air bags and weight distribution hitch

[maggie_k]

OK. I'm confused. When I hook up the TT to the TV I have significant squat. The WD hitch puts the front end back to it's original height, within 1/8". The problem is with the rear. There is significant squat, to the point that the truck is almost on the bump stops. All the weights are within spec as weighed on a CAT scale. I even double checked that I'm not over the payload weight of the truck.
So. I got a set of Air-Lift 5000 air bags and will have them installed on the truck before the trailer comes out of storage. I guess the question is: do I load up the truck and level out the squat back to the unloaded height and then hitch the trailer; or hitch the trailer and then air up the bags to get rid of the squat. The hitch is set up as per the manufacturers instructions and the unit looks level and tows well with no sway, but there isn't much suspension travel in the rear.
The TV is a 2011 Ram 1500 5.7L 2wd. I'm hauling a Rockwood MiniLite 2304 that has a GVWR of just under 5000# with a hitch weight of about 700#. The WD hitch is a CURT with 1000# round bars and no sway control. The payload for our normal trip is right at 1400# including the tongue weight.

[2006_SMOKEY]

I had the same problem. I put air lift in rear with 20psi and I was able to travel level. I go up two inches higher and set the WD hitch and then I go down to level. Works for me. My TW is 660lbs. I hope this helps. 2013 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi

[Dakota98]

With a TT GVWR at 5,000 lbs & you say your tongue weight is 700 lbs. Why ?

cut that back to 10% TW & you'll be at 500 TW & see how it tows. Adjust what you've got loaded in the TT

[K_Charles]

Payload on that may only be 1400 lb and you may be way over that.

[Golden_HVAC]

Air bags will help. Also check the hitch weight if you can. Chances are that the hitch weight is way over your estimate. ..

Some manufactures do not post a hitch weight close to realistic!

Good luck,

Fred.