Posted 2012-07-10 11:50 AM (#145495) Subject: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Member
Posts: 17
Please refer to my other post, in the link below. To pull a horse trailer with a 2002 Tundra, V6. Do you usually need to install both a weight distribution kit and an air lift suspension? Or is it usually one or the other. Thanks!
Posted 2012-07-10 1:18 PM (#145499 - in reply to #145495) Subject: RE: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Not all BP trailers have their axles located in the same position, so depending upon the individual brand and model, the tongue weights among them can greatly vary.
As was previously mentioned, try first towing the trailer before any optional equipment is condsidered. Usually you will not need both a WDH and a suspension appliance. Many owners in this forum favour the WDH, I favour suspension aids if additional assistance is necessary.
Posted 2012-07-11 10:19 AM (#145522 - in reply to #145499) Subject: RE: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Member
Posts: 17
Originally written by gard on 2012-07-10 1:18 PM
Not all BP trailers have their axles located in the same position, so depending upon the individual brand and model, the tongue weights among them can greatly vary.
As was previously mentioned, try first towing the trailer before any optional equipment is condsidered. Usually you will not need both a WDH and a suspension appliance. Many owners in this forum favour the WDH, I favour suspension aids if additional assistance is necessary.
Can I pick your brain a little more? Why do you prefer the suspension aids over the WDH? I've heard from some the WDH can make the truck/trailer more rigid.
Posted 2012-07-11 11:31 AM (#145525 - in reply to #145495) Subject: RE: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Why do you prefer the suspension aids over the WDH?
My truck is only used for work, pulling and carrying, not daily transportation. Over the years I've pulled many horse, marine, utility and car hauler trailers. Presently we have three GN horse trailers, and four BP trailers of various duties. We have also owned a series of truck campers, varying in weight from moderate to quite heavy. Over the years we have had quite a bit of home and farm construction/renovation that has needed the truck's load capabilities.
Not all of the trailers and campers would test the suspension limits of our truck, but two would set the back end down a bit. Because there was a constant change in what we hauled, it would be difficult and expensive to set up each trailer and load for a proper level loading.
We installled a very simple over load system called Timbrens. It results in a predetermined loading of our choice. Our suspension is initially unaltered in the ride quality, and when a load of just under a ton or more is applied, the truck will remain at a four inch squat until the tires fail or the axle breaks.
This system has been maintenance free and allows us to carry what ever we want (within the capabilities of the tires and axle) without having to do anything but couple the hitch. All the trailers remain with their stock hitches, and I can hook up to most any type of trailer without worrying if my ride will be stable or not. I don't have to adjust anything for the load, and the truck has as a comfortable ride empty as it first came from Ford.
I've heard from some the WDH can make the truck/trailer more rigid
If your rig has swaying problems or is too heavy for the stock suspension, a WDH system can help. Many swaying problems can be attributed to improper trailer loading. The WDH is a band aid used to correct the symptoms of an over loaded suspension, and possibly an improperly balanced load.
I don't know what you mean by making things more "rigid". If a WDH system will reduce sway and level a load, the towing rig will definitely be more secure and safe to use. It works as advertised, and if you constantly use one vehicle and trailer, and have it properly set up, it is well worth the trouble to purchase and use. Obviously, if you were to hook up to a trailer which isn't set up for your vehicle, your troubles would reoccur.
Again, try pulling the trailer first with no aids. Add what you need as your issues are addressed. I've pulled many BP trailers with various vehicles and have never needed any aux devices.
Posted 2012-07-18 3:02 PM (#145681 - in reply to #145495) Subject: RE: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: Loveland, OH
A WDH fixes the problem, air bags just make you look level. Do not use air bags to counter hitch weight on a bumper pull trailer. It does nothing except raise the rear end. You still have a weight distribution problem.
Posted 2012-07-29 8:24 AM (#145947 - in reply to #145495) Subject: RE: Do I need both Weight Distribution and Air Lift Suspension?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
I've heard from some the WDH can make the truck/trailer more rigid
If your rig has swaying problems or is too heavy for the stock suspension, a WDH system can help. Many swaying problems can be attributed to improper trailer loading. The WDH is a band aid used to correct the symptoms of an over loaded suspension, and possibly an improperly balanced load.
I don't know what you mean by making things more "rigid". If a WDH system will reduce sway and level a load, the towing rig will definitely be more secure and safe to use. It works as advertised, and if you constantly use one vehicle and trailer, and have it properly set up, it is well worth the trouble to purchase and use.