Can't they be left in with minimal pressure? Say 5 PSI or something? Enough to keep them full, but not so much they "get involved" so to speak? (I don't know, I'm just trying to get educated)

 

5 PSI is the minimum for AirLift bags. I never noticed much of a difference in unloaded ride with the minimum pressure. Some of the newer models have internal bump stops and don't require any air pressure. Check out Air Lift Loadlifter ultimate.

 

I had the AirLift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate installed a few weeks ago. Unloaded I keep a minimum of 5 psi in the bags. Loaded the instructions say minimum of 25 psi. Running around unloaded, I feel no real difference in the ride. Just finished a 900 mile trip over the weekend, loaded, ran 35 psi in the bags and the truck handled just fine. The bags solved my little sag issue due to 1K TW. Also, the new Blue Ox Sway Pro WD did great, had way less pull/push/sway by the semi's and didn't feel any sway due to some side winds. I'm pleased with both new additions.

 

I have the Blue Ox WD/Sway 1500 tongue weight rated system in use for the last 2 years for my 35' Prowler TT. Bought it with the change from 5th wheel RV and used on my F-250. Downsized in December last to a F-150 equipped for maximum towing capability and find that the Blue Ox performs perfectly with this trailer (8700-8900#s tow weight.

Blue Ox suggested I use the 1500# bars as my trailer has more wight bias to the front (hitch) and this would assist in the WD transfer, and allow use of 1 link less in take-up. Truck squats about 5" at rear and 1.5" lift at front without WD, with bars the rear comes up just less than 5" and the front is lowered to within 1/4" of unloaded measurement.

Just finished my first loaded long haul, (info in a thread earlier today,) and found that over 2400 miles that semis were of minimal concern as they passed me doing 70+, you knew they were there but no sweaty palms or trailer dance, had two serious storms on the run and wind was not a problem. Best part of the Blue Ox system is ability to back and fill without any need to detach, including tight jack-knife turns. Firm believer in their engineering, and its capability for WD and sway control.

Fx

 

Is that weight distributing hitch only for trailers or for boats also? My boat weights 6500lbs...

 

The Blue Ox WD/Sway system will work with any trailer type, (TT, Boat, Deck,) only requirement is that from center of the trailers ball hitch cup back along both trailer frame sides 29" is where the bar attachment mounts. This must be a clear access area, they make both a clamp on style and bolt thru mounts. These mounts a a rotational jaw that accepts the WD bars chain for applying tension.

Very easy to use, both on and off utilizing the trailers tongue jack extended to relieve pressure from WD bars. Nice ability is to back and fill, even tight turns, without having to remove bars. Also they make WD bars that run from 500# to 2000# capability that all fit one receiver head, allowing for custom WD for different trailer's tongue weights you may own.

 

I also like not having greasy-messy torsion bars to mess with anymore. Takes me much less time now to hook and unhook using the Blue Ox. Very pleased with the switch.

 

Firestone Ride Rite air bags.

 

Roadmaster Active Suspension with ProPride hitch.