Air Bags For a 2014 F350

We had the 2012, SRW F350... Our pin weight was 3400 lbs and sat level.

I'm running the Hellwig airbags on my F250 and I can say that it's a very nice kit and product - much better than the Airlift kit I've used previously on my F150.

A late model F350SRW squatting 3" in the rear should put the truck fairly close to level. If headlights blinding other drivers is your only complaint, you can re-aim the headlights down a little with the adjusters. :)

Does your trailer have any height adjustment at the axles, in the spring brackets/shackles? Some have multiple spring eye bolt holes so the springs can mount higher or lower, to raise or lower the trailer.

You can also do a spring-over-axle conversion on the trailer, which usually raises it about 4-6 inches. Then, adjust the pin box lower, or hitch higher, to level the now taller trailer. The spring-over-axle conversion mounts the springs on top of the trailer axles, instead of underneath. This is commonly done with fifth wheel toy hauler trailers, being towed by tall 4wd trucks.

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Does your trailer have any height adjustment at the axles, in the spring brackets/shackles? Some have multiple spring eye bolt holes so the springs can mount higher or lower, to raise or lower the trailer.

You can also do a spring-over-axle conversion on the trailer, which usually raises it about 4-6 inches. Then, adjust the pin box lower, or hitch higher, to level the now taller trailer. The spring-over-axle conversion mounts the springs on top of the trailer axles, instead of underneath. This is commonly done with fifth wheel toy hauler trailers, being towed by tall 4wd trucks.

We have the IS suspension system and it is raised for 4 wheel drive truck. In fact we had to remove the 3 steps and replace it with 4 step entrance system. Our overall height right now is 13' 4". Our pin weight is 2600 and like I said when we hook up the truck at the tail gate drops 3".

Good suggestion on moving the head-lights.

We have a 2014 F350 and love it. In the past we used “Air Lift” air bags and would like to add them now, but here’s my question. Our new truck is higher than our last one. We have an air hitch and can’t lower it, our pin has one more set up holes to move and it would give me 1”. When we hook up with the new truck it squats down 3”, but the trailer is level if we add the air bags we will be 2” high. We put 10-13,000 miles a year on the trailer and I think it should be level. Rides not to bad, but running at night I make other driver grumble.

What are your thoughts?

My thoughts! You have three issues going on at once. The headlights, the pin weight and tailgate drop, and the fifth wheel itself. The headlights can easily be adjusted (lowered) for night operations. That is easy.

The pin weight of 2600 pounds is not really that much weight for a one ton. Maybe go to a spring shop and add one more leaf; or look at Helwigs.

The fifth maybe can be adjusted more but you are already fairly tall. Adding another two inches (spacer) to the height proably would not make much difference.

I like air bags because they are adjustable but for 2600 pounds I think I would add a leaf at a spring shop, go Helwigs, or just adjust the headlights and run stock especially if the truck is level loaded and the fifth is fairly level as well. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Traveler II wrote:

SoCalDesertRider wrote:
Does your trailer have any height adjustment at the axles, in the spring brackets/shackles? Some have multiple spring eye bolt holes so the springs can mount higher or lower, to raise or lower the trailer.

You can also do a spring-over-axle conversion on the trailer, which usually raises it about 4-6 inches. Then, adjust the pin box lower, or hitch higher, to level the now taller trailer. The spring-over-axle conversion mounts the springs on top of the trailer axles, instead of underneath. This is commonly done with fifth wheel toy hauler trailers, being towed by tall 4wd trucks.

We have the IS suspension system and it is raised for 4 wheel drive truck. In fact we had to remove the 3 steps and replace it with 4 step entrance system. Our overall height right now is 13' 4". Our pin weight is 2600 and like I said when we hook up the truck at the tail gate drops 3".

Good suggestion on moving the head-lights.

Should have gotten one of the BRVs. You know Big Red Volvos like a few of your old red bird friends!!!

Just adjust the headlights and enjoy. 2600 pounds is very light for a large 5th wheel!!!

Chris

If you have that much sag that you feel you have to add air bags, maybe you bought the wrong truck.

Sitting level as I assume you are with 3" drop your headlights should be of no concern to oncoming traffic. But sounds like yours are a problem. Take it to the dealer and have them adjusted with RV in tow.

If you add air bags and raise the rear to unloaded height when hooked up you will have a very harsh ride.

I added air bags to my 3500 dually even tho it sat level with 4,500# pin weight. The reason I added them is to smooth pout the rough expansion joints. I run them at 5psi empty and when hitched it increases the psi to around 30psi. Makes no difference in ride height but sure helps smooth things out.

Are you sure on that 2600# pin weight??

That light of pin weight shouldn't be dropping the rear of truck 3"

My almost 3000# pin weight just drops my SRW where the overloads are just coming into play.

Is that actual measured weight.....guesstimate weight...or dry weight?

Trailer sits level when hooked up...that's the way it should be for towing

So adjust your headlights (IF they really are shooting high) or add the air bags as suggested in your 9/5/13 post concerning the 'shutter' problem and tow as is or raise 5vr.

ON Edit:
That Cameo has a GVWR close to 15K---'wet' pin has to be close to 3000# so you must have an SRW with soft springs.
Air bag it.

My Weight

Trailer R Front 3,230
Trailer R Rear 3,185 6,415
Trailer L Front 2,840
Trailer L Rear 2,780 5,620 795 Right side weight more
Total Axel Weight 12,035 Loaded, 1/3 water empty gray and black tanks
Total Truck & Trailer 22,440 Max Total
Truck Weight 7,780 Max Truck
Trailer Weight 14,660 Max Trailer
Pin Weight 2,625
% Pin Weight 18%
Truck & Pin Weight 10,405

Trailer Dry Weight 11,680
Est Cargo Weight 2,980
Trailer Height 13' 4" Feet