A few months ago, we traded in our Nissan Armada for a Titan. I went out today to setup my E2 weight distribution hitch today. I think I got it dialed in, but I need your opinion... First, specs on the Titan: 2012 Nissan Titan (1/2 ton PU), Crew Cab, 5.6L, 4x4, premium utility package (aka tow package) 7200lb GVW, 9100lb trailer, 15,100GCVWR. I added a set of AirLift RideRite air bags. Specs on trailer: 2011 Gulstream Amerilite 25BH, dry weight 4300lbs, GVR 7200lbs.I have not weighed the setup yet, so I don't have any weight. I had both propane bottles mounted, battery and a full tank of water. I'm thinking I am about 300lbs short of fully loaded, but that weight will be evenly distributed through the trailer. Hopefully I'll be able to get weights on Friday. But here are the physical measurements I have. The measurements are from the top of the fender opening to the ground:The starting line: Truck without trailer hooked up. 10lbs in air bagsFront 38"Rear 39-1/8"Trailer without WD Hitch 10lbs in air bagsFront 38-3/8"Rear 37-1/4"Trailer with WD Hitch and 10lb in air bagsFront 38-1/8"Rear 38"Trailer with WD Hitch and 30lbs in air bagsFront 38-1/4"Rear 38-1/4"Trailer with WD Hitch and 50lbs in air bags38-1/838-7/8From what I gathered today, I think I have the hitch adjusted correctly. The TT is level, the rise in the front was less than 1/4" and the rear is lower by 1/2" (thanks to the airbags). I am going to keep 50lbs of air in the air /bags. As the weight increases in the pickup, I will increase pressure to keep the same height ~38-1/2" to 39"So what do you guys think? Am I on the right path? Do I have the hitch setup right?Here are a couple pics of the final setup:Thank you for your input!

Unless that trailer is real tongue heavy, I would venture to guess that the airbags are not really needed. You are taking height measurements. Which is usually a good idea when trying to determining where the weight is going. However, with the airbags, you want to make sure that you are not taking too much weight off of the spring bars. They do provide good lateral stability which does help with the handling and towing manners.In other words, the airbags may be undermining what the spring bars are trying to accomplish. I just don't think that trailer is heavy enough to warrant any real pressure in those bladders.Just my opinion.

Sounds like you are on the right track. The whole point of equalization is to keep the truck as level as possible or as close to the original level. It's to keep enough weight on the steering. Air bags won't in any way defeat that or take weight off the bars. They may help the back end from bouncing if your springs are too weak for the trailer. Give it a try. If it drives well, all is well. You're not dealing with sway, just with keeping control by keeping weight on the front end. Sounds to me like you are doing that.

I think you pretty much nailed it, but only some driving now will se if more adjustments are necessary.I have no experience with air bags, only Timbrens, and they helped a lot on previous trucks I have used.Go out and do some driving and do some quick lane changes (without the family) to see if the whole rig preforms properly. I had one of my first rigs set up by a well known RV place here in London and they tested the whole rig performance out on the road to nsure that everything was working together including the weight distribution portion.Good luck.

You are definitely on the right track but I too feel the air bags are unnecessary and may actually make the ride harsher than needed. You may want to play around with the air pressure some to get the best loaded ride.

I don't want any rise in the front. The front being higher indicates that you have taken weight off the front axle. I feel that my hitch is adjusted correctly when the front wheel well drops 1/4 to 1/2".

Want to run my WD setup through you guys | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

beemerphile1
Explorer
Apr 22, 2013
I don't want any rise in the front. The front being higher indicates that you have taken weight off the front axle. I feel that my hitch is adjusted correctly when the front wheel well drops 1/4 to 1/2".
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Apr 22, 2013
You are definitely on the right track but I too feel the air bags are unnecessary and may actually make the ride harsher than needed. You may want to play around with the air pressure some to get the best loaded ride.
RTrider
Explorer
Apr 22, 2013
I think you pretty much nailed it, but only some driving now will se if more adjustments are necessary.

I have no experience with air bags, only Timbrens, and they helped a lot on previous trucks I have used.

Go out and do some driving and do some quick lane changes (without the family) to see if the whole rig preforms properly. I had one of my first rigs set up by a well known RV place here in London and they tested the whole rig performance out on the road to nsure that everything was working together including the weight distribution portion.

Good luck.
Earl_E
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
Sounds like you are on the right track. The whole point of equalization is to keep the truck as level as possible or as close to the original level. It's to keep enough weight on the steering. Air bags won't in any way defeat that or take weight off the bars. They may help the back end from bouncing if your springs are too weak for the trailer. Give it a try. If it drives well, all is well. You're not dealing with sway, just with keeping control by keeping weight on the front end. Sounds to me like you are doing that.
Beachums
Explorer
Apr 21, 2013
Unless that trailer is real tongue heavy, I would venture to guess that the airbags are not really needed.
You are taking height measurements. Which is usually a good idea when trying to determining where the weight is going. However, with the airbags, you want to make sure that you are not taking too much weight off of the spring bars. They do provide good lateral stability which does help with the handling and towing manners.
In other words, the airbags may be undermining what the spring bars are trying to accomplish. I just don't think that trailer is heavy enough to warrant any real pressure in those bladders.

Just my opinion.

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Want to run my WD setup through you guys

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