Recommended Air Suspension Kit for 13,000 lb Tandem Axle Food Trailer

Question:

My question is. I just bought a 28×8 food trailer with 2 axels.... The trailer weights about 13,000 pounds. Its a heavy vehicle. Tge tires are about 3 inches from the fender. Everytime i go into a drive way the rear of the trailer gets stuck even when i enter side ways. In addition, tge trailer sways while i am hauling it. Can you please help... What are my alternatives to gix this issue. Do i need air bags on the trailer and what are the cons..... Thank you

asked by: Jose

Expert Reply:

To assist with the stability of the trailer, an air suspension system will give you the support you are seeking for off center loads as well as offering a smoother ride and support for off center loads. For this system, I recommend the Lippert Components Center Point by Trailair Air-Ride Suspension Upgrade - Tandem Axle # LC1565391. This system also raises your trailer about 2 inches to give you additional clearance. If you want suspension support but don't want the air system, you may want to consider the Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Medium-Duty Trailers 7,000 lbs # TTRA1032. This will help mitigate body roll and helps compensate for off-center loads while being maintenance free. You would need one kit for each axle if you choose to add this system.

For an alternative option for ground clearance, if your axles are 3 inch diameter, then I recommend flipping your axles using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00. This will raise your trailer by the 3 inches of your axle plus the thickness of the leaf springs to allow you better frame clearance while maintaining the same ground clearance for your axles. This will allow you more suspension deflection from your fenders as well as you normally want 3-4 inches of movement. This will most likely help you with entering a driveway, but it won't help with sway.

For that, you would want to use a weight distribution system with sway control. Based on your trailer weight, I recommend the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On # BXW2000. This will help disperse the weight of your trailer for a smoother and more controlled ride.

expert reply by: Jason S