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10-19-2018, 06:42 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2023 27' Globetrotter
Pleasant Garden
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 299
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Air bags on a 2018 F250
We have a 2018 F250 Power Stroke to pull our 2019 Serenity 28RB. We will be using the Reese Dual Cam WD hitch. I have had a couple of friends tell me that we would benefit by changing out the factory shocks for a set of Fox shocks and by adding rear air bags. What opinions do you guys have about these two changes in our tow vehicle? Thanks
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10-19-2018, 07:23 AM
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#2
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Welcome Aboard!! 👍
Avoid add on air bags for towing...esp on a 3/4.
Wait...makes little sense to replace perfectly good shocks.
I think FoMoCo knows of which they do...👍
Disclaimer...This is my brain speaking.
Other brains will have other opinions. 😂
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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10-19-2018, 07:31 AM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
2022 33' Classic
2019 33' Classic
2017 27' Tommy Bahama
Scottsdale
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 125
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I have a 27 Tommy Bahama, we have a ‘17 F250 with leveling kit. We are using the ProPride hitch with WD. When we are all hooked up with WD set we have about 1” sag on the backend. But that’s because of the leveling kit.
We’ve towed now about 5000 miles and it pulls like a dream.
However, we are trading up to a classic 33 in january and because of the increase tongue weight we are going to put airbags on as well.
The truck has more than enough capacity to handle these loads without airbags. But with the leveling kit i want to eliminate the sag so it rises level.
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10-19-2018, 07:42 AM
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#4
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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You will want to use the WD to level the TV, not air bags. Watch this video from Fastway Trailers to see why.
https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
__________________
Ray B.
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10-19-2018, 07:47 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
Lakes Region
, New Hampshire
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 815
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Yup, what he said
__________________
"Anyone, who actually fought for it, would know that the freedom we fought for, was so no one could tell us what we have to do." -me
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10-19-2018, 07:59 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Mound
, Minnesota
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 236
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jlandreth
We have a 2018 F250 Power Stroke to pull our 2019 Serenity 28RB. We will be using the Reese Dual Cam WD hitch. I have had a couple of friends tell me that we would benefit by changing out the factory shocks for a set of Fox shocks and by adding rear air bags. What opinions do you guys have about these two changes in our tow vehicle? Thanks
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Your International 28, at a GVWR of 7600 pounds, is quite a bit lighter than some (most?) SOB trailers but still can use weight distribution for safety.
Our situation is similar to yours. International 25FB with a measured tongue weight of 1040 pounds, and a F350. Hooking up without WD lowers the rear less than an inch, but removes 420 pounds from the steering axle. We use our Equalizer hitch to move some of that weight back to the steering axle, but you can hardly see the difference. Here is a link to our CAT scale worksheet from last season. I plan to apply a bit more more WD next year to increase the FALR.
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10-19-2018, 08:17 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
2023 27' Globetrotter
Pleasant Garden
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 299
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I was planning on using the Reese Dual Cam system but it appears that many people believe the Propride to be superior. Since the wife may be pulling the AS some I want whichever system is better. I wasn't sure if the airbags would benefit a WD system of any kind.
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10-19-2018, 08:33 AM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Mound
, Minnesota
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 236
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All of the WD hitches have their fans. Whatever brand you go with, the most important thing is to have it set up correctly. This generally means that you need to learn how to do the setup, or at least check it yourself, since many dealers either don't know very much, or take shortcuts on the setup. I think using a CAT scale to take measurements and tune from there is generally agreed to be the best. There are some good background links in the spreadsheet I posted in #6.
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10-19-2018, 09:29 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jlandreth
We have a 2018 F250 Power Stroke to pull our 2019 Serenity 28RB. We will be using the Reese Dual Cam WD hitch. I have had a couple of friends tell me that we would benefit by changing out the factory shocks for a set of Fox shocks and by adding rear air bags. What opinions do you guys have about these two changes in our tow vehicle? Thanks
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What...? Save your money...
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10-19-2018, 09:50 AM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
2021 30' Flying Cloud
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 16
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We have a 2018 RB Serenity, with a 2018 F250SD, I don't see any need for airbags, just get a WD hitch and make sure it is set up to the right height. We load the truck bed up with grills, bikes, coolers, generator, and it is dead level. On my previous TV, an F150, I needed airbags, but not on the F250. As I stated before, the difference with the F250SD and the F150eccoboost is night and day with power, and control and towing (like it is not there). I would not add airbags, or different shocks? no need
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10-19-2018, 09:53 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2023 27' Globetrotter
Pleasant Garden
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 299
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xfish
We have a 2018 RB Serenity, with a 2018 F250SD, I don't see any need for airbags, just get a WD hitch and make sure it is set up to the right height. We load the truck bed up with grills, bikes, coolers, generator, and it is dead level. On my previous TV, an F150, I needed airbags, but not on the F250. As I stated before, the difference with the F250SD and the F150eccoboost is night and day with power, and control and towing (like it is not there). I would not add airbags, or different shocks? no need
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Thanks for the info, which WD hitch do you use?
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10-19-2018, 10:10 AM
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#12
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New Member
1978 31' Sovereign
Inaianapolis
, Indiana
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
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Air bags on2018 F250
I would forget doing any thing other than what you have. I am pulling a 1978 Sovereign with a 2003 1/2 ton Dodge Ram with a Hemi engine, equalizer hitch. Been doing this for over 15 years with no problems. Happy travels.
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10-19-2018, 10:19 AM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
2018 30' Flying Cloud
Edgewater Park
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 73
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We have a 30' with an F250SD Diesel and ProPride hitch.
There are all kinds of opinions about TV and hitches and here is mine:
- you don't need airbags, the F250 with the properly WD is more than sufficient
- we got the PP hitch and WD system because it is the best in many ways, it is certainly the MOST expensive, but we felt it was the way to go
This is our first season and our first TT and we have done 9 trips so far without incident. Do what you think right and ignore the rest of us!! LOL
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10-19-2018, 10:45 AM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
The Panhandle
, Idaho
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 112
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Don't See the Need
We are also towing with a 2018 F250. The FX4 Crew Cab with the 6.5ft bed. We use an Equalizer Hitch to tow our 2017 Classic 30. This combination is more than up to the task.
As a side note, I used airbags on our previous truck, a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. They helped with the ride quality when towing our SOB, which weighed significantly less than the Classic. But I knew they did not improve the towing capacity and I stayed within the weight limits of our setup. Moving up to the Classic precipitated an upgrade in the TV.
We recently added an AirRide receiver forward of the Equalizer. Could not believe the difference in tow quality. For the first 100 miles or so I found myself checking the mirrors to see if the AS was still back there. Yes, this is an expensive hitch. But it eliminated any 'chucking' motion when towing. Everything rides so much smoother. After reading other's accounts of popped rivets we consider this a good upgrade. And we have not had one cabinet pop open since moving to the AirRide, even when towing over rough gravel roads. YMMV.
__________________
Hoagie '59
Hoagette '57
Whitney and Tobin -- The Aussie Posse
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10-19-2018, 11:06 AM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2018 33' Classic
Weldon Spring
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 43
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Air Bags
I agree with Bob on holding off on the air bags and like Trepine’s comment with a caveat.
I have a 2013 F250 King Ranch (had to get that in there ya know) 6.7L Diesel. Before “I Saw the Light” I had air bags put on for a 44’ fifth wheel to “level” the rig. With 50-60psi they worked great. I was to keep 10psi in them when not pulling. However, the ride IMO is significantly worse when not pulling with minimal inflation in the bags. I already had the shocks.
Now the caveat and compliment. Trepine has impeccable taste in getting a 33’ Classic. The shower and bath is worth the price of admission. I have. 33’ 2018 Classic and love it. I use ant-sway bars/leveling and have never used the air bags and have no dip whatsoever. Minimal psi in at bags as usual 5-10psi.
So, save your money, I say, but individual experience may differ.
🇺🇸Chris
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10-19-2018, 11:23 AM
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#16
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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If you are unable to re-level your rig after you tension the draw bars then you need additional lift. If the hitch capacity is too high you will be beating your trailer excessively. While aftermarket air shocks and lift bags would probably work, the only real solution is an air ride system like Kelderman's. I have had a similar system on my 3/4 ton Duramax for nine years. The ride is superb and matched with Rancho HD shocks from the air ride factory. Also, some where along the way Airstream realized the front end of some, if not all trailers, were weak and need reinforcement. My 35' slide was beefed up when they removed the battery box openings that had previously exhibited cracks. The factory added gussets to both sides of all the vertical ribs in the front end cap. When hitching up with any kind of air system always tension the draw bars first then turn on the air.
guskmg
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10-19-2018, 11:57 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Olympia
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 618
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"We recently added an AirRide receiver forward of the Equalizer. Could not believe the difference in tow quality. For the first 100 miles or so I found myself checking the mirrors to see if the AS was still back there. Yes, this is an expensive hitch. But it eliminated any 'chucking' motion when towing. Everything rides so much smoother. After reading other's accounts of popped rivets we consider this a good upgrade. And we have not had one cabinet pop open since moving to the AirRide, even when towing over rough gravel roads."
_______________________________________________
YES!!! Hallelujah! I had a Blue Ox on my Ram/Cummins 2500. Cabinets were opening. Rivets were popping. The pull-out microwave was falling on the floor. I added an AirRide. All that stopped --- gone --- eliminated.
Last winter, I traded-in my 2500 for a 3500 and also got a ProPride (with which one cannot use an AirRide, or at least I don't know how). First trip out, my sweetie in the shotgun seat turns to me after a mile or so and says, "This ride is a lot harder that before. I can no longer read the paper while you're driving." I was also popping rivets and having cabinet doors open. I took off the ProPride and put on the Blue Ox/AirRide. Problem solved. Smooth ride returned.
__________________
Richard Wills, Olympia, WA --- WBCCI 8873, WL7Z
"Aurum": 2018 Ram/Cummins 3500
"Argentum": 2016 AS FC 27 FB
RIP "BigDog": M Harlequin Great Dane, 150 lb
"St. Rocco": M Black Great Dane, 150 lb
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10-19-2018, 12:00 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2018 28' International
Fayetteville
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 825
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I have a 2018 F250 diesel pulling a 2018 28 Serenity, using a Fastway E2 WD/Sway Conttol hitch. I have 1.25 inch squat in the rear and 1/4 inch rise in the front end. Truck tows like there is nothing back there. No sway.
Leave your truck stock, and go camping.
brick
__________________
brick
2018 International Serenity
Cute wife...
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10-19-2018, 01:18 PM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
2023 27' Globetrotter
Pleasant Garden
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 299
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Thanks guys, lots of great ideas. I like the idea of the Air Ride hitch. I could use it pulling my other trailers also, I assume they would benefit from that too.
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10-19-2018, 01:19 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari FB SE
-
, My heart is in Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 41
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Hmmm. We're towing with a 2018 F250. Our 2006 25'FB has a particularly heavy tongue due to the 4 AGM batteries there (for our solar setup). We towed for the first time at night a few weeks ago, and were getting flashed non stop the entire drive. The trailer drops the back end of the truck enough to lift the front end and shine our headlamps directly into oncoming traffic. We've been thinking airbags may alleviate this...any ideas? We tow with an Equalizer hitch.
__________________
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Jump, and the net will appear.
+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+
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