Forum Discussion

deprived's avatar
deprived
Explorer
Dec 28, 2015

rear "trac-bar" with airbags?

I'm intent on adding a rear trac-bar to our 2007 Ford E450 Fleetwood Jamboree 26J. I have added rear (and front) Firestone airbags already. I've noticed that some trac-bar products will not work in situations where rear air-bags have already been installed.

I get it.

These trac-bars use the same installation points as the airbags, so there is simply not room to add more stuff in an already crowded space. I mean, the rear airbags were surprisingly difficult.

Anywhoozle, do any of you have a direct experience with installing a rear trac-bar on a Ford E450 chassis that also has air-bags? Which trac-bar will work in my particular situation? I'd be happy to just wing it but trac bars are pretty darn expensive.

I've sent a few inquiries to Blu-Ox and E-Trailers but they have been slow to respond. Busy holidays, I guess.

As always, thanks to the community. THANKS!!!
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Most of the track bars are made by the same outfit to the same pattern. Then Named, Part Numbered and Painted to accommodate big names like Blue Ox and Super Steer. Suggest you look up the Blue Ox number, then call Blue Ox for customer service and ask for installation assistance. I have the Blue Ox "version" of that bar and called for help. Call was returned by their Suspension Specialist (Ralph), who said he had actually engineered those products before "retiring" and working for Blue Ox.

    Or, get the SuperSteer number and try John at Henderson's Line Up in Grants Pass OR.

    Maybe Eric Davis at Eric's RV in Sequim WA. Eric is big into RV suspension, and is the developer of the "Davis Tru-Trac" bar you may have heard of for front suspension on Class A's.

    One or more of those guys is likely to have worked with an attempt to do a combo-install.

    We have only the Blue Ox track bar, and installing it was bad enough. With Ralph's advice, I was able to install it and it does the job. But again, no air bags.

    I don't know about the airbags, but be careful of the clamp that connects the track bar to the driver side frame rail. Careful to not pinch the wiring etc that's up there in the clamp.
  • Too many variables. I stIll hate air bags. He's right, call
    Henderson's. Its a one stop shop.
  • Air bags are great when you pull a heavy trailer like I do and even empty it helps to smooth out the ride. I have air bags, an anti-sway bar and Koni's and the difference in ride is amazing, no more banging and jarring when driving over RR tracks etc.
  • Chopperbob wrote:
    I thought track bars we're for coil spring suspension.


    No, track bars/panhard rods are a fine addition to leaf spring suspensions as well. Particularly those with long leaf springs that, along with the bushings can allow side to side movement.

    The track bar allows full up/down motion, but prevents side to side movement.
  • I wouldn't think that you would need extra load capacity (air bags) on a 26' E450. My 24' E450 would be better with less spring rate. If you're intent on installing a track bar in addition to the air bags, give Henderson's a call. I'd ditch the rear air bags and go with the track bar.
  • I thought track bars we're for coil spring suspension.
    I used Super Springs, large anti roll bar and air bags
    that were already installed. I don't use them. I Hate
    air bags. My 2001 26ft Tioga handles great.