air bags on truck

[beaudin12]

We were told that by adding air bags to our truck we could pull a 5th wheel that is heavier than the manufacturers recommendations. Does anyone know about this? We have been told by more than one RV dealership that this is so.

[Dakota98]

OP QUOTE:

We were told that by adding air bags to our truck we could pull a 5th wheel that is heavier than the manufacturers recommendations.

Let's see ..... Yes, you probably could "PULL" one heavier, but
What can you carry safely ?

[ford_truck_guy]

The quote- "if you need airbags your overloaded" is a false statement... Like already stated , they aid in leveling the trucks squat..
How can you tell when most salespeople are lying???? When their lips are moving... Remember that one...

[YnotTurbo]

donn0128 wrote:
If you need airbags, your overloaded!

This is not accurate. I have airbags and I am not overloaded. It helps with stability and keeps the load level.

[Bionic_Man]

As far as the manufacture and tow ratings go, they really don't have any implications other than warranty (at least true where I live). Personally, the axle ratings and tire/rim ratings are the one's I am more concerned with.

And in response to the inevitible "you won't have insurance coverage in an accident", that would only be true if your insurance policy has a stated exclusion to towing over the manufacture's weight rating. Never seen one of those myself.

[Water-Bug]

NEVER put airbags on a 1/2 ton PU. Many 3/4 ton and 1 ton PU trucks are built on the same frames with the same drivetrain, with only different springs. In that case, the capabilities of a 3/4 ton PU may be enhanced by the addition of airbags.

[christopherglen]

Payload, axle ratings, and gvwr/gcvwr are certified ratings. Nothing but recertifying changes those. Adding airbags will only lift the rear of the TV up off the axle, reducing squatting. As far as weight transfer, the airbags themselves weigh far more then the few lbs you might be shifting off the rear axle.

The biggest advantage to airbags, other then eliminating squat, is to get you up and off the overload springs. Either totally engaged, or not at all, life is good. Bouncing off them as you drive down the road makes for a VERY rough ride.

[lenr]

#1 Need truck and trailer specifics posted. #2 Air bags just level the rear. They don’t add capacity until the weakest link is beefed up, and it’s usually something besides the springs. #3 When it comes to fifth wheels, pin weight capacity of the truck is just as important as tow capacity. #4 Never pay any attention to any salesman (trailer nor truck) when discussing capacity of anything. #5 Google this subject—tons of discussion on this site.

[donn0128]

If you need airbags, your overloaded!

[Oldme]

Only an authorized upfitter can change the tow rating.

information

[kohai]

From what I understand reading the forums, the general consensus is that air bags level the ride and may transfer some weight to the front (did I get that right?) but it does not increase your max payload or your max towing weight. It may improve the ride as well.

[krazymatt]

Depending on your tow vehicle there's probably no doubt that it will pull it especially if its' a diesel but the problem arises if you get in an accident where someone gets hurt or killed and the lawyers will have a field day with you for negligence.

[lillyputz]

If the sales people will lie about that. what other lies and BS are they telling you???


Lillyputz

[2oldman]

No.

You may keep it from squatting, but that's not going to magically increase your weight ratings. Ahh.. the good ol' RV salesman: "Your truck will tow anything on the lot."