Truck air bags vs Airsafe hitch?

[Larryi]

I've never had a truck with airbags but as I contemplate switching from a Propride to an Airsafe and WD hitch combo I wondered if airbags would help cushion the jarring from driving on the highway in lieu of a new hitch? I drive a 2022 Ford F350 and have alot of solar installed so my tongue weight is around 1500lbs so i'm looking at ways to improve the ride and baby the AS a bit. It got me to thinking as well about those using Airsafe or Shocker hitches, does your truck also have airbags? Does playing with air pressures in airbags give you a similar effect as an air cushioned hitch?

[hikingcamera]

I don’t know the answer, but am curious what folks have to say about AirSafe. I did want to add, another option is the Gen-Y BOSS and Gylder hitches. In either case, I worry about lifting the 100+ pound hitch.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by hikingcamera

I don’t know the answer, but am curious what folks have to say about AirSafe. I did want to add, another option is the Gen-Y BOSS and Gylder hitches. In either case, I worry about lifting the 100+ pound hitch.

Not an expert here either (yet) but I too am studying Airsafe and Shocker. Also, the portable "lift" system some are using which tucks nicely behind the rear wheel well in the truck bed. Few ASers had these last week at our Bandera Rally in TX, and the Airsafe rep was also there. Folks I talked with using, showed us the lift as well. I am not sure yet...Vinnie likes these, from what I hear, as they do seem to provide a cushion while towing. The one for my 28' would add 95lbs to my Blue Ox set up, but the hitch shaft would not be used/needed anymore. Cost about $1800 for my set up I was told. Not really having any issues with my Blue Ox with any of my AS's; no seperation issues but never owned a front bed model..., so not sure I am ready to invest in either of these "new" gizmos yet....as for the crane, here is one like the one I saw at the Rally. (could be nice for unloading the generator too, if needed)

[tbrowne]

Airbags provide the ability to counter rear sag when carrying heavy loads in the bed or the tongue weight of a trailer. They don't really do much, if anything, to smooth the ride. That isn't what they are intended for. AirSafe and Shocker hitches are built to smooth road impacts to the trailer and the truck receiver. Both look to be good additions but do add cost and weight. So, it really depends on what you're looking for.

[Keys Dave]

I have looked at the in-bed crane several times. I have never seen one in person however. Each time I research the installation it seems like you need to add some sort of interior and exterior support. Where the crane mounts is just thin aluminum bed in the Ford. I think you would have to add a brace off the frame underneath and a plate to spread the load inside the bed.
Although it's a great idea the design and installation hassle always makes me put it off.

[G8trwood]

I believe shocker’s WD model has a 1200lb limit. Or so one of my personalities says. Ymmv

[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.

[hikingcamera]

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.

I don’t have one myself, but the folks I’ve seen on YouTube or read about online say that their AirSafe + Blue Ox WDH is around 100 lbs. No personal experience though. I’ve seen someone with a Gen-Y plus BlueOx that made a little dolly just to roll it up to the truck and get it at the right level to install it.

[BradS]

I can see how adding a weight distribution hitch could push the entire hitch setup to weigh 100 pounds. I just use the Airsafe. Basically just a ball with an airbag between it and the receiver on the truck

[blacklab]

Not an answer to the OP's question, but I would sure like to see a well done comparison (in use) of the AirSafe compared to the Shocker.

Cheers,

Bryan

[Wazbro]

Adding airbags will stiffen the suspension of your truck, the opposite of what you want.

[Minno]

We have a 1500 Ram truck without airbags, but we have an Airsafe Hitch, which we love. Our previous truck was also a 1500 with airbags. We noticed a huge difference when we added the Airsafe hitch with our Equilizer WD system. The Airsafe definitely improves the ride of the truck as well as helping the trailer. On our Alaska Caravan, others were replacing interior rivets every day, while we popped maybe 5 our entire trip. Rough roads, for sure. Our Airsafe weighs 95lb (we weighed it). Model Class V with Equalizer hitch head.



Kay

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Minno

We have a 1500 Ram truck without airbags, but we have an Airsafe Hitch, which we love. Our previous truck was also a 1500 with airbags. We noticed a huge difference when we added the Airsafe hitch with our Equilizer WD system. The Airsafe definitely improves the ride of the truck as well as helping the trailer. On our Alaska Caravan, others were replacing interior rivets every day, while we popped maybe 5 our entire trip. Rough roads, for sure. Our Airsafe weighs 95lb (we weighed it). Model Class V with Equalizer hitch head.



Kay

Interesting post; another cause of popped rivets, broken hinges, etc...tire pressure too high. Just saying...its true.

[Minno]

True, but that isn't the only cause of those issues. We monitor our tire pressure with TPMS at all times and inflate to the recommended pressure. We also use trailer tires, and not truck tires as some do.

Using Airsafe hitch smooths out some of those "3 foot level " roads you encounter. You know, the ones where they leveled the road sections using a 3 foot level, but didn't level between the sections. Feels like you're boinging down the road. Wisconsin was notorious for these on I94 for awhile. When we encounter them now, we say "Wisconsin must have loaned them their 3 foot level".


Kay

[O-side Jimmy]

Airbags are a "must" for 1/2-tons. I wouldn't add them to a 1-ton unless you have a good dentist and chiropractor...

[Merc68dude]

I have the Pro Pride 3p Hitch on my car with air bags. It is advised by Pro Pride to not heavily inflate the air bags as it counters the WD portion of your hitch.

Not certain about the Airsafe Hitch, but the concept of WD is probably the same; just like a wheel barrow.

[Saullman]

I have a F350 with airbags, it does nothing in the way of reducing jarring & vibration for me towing my 2023 Classic 33. I just purchased the Class VI Airsafe hitch and I believe it will solve the jarring & excessive vibration & bouncing around.

[trikdacy]

Originally Posted by Larryi

I've never had a truck with airbags but as I contemplate switching from a Propride to an Airsafe and WD hitch combo I wondered if airbags would help cushion the jarring from driving on the highway in lieu of a new hitch? I drive a 2022 Ford F350 and have alot of solar installed so my tongue weight is around 1500lbs so i'm looking at ways to improve the ride and baby the AS a bit. It got me to thinking as well about those using Airsafe or Shocker hitches, does your truck also have airbags? Does playing with air pressures in airbags give you a similar effect as an air cushioned hitch?

I have the Class VI AirSafe Hitch. I highly recommend it. It allows for a smooth ride. I\\ do recommend getting a portable transmission jack, because this hitch weighs about 100 lbs.

[DMTJLR]

I have a Airsafe hitch on a 2021 F350. Replaced a Pro pride hitch. No airbags but do have Timbrens on truck. Full timer run very heavy. The Airsafe hitch smooths the road very well, bridge joints are a big difference. Yes it heavy, but my wife and I have no trouble getting on and off. I was was on fence which way to go, after watching videos of Airsafe and Shocker hitch and talking to others, glad we bought Airsafe.

[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.