MORE...Leveling Travel Trailer with air bags

[Rbertalotto]

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 side



I 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?

[Rbertalotto]

Quick drawing of what I'm proposing:

[Rbertalotto]

Those "Under tire airbags" are what started the wheels turning in my head about some other, air operated, leveling system.

[Roscopcoletrain]

I made a set of drive on airbags. Just drive on em, inflate to level side to side. Work really well. No bounce to em. And at most they have maybe 10-15psi

I know this isnt really what you're looking to do though.

[Rbertalotto]

I saw the fire hose solution. But you are still carrying something and playing the "back it up a few more inches , honey".....

I want it totally self contained. Stop at a Walmart or Cabelas....Boom! Level....

I built a drop deck trailer a few years ago to haul machine tools and motorcycles. This used "Axle-less hubs" as I couldn't have an axle in the way. Worked out great. But for this project I want to keep it simple.





Airbag are incredibly hard when inflated to only 30 pounds. I would bet you have more "give" from the tires than the low volum airbags would give you. And I'd still be using stabilizer jacks to stop and jiggle.

Still not sure what direction I'm going to go. Still might go air shocks and be done with it!

[mhardin]

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

[GordonThree]

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

[WNYBob]

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

[downtheroad]

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.

[kcfissel]

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.