Air bags needed for GMC 3500?
I just purchased a new GMC 3500 and am wondering if I will need to install air bags to keep the rear springs from sagging when towing my fiver. It has a weight of approx 3000 lbs on the hitch. John...
Forum Discussion
So, I had airbags, and even at their lowest recommended setting, they still raised the truck body higher than just sitting on the springs when empty. I could not raise the boat trailer off without putting a block under the tongue lift.
I took them off, and the truck settled onto it's springs. Now I crank up the boat and it comes off the ball without adding a block.
Airbags will help with the springs if the weight sags the springs. They will increase the bow in the springs, so a flattened spring will have more movement.
But airbags will not give you more load capacity, they will only lift your sagging back end if you need it, or adjust the side to side on a camper. A fifth wheel pin comes down in the center, and side to side is not an issue.
I took them off, and the truck settled onto it's springs. Now I crank up the boat and it comes off the ball without adding a block.
Airbags will help with the springs if the weight sags the springs. They will increase the bow in the springs, so a flattened spring will have more movement.
But airbags will not give you more load capacity, they will only lift your sagging back end if you need it, or adjust the side to side on a camper. A fifth wheel pin comes down in the center, and side to side is not an issue.
