Why Does Weight Distribution Get Set Up After Allowing Auto Air Suspension to Settle

Question:

The manual for the 2014 Ford Expedition says that after hooking up your trailer, but before engaging the weight distribution bars, you are supposed to drive two miles so the air suspension can adjust to the load. Why is this and what damage do I do when I do not do this? I just stumbled onto this direction and have not been doing it. I always disengage the automatic leveling when I unhook, but have always engaged the load distribution bars immediately upon hookup. Will I be sent to trailering Hell for this?

asked by: Dave R

Expert Reply:

If there's such a thing as trailering hell you would not be sent there! So the reason it's recommended to let the suspension support settle before installing the spring bars of your system is so that your system is setup properly for the suspension as it will be supported when traveling. I wouldn't worry too much about not doing it by the book in the past but I'd strongly recommend you follow the procedure going forward.

I also attached a page that has several weight distribution help article links as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C