Is a Weight Distribution System Needed for a 1999 Ford Expedition with Air Bag Suspensions System  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Weight distribution systems can be used with air bag suspension systems as long as the air bags are not automatically adjustable.

The purpose of your air bag suspension is to help reduce sag at the rear of your vehicle when hauling a heavy load. The purpose of a weight distribution system is to distribute the load on the rear axle of your Expedition to all of the axles which will also reduce sag.

If you are still experiencing sag when your air bags are inflated, then a weight distribution system would help. Sway control is also a good idea if you experience sway issues when towing. If you have automatic air bags, then you could add a friction sway control bar like the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, # 83660, and use a ball mount bracket like # RP26003 with your current ball mount.

You can also add this sway control bar to your current weight distribution system as long as the head of your weight distribution system can accommodate the additional ball for the sway control bar.

Two sway controls are recommended for trailers that weight over 6,000 lbs and/or are longer than 26 ft. If your trailer is longer than 26 ft or heavier than 6,000 lbs, then you will want to add two sway control bars or look into a weight distribution system that includes sway control like the Reese SC or Strait-Line weight distribution systems. I have attached a link to all of the weight distribution systems with sway control that we carry.

Keep in mind, that the most important factor when choosing a weight distribution system is knowing the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer. There are different ways to find the tongue weight of your trailer. I have attached two help articles on weight distribution for you to check out.

If you want to send me the tongue weight of your trailer and whether or not your air bags are adjustable, then I can make a more specific recommendation for your set up.

expert reply by: John H

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