Best Way to Reduce Suspension Sag When Towing a Trailer
Question:
I much appreciate the Etrailer products and the help youoffer customers. I am trying to decide between a Firestone air bag system and the Timbren system to correct my vehicle sag when towing my travel trailer. I have a 2011 Nissan Xterra and pull a Casita travel trailer which tops out at 3,200 lbs. The Xterra has a tow rating of 5,000 lbs. Years ago I had Timbren on a Ford F150 and was a little irratated when running empty and going over rough roads and speed bumps. The truck seemed to bang on the Timbrens. I had the Timbrens installed with only a 1/4inch gap. Would adjusting the gap to 1inch or more on my present setup be more satisfactory, do you think? The fact that I dont vary my load has me leaning more toward the Timbrens than the airbags. What do you think?
asked by: John W
Expert Reply:
We have the perfect product for you, but it's not a suspension enhancement system as they are more ideal for vehicles that are carrying weight in the cargo area of the vehicle.
For a towing situation a weight distribution system would be much better as it actually distributes the tongue weight of the trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle which will help with braking and handling.
The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.
The part # RP66082 should work well for you as it has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features the only sway control on the market that works to prevent sway before it starts.
For a hitch ball you would want part # A-6 for a 2-5/16 inch ball.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
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