Truck air bags vs Airsafe hitch?

[Eva316]

Vinnie recommended air bags for our F150 (w/ max tow pkg), towing an international 25FB, to help avoid front-end separation. We installed them and I’m glad we have them, but I can say that the ride is much stiffer, not cushier.

[G8trwood]

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

We have almost 4 years and 25k miles on our Class VI Airsafe. Things to note:

1. Smooths the ride considerably. No more "kick back" from the trailer when crossing RR tracks!
2. The additional allows LOTS of room between tailgate in "down" position, and front of trailer
3. CON - the added extension ment our Ford "Auto backing" feature wouldn't work as the decal is "out of view"
4. Yes, it's heavy. But Harbor Freight's rolling transmission jack is PERFECT. I never lift it, just "strap on/strap off & slide in"
5. https://www.harborfreight.com/450-lb...SABEgLaY_D_BwE
6. No longer encounter "interior toss" that we did previously...

I wouldn't pull our AS without it. And anyone following Keep Your Daydream, they confessed they wouldn't add the airbags to their truck if they had to do it again...no gain.

I was thinking they just posted that they think it helps ride? Maybe not. I can’t decide on the airbags vs the sumo springs that engage the over load springs.

My new 350 is definitely softer springs than older generations. Maybe the design of upper overload to allow a softer main pack…. With a topper, bedslide, generator, grill, etc, I always have at least a 1000lbs, often 1500. It bounces into and out of the upper overload springs and will porpoise on bridges without the trailer.

And I thought there wasn’t any math! Force vectors and bad roads oh my

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

And anyone following Keep Your Daydream, they confessed they wouldn't add the airbags to their truck if they had to do it again...no gain.

Originally Posted by G8trwood

I was thinking they just posted that they think it helps ride? Maybe not.

They did: https://youtu.be/U_jbq4GXDBM?feature=shared

I don't know much about how it affects ride. I do know they have the opposite effect of a WDH: https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg?feature=shared

[Saullman]

Depends which model of Airsafe one has. The lower end models like the 'Class IV' weigh considerably less then a 'Class VI'

[Cowbell]

Originally Posted by BradS

I have an Airsafe hitch. I’ve had it since fall of 2011. I really like it and it only weighs around 65 pounds. I’m not sure how a guy could get it to weigh 100pounds.

Other models that handle a heavier capacity can weigh 100# plus.

[Cowbell]

Having air bags on the truck will stiffen your ride. The AirSafe will soften the ride for the trailer, especially when carrying heavy loads in the truck with air bag pressure up at 40#.

[trikdacy]

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

We have almost 4 years and 25k miles on our Class VI Airsafe. Things to note:

1. Smooths the ride considerably. No more "kick back" from the trailer when crossing RR tracks!
2. The additional allows LOTS of room between tailgate in "down" position, and front of trailer
3. CON - the added extension ment our Ford "Auto backing" feature wouldn't work as the decal is "out of view"
4. Yes, it's heavy. But Harbor Freight's rolling transmission jack is PERFECT. I never lift it, just "strap on/strap off & slide in"
5. https://www.harborfreight.com/450-lb...SABEgLaY_D_BwE
6. No longer encounter "interior toss" that we did previously...

I wouldn't pull our AS without it. And anyone following Keep Your Daydream, they confessed they wouldn't add the airbags to their truck if they had to do it again...no gain.

I have an 2019 F350 DRW diesel and I use the backup camera feature. It compresses the trailer width and gives a view of both sides. It takes some getting used to. I do not have auto backing. I put the checkerboard pattern slightly under the propanes cover, but it is mostly visible. I had to max out all measurements on the input tables. I also have no problems with blind spot monitoring when entering max trailer length. You are correct saying the extended length allows for the tailgate to be opened while hitched. It allows me to get out all my leveling and chocking gear with having to open up the tonneau.

Do you check your mirror quite often to make sure the trailer is still attached, because the ride is so smooth? I check it anyway, but still cannot believe how smooth the ride is.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by trikdacy

I have an 2019 F350 DRW diesel and I use the backup camera feature. It compresses the trailer width and gives a view of both sides. It takes some getting used to. I do not have auto backing. I put the checkerboard pattern slightly under the propanes cover, but it is mostly visible. I had to max out all measurements on the input tables. I also have no problems with blind spot monitoring when entering max trailer length. You are correct saying the extended length allows for the tailgate to be opened while hitched. It allows me to get out all my leveling and chocking gear with having to open up the tonneau.

Do you check your mirror quite often to make sure the trailer is still attached, because the ride is so smooth? I check it anyway, but still cannot believe how smooth the ride is.

Get the Levelmate Pro and a set of Anderson levelers with their chocks and you won't need that level anymore. Much easier and faster.

[BigAl]

I have a hybrid pickup with the maxtow package. When I hook up my trailer with 800 lb tongue weight there is quite a bit of sag in the rear. I had to crank up the weight distribution bars almost to their limit to level the trailer and truck. Very hard ride!
I installed airbags and inflate to about 50 psi. Now it only takes a little to get the ride height level and the front end of the truck close to empty ride height. It is a much gentler ride. It seems that carrying part of the load on the airbags and part on the springs gives a softer ride. Also when not towing I let the air out to 10 psi. Recommended minimum pressure to prevent air bag damage. This only raises the truck an 1/8th of an inch from 0psi.

[hikingcamera]

Originally Posted by BigAl

I have a hybrid pickup with the maxtow package. When I hook up my trailer with 800 lb tongue weight there is quite a bit of sag in the rear. I had to crank up the weight distribution bars almost to their limit to level the trailer and truck. Very hard ride!
I installed airbags and inflate to about 50 psi. Now it only takes a little to get the ride height level and the front end of the truck close to empty ride height. It is a much gentler ride. It seems that carrying part of the load on the airbags and part on the springs gives a softer ride. Also when not towing I let the air out to 10 psi. Recommended minimum pressure to prevent air bag damage. This only raises the truck an 1/8th of an inch from 0psi.

Be sure to check your manufacturer's specs. Most Ford pickups, for instance, indicate returning only 50% of the load back to the front axle. My dealer set our WDH to return 100%, and we had a ton of porpoising. I re-adjusted to the manufacturer specs, and it's much better. I've also towed (one time when I forgot my WD bars at my house when picking up our trailer from service) without an WD (going very slowly home) and could feel the difference there too. The 50% feels like the right balance. Ford clearly designed it with that intent (their F-150s at least come with a downward cant, so that the rear is higher than the front when unloaded). FWIW, YMMV.

[Tim J]

I got a shocker hitch to be used for my flatbed behind our bus, but have been trying it with our F350 and 83 31' airstream. It makes a big difference with sharp bumps like train tracks or bridge expansion joints. It was always pretty smooth towing as we would be loaded down, but now it's even better!

[thanx2u2]

Why did you replace the pro pride. I thought they were the best. I have a pro pride on my 30 classic. (it came with it). I have a ram 3500. I have adjusted it the best I can and with the help of the pro pride techs. I still have a bit of tail wag on my trailer, and feel the push of my truck and trailer when cars pass me.

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by thanx2u2

Why did you replace the pro pride. I thought they were the best. I have a pro pride on my 30 classic. (it came with it). I have a ram 3500. I have adjusted it the best I can and with the help of the pro pride techs. I still have a bit of tail wag on my trailer, and feel the push of my truck and trailer when cars pass me.

PP hitch has bearings in it that can wear out and get loose. You need to inspect it for looseness and wear. I cannot imagine any sway or tail wag with a PP hitch in good working order.

Charles

[gypsydad]

I was at the AS dealership yesterday talking hitches, and they told me they have had 2 different customers this year, come in and have them take off the PP hitch due to difficulties with "hitching" up to the AS. Both ended up purchasing Blue Ox Sway Pro. FYI...I have watched both Hensly and PP folks at different Rallys who complained how long it takes to hitch up with the back and forth to get the stinger engaged and the distance from the ground to the hitch. Not sure why this is, but I can understand the frustration. I understand the attraction and the tow benefit some folks tout while towing.

I am very happy with the Blue Ox set up over the years. As for Airbags and Shocker/Airsafe type additions for towing; Airbags do nothing but level your vehicle out... if your WDH is set up properly and you don't have an "overloaded" cargo/bed area, your WDH should level out your load. I can see where they may be handy for adjusting the hitch height for loading/unloading on the ball in some cases perhaps. But if your using to compensate because your overloaded, your overloaded; unsafe. the Airsafe or Shocker, seem to be gaining attention, but costly for sure on top of your WDH. Concerns about rubber bladder leaks, or wear I have heard, but no experience. Jury is still out I believe.

[O-side Jimmy]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

I was at the AS dealership yesterday talking hitches, and they told me they have had 2 different customers this year, come in and have them take off the PP hitch due to difficulties with "hitching" up to the AS. Both ended up purchasing Blue Ox Sway Pro. FYI...I have watched both Hensly and PP folks at different Rallys who complained how long it takes to hitch up with the back and forth to get the stinger engaged and the distance from the ground to the hitch. Not sure why this is, but I can understand the frustration. I understand the attraction and the tow benefit some folks tout while towing.

I am very happy with the Blue Ox set up over the years. As for Airbags and Shocker/Airsafe type additions for towing; Airbags do nothing but level your vehicle out... if your WDH is set up properly and you don't have an "overloaded" cargo/bed area, your WDH should level out your load. I can see where they may be handy for adjusting the hitch height for loading/unloading on the ball in some cases perhaps. But if your using to compensate because your overloaded, your overloaded; unsafe. the Airsafe or Shocker, seem to be gaining attention, but costly for sure on top of your WDH. Concerns about rubber bladder leaks, or wear I have heard, but no experience. Jury is still out I believe.

I've been running airbags for over 25 years. I wouldn't have a truck without them. They do more than just level. They eliminate a "soft" suspension, essentially turning a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 ton. Sway is less as long as each bag has its own fill tube. I've never had a leak. Just leave 5-10 pounds in them when you're not towing. I use a handheld air compressor with a rechargeable battery. The same battery as my Lug Gun, screwdriver I use of dropping the stabilizers, etc..

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by O-side Jimmy

I've been running airbags for over 25 years. I wouldn't have a truck without them. They do more than just level. They eliminate a "soft" suspension, essentially turning a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 ton. Sway is less as long as each bag has its own fill tube. I've never had a leak. Just leave 5-10 pounds in them when you're not towing. I use a handheld air compressor with a rechargeable battery. The same battery as my Lug Gun, screwdriver I use of dropping the stabilizers, etc..

I stand by my statement. I also have had airbags in several SUV's over the years, and they have a purpose for sure. But, not do not take the place of a WDH. If the load on your rear is sagging from your travel trailer and weight in the back, and your over your payload limits on your door jamb, don't be fooled by the airbags "lifting" your load to level...that ain't doing anything except making you feel better perhaps that the load is level, is my point. Lots of data on this one and many Youtubes to back it up.

[daleyocum]

I have a 2024 F350 pulling a FC25FB with a lot of electrical upgrades so our tongue weight is 1,200 pounds. My wife is super sensitive to ride and porpoising so we’ve done everything we can to minimize both.

The shocks have been upgraded to Billstein which did help overall ride and damps out shocks.

We had the fancy BW Weight distribution system from our F150 days so I tried that. With a F350 I can confidently say the ride is vastly better without WD. Sway is a non issue with a big F350 and a front heavy trailer. I love just dropping the trailer on the ball and going. WD is making a more rigid connection between the trailer and the truck which can’t be good for the ride.

Keep Your Daydream did a test with and without airbags and decided it rode better with airbags. We gave it a whirl and they are right. I think what’s going on is with the bags pumped up to 40psi they are unloading the leaf springs slightly and handling some of the load themselves. Just a theory but for whatever reason, the bags raise the rear up about an inch and makes the rig ride noticeably better.

We tried a Airsafe competitor, the GenY, and took it off after 15 minutes! It definitely increased the porpoising. Maybe it was some interaction with airbags but whatever it is it wasn’t for us.

[jpgarc01]

Originally Posted by Larryi

... as I contemplate switching from a Propride to an Airsafe and WD hitch combo...

Hi @larryi - where did you land with this decision?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by O-side Jimmy

I've been running airbags for over 25 years. I wouldn't have a truck without them. They do more than just level. They eliminate a "soft" suspension, essentially turning a 1/2 ton into a 3/4 ton. Sway is less as long as each bag has its own fill tube. I've never had a leak. Just leave 5-10 pounds in them when you're not towing. I use a handheld air compressor with a rechargeable battery. The same battery as my Lug Gun, screwdriver I use of dropping the stabilizers, etc..

POI...AB's do nothing to the "payload".

Bob
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