Air bags again (relocated from another thread)

[rvcycleguy]

I appreciate your comments. But, I'm not able to do the same thing with WDH, when I'm not using the truck to tow. The air bags assist me when I use the truck to haul heavy items. When I tow, the tongue weight of the TM does not require a WDH with the Tundra.

Its only when I carry and tow in combination that I will use air bags and WDH.

thanks,

rv

[ShrimpBurrito]

Originally Posted by rvcycleguy

I appreciate your comments. But, I'm not able to do the same thing with WDH, when I'm not using the truck to tow. The air bags assist me when I use the truck to haul heavy items. When I tow, the tongue weight of the TM does not require a WDH with the Tundra.

Its only when I carry and tow in combination that I will use air bags and WDH.

thanks,

rv

Air bags should not be used to level out your TV. If your truck is sagging at any time, i.e. the back goes down much further than the front, your weight is not properly distributed. When you tow, you can compensate for this to a degree using a WDH. When you are not towing, you cannot compensate at all for this (that I know of). As others (and myself) had stated here, air bags do nothing to distribute weight, and they certainly, absolutely, positively DO NOT increase the payload capacity of your vehicle. Improve ride in some cases, yes.

You will do yourself a huge favor if you take 10 min and read through this old but authoritative thread on this very topic:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ead.php?t=2659

Dave

[rvcycleguy]

thanks

Years ago I overloaded my pickup with a camper. We added an extra leaf to the rear springs to level it. A year or two later a rear axle bearing went, luckily at low speeds, and that rear axle slid out from the housing.

I agree with about everyone else here. You have not increased your payload capacity, or the truck's GVWR or GAWR's, by upgrading the suspension alone. Some of your other upgrades will certainly help, but there are many items that need to be considered, including a heavier duty rear axle with heavier bearings.

If you are only occasionally carrying over-weight loads for short distances, then there may be no problem with the airbags. Who knows how over-engineered the truck is?

But for longer trips with your trailer, a WDH is a much better leveling solution, as it actually removes weight from the rear axle, the weakest point. And the air bags may still be useful to stiffen the truck's suspension while towing with the WDH.

[rvcycleguy]

I have used my system for 8 years. Probably use it 6 times per year for carrying heavy loads. The manufacturer offers this description:

Enjoy the smooth ride with sport-Rite air helper springs. These revolutionary air springs were developed to maintain a level vehicle while offering the best possible ride characteristics under any load condition.

Maximize your vehicle's suspension performance with Firestone air helper springs. Sport-Rite air helper springs utilize a tapered style air spring that will support up to 3,000 lbs. per set. With dynamic ride characteristics, hauling and towing control are vastly improved. Make your vehicle a total performer with Firestone Sport-Rite air helper springs.

Sport-Rite air helper springs can also be installed on most light trucks, SUVs and vans. Sport-Rite air helper springs are installed between the frame of the vehicle and the suspension, providing load support through the use of air pressure. Each application is specifically designed to maximize the safe load carrying capacity, stability, and ride quality of the vehicle.

Just to clarify, For my needs, I do not use a WDH when just towing the TM. When I load the motorcycle in the truck bed, I use the airbags. When I carry the MC and tow the TM at the same time, I use the airbags, and a WDH.


thanks

[Bill]

I guess I am always cautious about glowing advertising statements by someone who wants to sell you something. They may not actually lie to you, but they will mislead to beat the band.

Things like "...best possible ride characteristics under any load condition" are meaningless. In a truck, the ride feels better with any heavy load in the back, simply because the inertia of the load smooths out small bumps. If "ride characteristics" means "your headlights won't point into the sky", then I guess that is right. But that is not what you are trying to do.

Similarly, the statement "... air helper springs are installed between the frame of the vehicle and the suspension, providing load support through the use of air pressure." is also meaningless. Of course it supports the load - but as has been said by several members, it does not reduce the load, and the total load (or overload) is still supported by the bearings/wheels/tires, all of which are heavily stressed and can fail due to overloading.

But I have a feeling I'm not being any more convincing than any of the other posts.

Bill

So what I hear everyone saying (to include rvcycleguy) is that the airbags do increase the maximum weight he can carry in the bed of his truck while maintaining a level appearance to his truck. The truck being level may provide better handling.
The airbags don NOT increase his total weight capacity. His gross weight limit is still the same as it was before. That glowing advertisement from someone who wants to sell a product never claims to increase anything...meerly to maximize or optimize the performance when underload.
What I take from all of this...the use of airbags is controversial and a personal preference. However, I think we all agree that as long as you don't attempt to overload (carry more than a vehicle is rated to carry) then you are okay with, or without, airbags.

Originally Posted by Bill

I guess I am always cautious about glowing advertising statements by someone who wants to sell you something. They may not actually lie to you, but they will mislead to beat the band.

Things like "...best possible ride characteristics under any load condition" are meaningless. In a truck, the ride feels better with any heavy load in the back, simply because the inertia of the load smooths out small bumps. If "ride characteristics" means "your headlights won't point into the sky", then I guess that is right. But that is not what you are trying to do.

Similarly, the statement "... air helper springs are installed between the frame of the vehicle and the suspension, providing load support through the use of air pressure." is also meaningless. Of course it supports the load - but as has been said by several members, it does not reduce the load, and the total load (or overload) is still supported by the bearings/wheels/tires, all of which are heavily stressed and can fail due to overloading.

But I have a feeling I'm not being any more convincing than any of the other posts.

Bill

Bill:
I remember you saying in one of your posts that the tow vehicle you have is marginal for towing in the mountains.
My 5.2L V8 automatic is also on the marginal side pulling on the grades so I need some advice. This is what I was thinking of doing this coming summer if I do not have a bigger TV by then. Not using the WDH (weighs a ton) dropping off one of the batteries plus the extra propane tank and carrying no water maybe even taking the aluminum topper off and then having air shocks put on. Also keeping everything within cargo limits including the hitch weight. Now I am looking at some 5.9L V8 automatic trucks to replace mine as I do not want to pull the heart out of it but just in case do you think that is a viable temporary solution? The next TV will be my last so I will not be jumping at anything just because it is there.

Bob

Anyone else please feel free to jump in!