Will Air bags make a big difference?

valhalla360 wrote:

GaryS1953 wrote:

valhalla360 wrote:
Empty weight is irrelevant and payload often runs out before tow rating.

Swing by a CAT scale and find out what the real weights are (loaded as if you are going on a trip). Take 3 measurements (after the first, you can do re-weighs for like $3, so probably $20-25 total).
- Fully hooked up with the WDH connected.
- Hooked up but disconnect the WDH bars.
- Just the truck.

With this info, you can determine the actual weight of the trailer and the actual hitch weight. Then you can determine the hitch weight and if the truck is overloaded.

On the door of the truck are stickers that provide overall and per axle payload ratings.

It might be that the trucks rear suspension is overloaded or it could be the opposite and the hitch weight is too low. If it's too low, airbags won't help.

I may get to a cat scale, but in the meantime could you elaborate? What is meant by "hitch weight is too low"? Thanks!

Hitch weight should be minimum 10%. Ideally between 12-15% (more is actually better but unlikely your truck could handle it).

Assuming you are at 8000lb loaded (guess based on empty weight plus a couple thousand in cargo, which is very realistic when you figure water, propane, batteries, etc...). You should be looking at around 1000-1200lb hitch weight. Add in say 4 people plus firewood, cooler etc... in the truck. All that counts against payload. You could easily have 2000lb on the truck and most half tons have around 1500lb payload (it can vary drastically). That would leave you over payload and with the squishy suspension on lighter duty 1/2 ton trucks, it can feel squirrely when driving. Airbags can help with the ride if you are overloaded but you are still overloaded, so it's masking the issue.

Alternatively, if you are light on hitch weight say 8%, even if the truck is fine, the trailer can get squirrely. Airbags won't help with this issue.

As previously mentioned, factory empty weights are irrelevant. They don't include any gear you put in the trailer, water, propane, batteries, any aftermarket bolt on items, etc..., so reality is you will never tow at empty weights.

Ok, so I did several things today. I checked and aired up all tires for truck and trailer to max. Then I measured front and rear of the truck with and without the trailer hooked up. Finally I went to a cat scale and got combination weight and weight of truck and camper.

Truck Measures without hooked up
Front 35.75"
Rear 37.75"

Truck Measure after hooked up
Front 36.00"
Rear 36.25

Cat Scale
Combination 12520 lbs
Camper 5980 lbs
truck 6540 lbs

Any further help is appreciated.