Equalizing hitch with airbag setup procedure.

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Feb 19, 2014 | 07:24 AM

bobmiers

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: D'Hanis, TX

Equalizing hitch with airbag setup procedure.

I have a 2000 7.3 SD four door 4x4 that I use to pull a 38 ft. (11K) travel trailer Using a Reese equalizing hitch. The truck has been modified by replacing the rear sway bar with a Hellwig bar and the addition of airbags. The mods were made in an attempt to remove some sway when being passed by semi-trucks.

I have not pulled the trailer since the modes, but am going to in the next 2 weeks.

Previously, I used the equalizing hitch setup to put the maximum equalization onto the truck.

With the addition of the airbags, I’m looking for information on how to setup the hitch.

(BTW I have measured the distance (unloaded truck & and no trailer) from the bottom of the hitch receiver to the ground so I can reset to a ‘level’ state. I also have a tongue weight scale and the last time the trailer was pulled it measured 1100 lbs. This is a bit light, so will be moving some weight from behind the trailer tires to the front to increase a couple hundred pounds.)

Suggestion will be appreciated.

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Feb 19, 2014 | 08:26 AM

RV_Tech

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 10,060

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From: Bristol, TN.

Here's a link that I think is pretty much the standard advice regarding air bags and weight distribution hitch - How Do Airbags Affect Installing and Setting Up a Weight Distribution System | etrailer.com

The single thought I would offer is to control sway it works best if everything is in good shape including front end parts and shocks, in my experience.

Good luck,

Steve

Feb 22, 2014 | 06:03 AM

glockholiday

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Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 861

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From: AZ

With my Equal-i-zer brand hitch I found that the opposite of that article works best for me.

If my bags are deflated when I set up my hitch, then air up the bags, I've removed the load from my hitch which reduces it's sway controlling abilities. Since the design is to put more friction towards sway control from more tension being applied for lift.

I have found that 30psi in my bags is where I like it and then set my hitch to help on top of that. What ever you do it's going to be a little different than anybody elses setup and you'll have to play with it.

Feb 22, 2014 | 06:44 AM

RV_Tech

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Joined: Jan 2010

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From: Bristol, TN.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glockholiday

Whenever there is a disagreement of this nature, I would suggest calling the manufacturer and see what they suggest. Don't have to follow their advice, but never harm in hearing it. The advice posting on etrailer is the industry standard, to the best of my knowledge, but things change over time and not all manufacturers agree.

Nothing with RVs is ever simple.