What is the Difference Between a Rear Air Bag System and a Weight Distribution System

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Question:

Thanks for your help I drive a 2006 Ford 350 Powerstroke Diesel 4x4 Dually and the Trailer is a Stealth FS2812 with the following weights: Hitch Weight: 1,354lbs Axle Weight: 7,629lbs GVWR: 14,000lbs CCC: 4,958lbs Total Length 34.1 feet Thanks

asked by: James Y

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Expert Reply:

Basically, a weight distribution system moves some of the load up the vehicle frame so that the front suspensions bears some of the weight. Weight distribution spreads some of the weight from the rear axle to the front.

An air bag system spreads the weight across the rear axle. Instead of having 2 springs bearing the load, you now have 4.

When towing large trailers, air bags should not be used instead of a weight distribution system. A hitch and vehicle will have a Weight Carrying Capacity and a Weight Distribution Capacity. If the tongue and/or trailer weight exceeds the Weight Carrying Capacity for the hitch or vehicle, you should be using a weight distribution system. If the trailer exceeds the Weight Distribution rating of either the vehicle or the hitch, you should not be towing that trailer with the vehicle.

expert reply by: Patrick B

0

James

3/22/2010

Thanks for your help I drive a 2006 Ford 350 Powerstroke Diesel 4x4 Dually and the Trailer is a Stealth FS2812 with the following weights: Hitch Weight: 1,354lbs Axle Weight: 7,629lbs GVWR: 14,000lbs CCC: 4,958lbs Total Length 34.1 feet Thanks

Reply

Patrick B.

3/22/2010

That is a pretty healthy trailer. With a trailer that heavy and long, you would need a weight distribution system like part # 66130. This system is heavy enough to handle the weight of your trailer and it includes the Reese Dual Cam Sway Control system. I imagine you may need this with a trailer that long. You will also need a WD Shank and a ball to complete the package. I will add a link to all the 14K weight distribution shanks below. I would use a weight distribution system before I started thinking about air bags. The F-350 has a pretty stout suspension on it and an airbag system may not be necessary with a good weight distribution system. You may decide later that you want to add it, but I would try a WD system first. In case you do want to add airbags or a suspension enhancement system here are the kits that will fit your truck. You can use the Timbren rubber spring Suspension Enhancement System part # TFR350SDF. We normally recommend these for people who are towing the same load all the time or do not want to use air springs. If your load will vary or you want the adjustable suspension provided by an air spring, you can use part # F2071.

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Answer 1

The shank included in the Curt TruTrack Weight Distribution System part #C17500 has a 7-1/2" rise and a 1/2" drop while using trunnion spring bars. Therefore, if your current needs require a 5-1/4" drop in order to keep the…

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Answer 2

It is possible to use a weight distribution system and air spring suspension enhancement together in a 2013 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, though if you are experiencing sag with a weight distribution system, it may not have the proper rating for…

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Answer 3

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. Measuring is not required if you just take a look at your coupler and see where it attaches to…

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Answer 4

An underslung trailer coupler is one that attaches to the bottom of the trailer frame and an overslung one is one that attaches to the top of the frame. The Replacement Head for Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Systems part #BXW4011 is for…

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Answer 5

As long as the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Springs #AL57375 is properly installed on your 2021 Ram 1500 the airbags will not void your warranty. You are protected under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act which states that manufactures cannot void the…

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Answer 6

Not all aluminum trailer frames are strong enough for use with a steel weight distribution (WD) system. It is possible that the stronger steel WD components could put too much stress on the frame. If your trailer has an aluminum frame you'll…

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Answer 7

The Camco RV Power Defender, part #CAM55312 can only withstand a single surge. It cannot reset its surge protector once its used, and will need to be replaced. There is a version that will reset itself though and for that part number you'd want…

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Answer 8

For your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD we have the Firestone Ride Rite kit part#F2609 as a confirmed fit but the #F2071 you referenced will not fit as it's for a different truck. I attached an install video for this for you to check out as well.

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Answer 9

Anytime the fully loaded and ready to tow trailer weight is greater than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle, using weight distribution should be considered. When you get the pop-up, hitch it to the vehicle and pay special attention to the…

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Answer 10

The Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10235 would be an excellent radial tire for your camper. We also have the Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire #AM1ST86 which, like your original tires, is a diagonal bias tire. The bias ply tire has a…

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Answer 11

I have a few options for you, but air bags are not really designed to correct trailer sway. The main purpose for suspension enhancement systems like the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, #F2525, is to reduce sag and improve stability on the…

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Answer 12

Propane tanks can't be store inside of an enclosed container like a toolbox. If they build enough pressure it has to vent out to open air. That is why the plastic propane tank covers you see on trailers are open at the bottom. I recommend a…

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What is the Difference Between a Rear Air Bag System and a Weight Distribution System

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