Should Air Bags on 2015 Toyota Tundra be Inflated Before Using Weight Distribution
Question:
Im trying to get a solid answer on this. I have a 2015 Toyota Tundra and Im pulling a 2020 Cherokee Grey Wolf, its right at 35 foot. All my numbers and weights are in check. Ive pulled several times with no issues. Recently I added an adjustable trailer hitch receiver bought from etrailer to the back of the TT and a Thule 4 bike rack. I also added an Airlift Airbag system bought from etrailer, and upgraded my tires to the Goodyear Endurance, PSI went from 65 to 80, Ive adjusted the PSI down as per the Goodyear website to accommodate my weights. I pulled this past weekend for the first time with the above additions/upgrades. Things definitely were not the same, there seemed to be a lot of sway when being passed by other vehicles. Noticeable enough for my wife and 8 and 10 year old to comment on it. I really have no clarity on how to use the airbags in conjunction with the WDH. I started with 30 PSI in the bags on the way there, I backed down a few pounds on the way back and it seemed to respond better? So my first question: is there a specific way to line these items up to work together, i.e. air in the bags before attaching the TT with WDH or attach the TT to the WDH then add air? I added air and then attached. I noticed that when I did it this way before we headed to the camp ground that when I fully lowered the TT on to the WDH, I could attach the chains and role the latch up by hand without a cheater bar or raising the truck to take tension off, FBI calls that a clue I guess. My second question is if the dynamics changed by adding the airbags, which seem to have taken tension off of the WDH, can shortening my chains by a length seal this gap or is a complete realignment of the WDH in order?
asked by: Chris C
Helpful Expert Reply:
Those are good questions, and thank you for your purchases. What you will want to do is first hook up your loaded trailer to your 2015 Toyota Tundra, and then inflate your air bags like the Air Lift # AL88299. You will then attach your weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66084.
So it sounds like you did indeed do it correctly, but the issue is, like you said, the dynamics of the system will be different than when you were towing without the air bags, because the air bags will have taken some of the sag off your truck, and the dynamics did indeed change. Like you said, some of the tension was removed from the weight distribution system, which is why you are experiencing more sway than you had previously.
Instead of just shortening your chains by a length, I do recommend a complete reinstall/realignment of the weight distribution system. Since your truck is at a different height you will also want to ensure the ball mount portion is at the proper angle as well, which is why you should essentially reinstall the weight distribution.
Products Referenced in This Question
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Air Lift
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
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