Community Forums

Quadzilla · 05-28-2014, 05:55 AM

We just bought the trailer in my signature, and are considering the various modifications that can be made to eliminate sag in the rear end. We're not interested in having the rear end of the truck higher than stock when not connected, so we aren't considering F350 blocks.
Air bags are the obvious solution, but what are the other options?

paz · 05-28-2014, 06:03 AM

Are you using a weight distributing hitch? If not, get one. It will enable you to transfer some of the tongue weight of the trailer to the front axle of the truck, and it will be a lot more effective and cheaper than modifying your truck's suspension.

If you already have a weight distributing hitch, tighten up on the spring bars one more notch to transfer more tongue weight to the front axle of the truck.

Franka548 · 05-28-2014, 06:48 AM

The best upgrade, after the correct size and setup WD hitch is a set of air bags. Along with the airbags would be the on board air system, that way you can set the ride height from the drivers seat. Another option is a set of Timbrens
Frank

ahicks · 05-28-2014, 07:11 AM

Assuming you have a weight distributing hitch, and that the ball height has been properly set to match that of the trailer, the rest is about the torsion bars. They MUST be of adequate size and be set with the correct amount of tension to level the truck and trailer. If the trailer or the truck is level, and the other side is not, the ball height is wrong. If the whole rig is sagging in the middle, the torsion bars are not set with enough tension, or they're too small. There's very little in the way of options to change that and maintain the expected level of handling?

This is something the dealer should have shown you at the time of delivery?

If your truck is squatting under the weight of the trailer something isn't right. Adding air bags is just a patch. Not something you should need to do. If you decide to go with them anyway, there's a good chance you aren't going to care for the way it handles cross wind or some passing situations. The weight that should be transferring to the front axle of the truck, your steering axle, isn't happening. The rear axle will be overloaded, and you'll be paying the price with degraded handling.

A little time spent figuring out how to do it right at this point will be an excellent investment! That's my opinion, FWIW. -Al

gggplaya · 05-28-2014, 10:25 PM

First use a weight distribution hitch.

If it still squats alot, you should really measure your weights and load the trailer correctly. Make sure you aren't over your gross vehicle weight, that's dangerous.

Next, you have a few options for improving your ride height back to level.
1. Airbags as you already know. About $200-$300, use a small air compressor to inflate them. Add an incab switch and onboard compressor for a little more money.
2. Helper springs, not the 3500 springs. BUt special smaller springs like what Hellwig sells, which don't activate until you have some load on the vehicle. So unloaded, it will ride like factory, but start adding weight and the spring starts to kick in. Fairly Cost effective at about $220.

Cumminsfan · 05-28-2014, 11:28 PM

If the OP is loading a bunch of stuff in the truck along with the heavy tongue weight then airbags are the answer. Load up the truck then air the bags to return the rear to normal. Then hitch up and use the WD to set the front of the truck.
If the OP's not using any WD then he needs to. If the truck is squatting enough to make him concerned then he has more tongue weight on the receiver than it can handle.