you crank up the trailer/truck once the ball is locked, then lever the torsion bars in place. Now lower the crank and the tension will come onto the bars. Do the reverse to unhitch.

Do you have the manual for the hitch? It has clear adjustment and useage instructions.

If your steering wander is while hitched up, it is probably related to too much downforce on the pin or insufficient tension on the equalizer.

I did follow the instructions, but they didn't seem spot on for my truck. Basically my L brackets on the trailer are already adjusted all the way up. But if I flip the receiver with the ball on it, it'll give me more adjustment up then I have now. I'll try it in the Spring and see if it helps.

Thanks.