WD and Air Bags on Rear - Why a No-No?

[cruz-in]

Hi Team,

In searches and reading the forums, there seems to be a chorus of folks who say Air Bags and WD systems do not mix.

Why can't you:
1) Deflate air bags first,
2) Then hook up and set the WD (hook up trailer, tension bars, proper leveling front to rear, etc.),
3) Lastly just add enuff air to help cushion the ride (not lift the rear).

What am I missing? This seems like a perfectly reasonable way to use air bags and WD together.

Thanks in advance for your time and responses.

Oh, if it matters I tow with an F250 2WD, Diesel, Crew Cab.

[Nunyadamn]

I just added air bags to my truck. I haven't had the chance to go on a trip yet, but my main reason for getting them is my new F250 sags more than my old Chevy. I have made all of the correct adjustments to the hitch - and verified with weighing at the scales. I just want to be level and I think it will help with the bounce I was getting without the bags. I would guess that there are more people that want/have the bags than those that say not to have the bags.

[98coachman]

My trailer tows so much better with the combination of the bags and wd hitch than the wd hitch alone. I won't go back. Not sure why you wouldn't use them together:h Just my two cents

[camp-n-family]

Nothing wrong with the way you list. The problem lies in where people use bags instead of a wd hitch or don't have the hitch set up properly because the bags are masking the amount of weight lost or transferred.

[path1]

I like going down the road level. I hook up, doesn't matter how little or much air bags have in them. Then after hooking up I add air bags in order to level. And not so much predetermined PSI but level. Sometimes only 15 pounds other times 40 or 70 depends on how much stuff I'm getting hauled around. Having 3/4 of cord of wood in back end or just a BBQ makes big difference. I don't know why someone would not use air bags if they have them. People that are squatted down and have their headlights pointing at the sky makes me wonder. I don't know what I'm missing.

"there seems to be a chorus of folks who say Air Bags and WD systems do not mix". They mix with me and the "chorus" is out of tune IMO.

[cruz-in]

On another thread of mine (one on the Blue Ox Sway Pro) an rv.net patron said:

"Ordinary air bags on truck not at all a good idea with a WDH. And partly source of problem as to ride"

so I figured I needed to ask...thought starting a thread rather than embed discussion in the other one made sense.

[Nicholsfamily05]

It's what we used to do with our TT and it sat level with the 10-15 #s of air in the bags.
Road nice down the road no issue with it.

I don't see why you can't.

[Ivylog]

That's what I'd do although I'd probably deflate to 10 psi and hook up.