load level hitch plus bags
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 104
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From: Pearland, TX
load level hitch plus bags
Any issues with combining a load leveling hitch with air bags? I have to really crank down on the chains to get my backend even close to level. So I think the air bags will help.
Are there any issues with combining the two?
Are there any issues with combining the two?
.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
You did not mention brand and I am assuming the transfer bars are similar in concept between brands. I have a EAZ Lift system for reference.
Do you have the correct transfer bars for your load? The bars are rated according to tongue weight. Figure the weight of your trailer loaded or use the GVWR of the trailer as a max. Multiple by 10-15%(use 15% for margin), and that gives tongue weight. Your bars should equal that weight or a bit more. If the bars are too light they won't transfer enough weight and the trailer will be "bouncy". If they are too stiff, the trailer will ride harsh.
The transfer bars should be parallel to the A frame of the trailer when properly adjusted. Your hitch should have a height and angle adjustment. Read the instructions to make sure you have those set properly too.
What you want to do is make sure you have the correct load rating bars, the bars should be parallel to the A frame, there should be about 3-4 links hanging and you should measure with a ruler that the front and rear of the truck go down the same amount when you apply the transfer bars and drop the hitch onto the ball.
For example let's say your truck bumpers are 12 inches off the ground front, and 15 off the ground rear. When you apply the bars and drop the hitch on the ball, what you want to see is something like the front and rear both dropping say 3 inches(to 9 and 12 respectively). You don't want to see the front go up 5 and the rear drop 6. They should both drop about the same. If they don't drop equally your bars and or hitch height and angle are not properly adjusted.
Air bags are a bandaid they can help a marginal rig but if you are over rating they do not technically correct the problem. A properly rated and adjusted hitch on a properly rated truck are all you need. Not all 250/350s are rated for a heavy trailer. Check your GVWR and GCWR and GAWRs to be sure.
Oh and check tire inflation, go to the tow rating inside the door sticker, something like 80 front 90 back.
Good Luck, read the instructions with your hitch that is the best recommendation.
Jim Henderson
Do you have the correct transfer bars for your load? The bars are rated according to tongue weight. Figure the weight of your trailer loaded or use the GVWR of the trailer as a max. Multiple by 10-15%(use 15% for margin), and that gives tongue weight. Your bars should equal that weight or a bit more. If the bars are too light they won't transfer enough weight and the trailer will be "bouncy". If they are too stiff, the trailer will ride harsh.
The transfer bars should be parallel to the A frame of the trailer when properly adjusted. Your hitch should have a height and angle adjustment. Read the instructions to make sure you have those set properly too.
What you want to do is make sure you have the correct load rating bars, the bars should be parallel to the A frame, there should be about 3-4 links hanging and you should measure with a ruler that the front and rear of the truck go down the same amount when you apply the transfer bars and drop the hitch onto the ball.
For example let's say your truck bumpers are 12 inches off the ground front, and 15 off the ground rear. When you apply the bars and drop the hitch on the ball, what you want to see is something like the front and rear both dropping say 3 inches(to 9 and 12 respectively). You don't want to see the front go up 5 and the rear drop 6. They should both drop about the same. If they don't drop equally your bars and or hitch height and angle are not properly adjusted.
Air bags are a bandaid they can help a marginal rig but if you are over rating they do not technically correct the problem. A properly rated and adjusted hitch on a properly rated truck are all you need. Not all 250/350s are rated for a heavy trailer. Check your GVWR and GCWR and GAWRs to be sure.
Oh and check tire inflation, go to the tow rating inside the door sticker, something like 80 front 90 back.
Good Luck, read the instructions with your hitch that is the best recommendation.
Jim Henderson
