Firestone Airbags for Dodge Ram
Have Ram 1500, pull trailer within wt limits, equalizer hitch, still some sag, thinking of putting on the airbags, go inside coil springs. Has anyone tried this and did you have good results. Tks.
Forum Discussion
"Without" trailer connected, load up the rear of the pickup, stand back and look at its stance. If its rear is down, then install air bag or Timbrens in the pickup's rear. This will "lift" its rear up. Remember that a vehicle must be near level before connecting to any trailer.
If wondering, I'm a fan of Timbren SES units. They are fraction of the cost of air bags, they don't leak air, no need to air up / air down. After initial adjustment (using spacers) is done, they are a simple "install and leave it" product. I used Timbren SES units in my previous Leaf Spring Tow Vehicle. And, I now use Timbren SES units within my new coil spring Tow Vehicle. My future replacement vehicle will use Timbren SES units as well. That's how much I love them.
After "loaded" vehicle stance is near level, then connect "loaded" trailer. If vehicles' rear goes down too much, then install properly sized Weight Distribution system. If a WDS is used, then simply re-adjust it. Note: For proper WDS sizing, load up trailer as if going on a camping trip, then weight the trailer. WDS system bars must be sized on loaded trailer - not an empty trailer.
Remember that "beefing up" vehicle's rear is for vehicle's "too soft" rear suspension. WDS system is for the trailer's tongue weight. A WDS system wasn't designed to fix both areas. And yes, WDS systems and Air Bags/Timbrens/etc can work together. And in many cases, both should be used together - since vehicle factory suspension is often made too soft (for better people comfort). Both my previous and current Tow Vehicle use both.
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If wondering, I'm a fan of Timbren SES units. They are fraction of the cost of air bags, they don't leak air, no need to air up / air down. After initial adjustment (using spacers) is done, they are a simple "install and leave it" product. I used Timbren SES units in my previous Leaf Spring Tow Vehicle. And, I now use Timbren SES units within my new coil spring Tow Vehicle. My future replacement vehicle will use Timbren SES units as well. That's how much I love them.
After "loaded" vehicle stance is near level, then connect "loaded" trailer. If vehicles' rear goes down too much, then install properly sized Weight Distribution system. If a WDS is used, then simply re-adjust it. Note: For proper WDS sizing, load up trailer as if going on a camping trip, then weight the trailer. WDS system bars must be sized on loaded trailer - not an empty trailer.
Remember that "beefing up" vehicle's rear is for vehicle's "too soft" rear suspension. WDS system is for the trailer's tongue weight. A WDS system wasn't designed to fix both areas. And yes, WDS systems and Air Bags/Timbrens/etc can work together. And in many cases, both should be used together - since vehicle factory suspension is often made too soft (for better people comfort). Both my previous and current Tow Vehicle use both.
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