In search of 2417 or 2518

[Bill]

I just don't see why the push for a weight distribution hitch when we already know that the vehicle can't use one. .... They work great for vehicles that can actually use them.

Dan -

I agree with the last part. I don't mean to be argumentative, but when the discussion of WDH started, the OP had not yet mentioned Sorrento or the non-applicability of a WDH. His solution, which I support, was to look for a TM with lower tongue weight. As for the use of air bags as a substitute, we will agree to disagree. The ability to air differing opinions was one of the reasons why Chris in New Mexico started this Forum, years ago. This has been an interesting discussion, and I hope that readers can take useful information from it.

Bill

[Dan3023]

So you'd rather see them tow with the rear-end sagging so they can scrape going into driveways or dips in the road? If a vehicle can't use a WDH, air bags are really the only option. In this case it is not a substitution as it is the only way to level the vehicle while towing. As for me, yes, I know a WDH would be the best way for me to go. I use air bags because the rods and screws in my neck and back make putting a heavy hitch on my truck a bit painful. I am well within my weight limits and air bags work just fine. If I had paid a bit more for my Avalnache I could have gotten an air-ride suspension that would have automatically leveled it out. I fully understand the workings and reasons for a WDH. That doesn't make the use of air bags wrong though. I'd rather tow with my vehicle level than have my headlights pointing to the sky. Sometimes air bags are the only way to do that. I also am not trying to be argumentative. I just don't want others to think that air bags are unsafe, they are not.

[Viprjoe]

I know the manufacturer lists the 17 and 18 as considerably less than the 19 and 20 but in real world I don’t think it’s much. I just got a 17 and the original paper work that came with it showed almost 2500lbs.

[Shane826]

Then that tow vehicle & trailer combination probably isn’t an ideal combination to begin with.

I’m much more concerned with stopping and turning than scraping when pulling out of the driveway.

[Dan3023]

That's where I trust the manufacturer of the vehicle to know how much it can handle. If the trailers weight and tongue weight are within the limits, air bags are fine. Thousands of people use them every day. Electric brakes help stop in a big way. I'm sure the manufacturer knows how much weight can be on the ball and still be safe for steering. I understand where you are coming from, but I think air bags are just fine as long as you stay within the weight limits set by the manufacturer. I've seen trailers fold with a WDH. Maybe those shouldn't be used either. If the vehicle sags, maybe buy a bigger truck. We can all make arguments against any product.

[Abacus]

I understand the reasoning behind the airbags and how it doesn't affect weight distribution but would affect vehicle sag. And thank you for the link to the Kia airbags, I honestly didn't think they were available so I never looked. I've had leveling airbags on trucks before and they do make a difference when towing. The suspension is soft on lots of vehicles today and just not designed to handle weight, ratings or not.

[Wavery]

Originally Posted by Dan3023

You can use airbags to lift the rear up if needed. It will probably be needed. Uhaul or Firestone probably can set you up with that.

Airbags do not change the carrying capacity of the tow vehicle. Essentially, they are for esthetics only. Technically, they do more harm than good to the total payload.

[Dan3023]

Originally Posted by Wavery

Airbags do not change the carrying capacity of the tow vehicle. Essentially, they are for esthetics only. Technically, they do more harm than good to the total payload.

I never said that they change any carrying capacity. The vehicle is rated to tow the camper. There is no need to increase the capacity. What is needed is to get rid of sag. Exactly what the airbags are meant to do. Also, what hatm can airbags cause? I know that weight distribution hitches are the cause of many trailers folding up. I haven't seen any damage from an airbag yet. Plus, the weight of the heavy WDH takes away from the total payload, airbags don't.