AirSafe 25K hitch problem

[Swamp_Man]

We have an AirSafe 25K hitch which we purchased almost a year ago. We purchased the Ford conversion system to allow the use of the F-450 puck system. The problem that we have is the hitch will not hold air pressure. We called the factory and were told how to find any leaks. Using what we were told, we found a leak on one of the air bag connections.

We emailed the factory rep and he sent us parts. I installed the parts according to the instructions given me by the factory rep. I filled the system with air to 100 psi. Hitch the trailer to the truck and pull it out of the RV barn where we keep the trailer. Once the trailer is out of the barn and level, the indicators on the side of the shocks show the hitch is in the green area. We unhitch the trailer and open it up to allow it to air out.

About an hour later, I looked at the hitch and the shocks, with no weight on them, are back to the bottom of the green area. Spray all of the connections with an LP leak finding solution and no bubbles. Recharge the system with air to 100 psi again. Shocks move to the top of their travel showing the lighter shade of red. Close up the trailer, hitch it to the truck, and back it into the RV barn. Leave it hitched to the truck to see what happens.

Less than an hour later, the shocks are no longer in the green area. Spray all of the connections again, some of which are really hard to reach and no bubbles. Ideas? Air bag(s) leaking? I know somewhere there is a leak but where and what to do is the question.

[srosa]

I've owned the same Ford and AirSafe hitch setup for several years. Here's a few things to consider. I'll assume that there are no leaks since you couldn't find any.

Does the hitch physically top out (ignoring the scale) at 100lbs, loaded? Before you "recharge" back to 100 psi, how many psi does it lose? If your concerns are based solely on movement of the scale, you need to take friction into account as my hitch sometimes settles lower than it rides. If you back up and stop quickly, does the hitch settle to the desired height? Also, I visually check height by glancing at the amount of travel (drop) in all four corners instead of the color scale. It's something AirSafe suggested to me when I had a question for them on the subject.

Dry lube silicone spray in the rail area of all four corners resolves friction problems.

[Swamp_Man]

I contacted AirSafe hitch and requested that they send me replacement parts for the entire air system on the hitch. They agreed to do this.

I received a box today with the parts in it. Unfortunately, the new air bags, t-fittings, and air lines are bigger that the OEM. Also, AirSafe did not send air lines to reach between the T-fittings on the center of each tower to the Schrader valve in the center of the hitch. They did not send a new Schrader valve assembly or a T-fitting to connect the new larger air lines to.

So right now, I can replace the air bags, air lines, and T-fitting up to the center area of the towers. But the T-fittings are too large to accept the OEM air lines. Have a new email to AirSafe.

I thought that AirSafe would send everything including the Schrader valve but they did not. Waiting to see what they do next.

[Swamp_Man]

I changed one of the fittings on the rear pass side air bag. Used PVC tape to seal it, pushed the new hose all the way in and then tested with Windex to find a leak. No leak there but somewhere there is one. Will check all of the other suggestions. Thanks!

[mapguy]

Was it air line parts/fittings you replaced?
If so, did you trim the ends of the air line square without crushing the tube? Air brake tube needs very square end cuts without crushing to seal reliably. This doubly important with push lok type fittings.

[Brandon327]

Check the valve stem.

[Garry_Gayle]

100 psi and dish soap and water, soap it good including all the air bag, you will find it. Don't forget the air inlet valve also.

[jims1]

I don't have an Airsafe, but do have a Trailersaver. You can use dish soap- Dawn- mixed in a spray bottle to find your leaks. Have you been keeping air in the airbags or have they been flat? Most airbags need 2-3lbs in them when unhitched to keep the proper shape and to keep anything from chafing. Did you use a thread sealant on any threaded connections? Look at the bottom of the airbags to see if anything has rubbed on it.