So on another thread we went down a path of possibly using airbags or air shocks to level a travel trailer from side to side.Looking under the trailer it appeared that a single airbag with an arm contacting both axles might be the way to go.Today a buddy of mine that builds hotrods stopped by and we were looking under the trailer. He suggested I simply remove the bracket that supports the center link on the two leaf springs and insert an airbag here:He suggested I'd need to install a panhard rod to stop the axles from shifting side to sideI believe a single panhard rod from the perch that will sit ontop of the center link with the airbag above would be sufficient.Now I'm looking for input and comments from the engineer type folks on this forum. What say you?

Seems to me you are opening a can o' worms.I certainly wouldn't put a single bag in the center of the springs. MAYBE one at each axle, with a panhard bar on each axle, but what's the gain?I'd think long and hard before tackling this. Lot of money for little results. It appears all you would be saving is running down 4 stabilizers, and I doubt you could get the bags hard enough to eliminate some bounce anyway.IMO, unless you want to do it as a science project, I would say save all your old parts.

Just like this....it's a silly idea and will never catch on...:)Seriously, for now I'll stick with blocks under the wheels.But, go for it and let us know how it worked out..I'm interested.

If you are going thru all that work, why not use something designed for air bags Axle less trailer suspension

WNYBob wrote:If you are going thru all that work, why not use something designed for air bags Axle less trailer suspension That's a cool product, and replacing up to 7000lbs axle, impressive capacity.I found eTrailer has a nice clear video...clicky

You haven't really said, but I assume you want to level the trailer from side to side while parked, not while in motion. If that is the case, take a look at the fire hose solution. I've been thinking of building a couple of these.Poke Here for Video

MORE...Leveling Travel Trailer with air bags | Good Sam Community

Rbertalotto
Explorer
Aug 19, 2016
For $2500.........DONE! And talk about easy loading of a motorcycle in a toy hauler! Lower the whole trailer down to load.

http://www.autoflexsuspensions.com/trailerflex/

Great video of springs VS air bags:

http://www.autoflexsuspensions.com/trailerflex/trailer-videos/
kcfissel
Explorer
Aug 19, 2016
Looks like a good system. Interesting mod.
93Cobra2771
Explorer
Aug 22, 2016
Rbertalotto wrote:
Here's one for you. I spoke to a "suspension engineer" and he suggested that I remove all the leafs but the main one and then add air bags between frame and axle. Let the airbag carry the trailer weight and not the spring. The single leaf spring would now be just to locate the axle.
It was suggested if the trailer doesn't lower down enough, to heat the spring to remove temper. He offered that to level a trailer you can raise the low side AND lower the high side to give you much more range of level.....

Interesting!

Essentially, doing what your engineer suggested is the same as a trailing arm suspension. I think someone suggested that earlier. Using the leaf as the trailing arm is actually a pretty good idea, as it keeps you from having to fabricate anything.

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do a little beefing up, such as tying the shackle mounts together side to side and such.

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