Hi all, Just signed papers on a crusader 295rst 5th wheel and will be towing with my 08 Ford f250 CC short bed 4x4 diesel pickup. My question is anyone running this setup or similar and if so are you running airbags or not. I know the pin weight is listed about 1300 but will change a little when we load it. I currently tow a TT bumper pull with 800lb tongue and it doesn't squat much and I've have it loaded before with 2500 lbs of stone for a few miles and it was ridiculously low so I need a comparison somewhere in between. Thanks for the help!!
__________________

 

I pull our 34' fifth wheel toy trailer at 15,500 gvw with our F-250 crew cab without air bags. It stays level for towing and I feel I really don't need airbags unless I hit a big dip or bump. It will hit the bump stops only if a big dip but nothing to feel unsafe with.
I think I will eventually supplement the leaf springs, just not a major issue now.

I would hook it up and test run it first to see if necessary but surely not a requirement if anything like mine.

 

I don't think you'll NEED airbags, especially if you are only 1500 on the pin. If you're routinely hauling gas cans, firewood, water jugs etc. then you might want them. I have personally put them on my last 3 trucks because its a fairly simple install and it allows you to level the truck when you actually need it (like 2500# of stone) with no negative consequence when you don't. Even with 1500-1600 lbs. you might find you like them for the stability they provide. They really help reduce the porpoising that occurs on undulating sections of road. Congrats on the new trailer.

 

In the For Sale section of our SoCal forum there's a brand-new set of Firestone bags for sale.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...l#post13781950

He couldn't fit them after discovering his gooseneck hitch supports were in the way.

After seeing Bob's (r2millers) fifth-wheel hitch mounting, I can see why he might not be able to "bag" his, and have to go with additional leafs (or is that "leaves"?).

Pop

 

You might want to check out Torque lift Jen in the product page below. If I had to do it again I would have looked real hard their product instead of airbags. Just a thought

Bob C

 

Even before I lifted my truck, I had about the same pin weight with my old 5'er. I wish I had done air bags then, and with the tongue weight of my newer TT, I definitely am putting them on my list.

 

I have the same fifth wheel and you'll have at least 2,000 lbs on the hitch after you load it. Mine scales at 10,500 lbs total with 2,000 on the hitch. I tow with a GMC 2500HD and have no need for air bags. It tows just fine.

 

Look at the 'B' post sticker to see what your real truck carrying capacity is and if it is a fair bit more then the pin weight of your new 5er. If it is, you probably wont need the air bags - but they will sure help. Now, if the tail end of your truck is sagging, and many of the Super Duty trucks have from my observation, after a bunch of miles, had the rear spings start to weaken, then you may need air bags to bring the rear end off of the overloads. There's another thread here that I opened that stated that I was just about on the limit of the rear suspension 'as sold'. I've added Ride Rite air bags and it no longer sags. I also have a set of long 1224# General Spring add a leafs to put on then I'll just use the air bags for added stability - my belt and suspenders for a soggy rear suspension. These leafs will go on when the weather warms a bit.

Pull your trailer, check things out, but just remember that the trailer pin load isn't all you have to consider - people in the truck(and the dog), that +/-200 pound hitch, along with anything else that's in the cab or bed has to be added to that final load capacity number.

 

This is with about 2800 lbs worth of king pin in my F250..2008. No airbags.

 

How do you like the Crusader? I had to order mine because the dealer didnt have it in stock. Tried to haggle with one dealer that had it in stock ready to go but he wouldnt budge on price. Approached the other dealer and he ordered it for us and beat the pants off ($5000 less) the original dealer i tried to buy from. Now gotta wait 6-8 weeks for delivery.

 

That has enough sag that I'd bag it if I was towing very far or very often...

 

He doesn't have to worry anymore, he upgraded to a new 350 dually!

 

I did air bag it after I bought it. That was always the plan depending upon the sag. My concern was bottoming out on those real bad roads and bridges.

Yes I did upgrade to the drw this year so I towed with it and this 5er and the new 5er for many miles using the airbags. Worked well with 30 psi in the bags.

 

We love our Crusader. It's our first 5th wheel. Use a Pull Rite slider we bought at the same time as the trailer. We bought ours at the Dayton Ohio RV show and got a great deal. Wasn't even looking to buy until we saw it! Should never take wife to RV show again! We waited about a month for delivery, but it was February and not exactly conducive to camping anyway.

 

I actually went with the same pullrite slider. I hear its not needed but i would kick myself if i didnt have it and needed it. Everything i hear on the crusaders is great so were happy with our choice. Come on Spring!!