Setting up a Weight Distribution Sway Control Hitch with Airbags
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- Опубликовано: 24 фев 2020
- Occasionally I find myself resetting up my weight distribution hitch and air bag setup due to varying trailer and tongue weights.
Once a frustrating task... now becomes easier. This is how I setup my WD hitch to run with my air bag setup.
WARNING: Always consult your manufacturers instructions for your specific hitch and or airbag setup. All WD hitches differ in setup. Per this particular Fastway E2 setup manual: The top of the
hitch ball should be initially placed between 0” and 1” above coupler height.
Airbags provide a more comfortable ride when towing loads... they will not provide additional payload capacity to your vehicle. Always check your specific vehicles payload ratings.
Start of setup: 2:05
Featured in Video:
Andersen Hitch Block (AKA The Red Bucket in the video): amzn.to/3iqY2Wz
Fastway E2 Trunnion Hitch: amzn.to/2Rn426B
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this is absolutely the most spot-on correct video on weight distribution hitches I've seen. Thank you. Please never delete this video from RUclips.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent step by step explanation. Best I’ve seen for WDH and air bags. Thanks
The best video to date on the hitches.. Thank you for giving me a clear view on how to use one with or without airbags..
Thank you for this video. I just picked up a new 2500 ram with firestone ride-rite. I couldnt find a consistent answer on how to use both properly while towing. Your video put everything into perspective. Much appreciated.
Excellent content and very clear, easy to understand instructions! Well done, sir..and thank you!
outstanding video!! just bought a 33' trailer and pulling is going to be a bear. I have installed the air bags along with a top notch sway system. Appreciate the instructions on set up very thorough.
Wow, that was fan-flippin-tastic... thank you! Subscribed!
You taught me: regardless of OA weight, the principles are the same. Balance is important. Bags don't carry the wgt, they manage the 'ride', Take time with the process to take care of the family. Thank you too much. Great Video !
Excellent video. My dealer showed me how to hook up my trailer. After watching this video, I now realize my rig was never set up to tow correctly
Thanks for the taking the time to explain how to properly do a set up / connection to a WDH including having a truck with airbags on it. We just got ourselves a 24’ trailer and I’m also facing that exact situation, so thanks for breaking it down and showing some good pointers to the step by step process. I’ll have to try it out soon just to get a feel for the exact PSI needed in my bags for future road trips. Much appreciate Sir!
Good, thorough info thanks! It’s kind of a big / intimidating job for a lot of people but it’s worth doing it yourself and knowing that it’s done right! We had ours installed by the dealership... they set it up fairly correctly but of course they didn’t give us any of the extra / leftover pieces and somehow we didn’t the snap-up lever either! It’s a mistake I won’t make again!
Very well made video with easy description. I leaned one very important lesson on the way home with a new RV today. The dealership doesn’t know how to set up a hitch properly.
Half way home I dropped air bag pressure to 25 psi from 70psi and the bounce went away and 60mph was smooth and well in my comfort zone. Previously 45mph was sketchy. I also noticed the WDH bars are not level with the frame and each side mounted to the trailer are at different measurements.
I look forward to setting up properly.
Thank you Sir!!
Great information, clear straight forward, must be a teacher… recalibrated with new airbags
Happy Camping !
Hands down best explanation video on youtube! Thanks!
this is one of the best overviews of weight distribution period. Follow your instructions and you are towing great..safe travels.
Great video! Great explanation of using both air bags and load leveling hitch
best demonstration/tutorial on youtube PERIOD!!!!!! i have a 2015 f150 that looks identical to your f250!!
Great video man. I have almost the same truck (lariat) and basically the same set up. It looks like I was setting up my rig backwards. Weight distribution then the bags to level out. I get a lot of bounce. I will try your method. Some people might be against air bags plus a weight distribution hitch but sometimes you need the bags to get a more stable ride. Especially if you add any weight in the bed. I keep all my weights under the rated payload (including occupants) but I got a lot of porpoising action with weight distribution only. The bags helped out a lot. Now I need to dial it in using your method. Thanks
I watched this and followed your instructions. Thank you so much. You did me a huge service!
Great to hear!
Absolutely excellent video. Worked perfect for me with airlift 5000 airbags and a curt wdh on a 1500 silverado with a leveling kit.
Excellent Cody... Thank you. Glad to hear!
Great video thank you so much! I am new to towing. But I’m slowly learning as I go!
Just wanted to let you know, I have watched quite a few videos on this particular hitch and this is by far the best tutorial video. Thank you.
don't under stand why you put air in bags & checked the height before the bars were connected the bars are what put pressure back on the front for steering to be correct ,also the top of the ball should be 1" higher than the receiver on the trailer
Really nice video. I just retired and my wife & I are just getting into camping. We bought a small,single axle 18’ camper. I was confused about the weight distribution system (it came w a nice system) and air bags. I installed air bags right away thinking this would help with squat. Didn’t really understand how they worked together. This was well done and very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you.
I have a 2014 Tacoma 4x4. I tow a 19 toy hauler. I'm set up with a weight distribution hitch, sway bar, and load leveling air bags. Works great.
Great video! Sold my F250 last summer and bought a new F150. Already had equalizer hitch and added air bags to help squat. Wasn't sure how to set it up. I am now. Thanks for taking the time to do this, very much appreciated. Cheers..... now to go outside and try it out!!
Hi , I just got myself a F-150 , what type of air bags did you install ? What do you recommend ? Which don't you recommend ?
@@jetboy770371 I installed the Firestone Ride-Rite: 2582 with the Firestone Air Command: 2610. So far I have been happy with the performance. Once I have the setup done as per above I have to add about 35psi to level the truck. Works great! My trailer max weight is 8500lbs so it does not even come close to the 11,500 towing capacity of the truck. Cheers
Most helpful video I’ve found out for this combination! Very informative and you made everything make sense. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Best video out hands down. Thank you for this
Very helpful video, thank you for the straightforward instructions! This. You are using the same weight distribution system as mine and even the same brand of tape measure LOL.
This was very helpful. Explained very well. Thanks a bunch.
Thank you kindly for this informational video.
Excellent video! Very informative 👏
great video I just recently purchased some air bags from rough country waiting for them to come I do have a weight distribution hitch very similar to yours and was worried how these two were going to coexist but after watching your video I am less worried I just hope I'm able to get both systems happy before the 2 plan trips that are pretty lengthy ones coming up
Dang, great video. Very detailed and informative.
Just hooked up my trailer and I was way off , Now that I see your video and I also got air bags wow I why am I off and It 's the loaded weight , Plus I wish the rv dealer would add weight when In installing the weight distribution hitch , need to get my front back down 1 inch and Now I know how thank you ,, Great video
I didn't like your tone it reminded me of a mono tone teacher🤣 However, I realized through my mature self. That people who talk like you usually have something to say and people that are quick thinkers are hard to listen. I had to listen im hauling now and I need that professor calm down feel. Great information I watched 8x and saved your video. VERY INFORMATIVE YOUR ARE THE MAN!!! THANKS I LEARNED ALOT✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
This guy is an ace with a lot of pachents
Very good video, I need to do exactly what you showed, much easier understanding seeing it than reading it, thanks!!
Great explanation, thanks
Thanks for the lesson 🥂
Great Job. Like other comments this is the best explanation I have ever seen. Just one thing I never saw where you checked the trailer to make sure it was level when finishes.
Thank you...
Not necessary.. according to this WD specifications it just needs to start off level. You should end up with a very slight downward at the hitch from the hitch weight. As you saw I still had 1 inch squat on the rear of the truck
Thanks for the helpful informative video.
Great video. Thank you
Great and very explanatory video👍👍👍
2018 F-150 FX4. Max Tow. Just added Air Bags and I’m pulling a 38ft Puma 9,000 pounds! No Problem!! My Sway Bars also help a bunch. This Big EcoBoost pulls it fine.
Very nicely explained and good procedure with only 1 comment. With my setup, I do not let the air out of the bags to hook up the W/D bars. The bags actually help lift the rear of the vehicle, which is why you leave the trailer coupler latched, and use your trailer jack to lift both the front of the trailer and the rear of your truck. Air in the bags will assist this step and put less load on your trailers jack.
Have you done the procedure your way and has it worked? I am looking at same scenario.
Great video thank you, and very nice rig.
Beleive it or not I have over 1200 lbs with my 22ft jayco octane, when loaded with our golf cart. That is legit measured by a tongue weight scale. I tow with a 18' denali with 6.2ltr. I wouldn't even think of hauling without the WDH properly setup. people who do not are reckless.
Thanks for informing people with this video!
Awesome video Thanks
Great info, thanks.
Very informative thank you !!!
I really thought airbags helped with sway and I was wrong. I have a Blue Ox Sway Pro, looks like I need to tweak my setup a bit more to get rid of the light swaying. Thank you!
Your trailer frame and hitch point is crazy high that's wild you got it filped with a f250 truck. Great job showing how to get it done.
Thanks. Yes, Outdoors RV's have a very high hitch height.
Great video...
Thank you for sharing.. 😎
The most impressive part of this video is the solid steel orange bucket!
I know....I thought it was a Homer bucket from Home Depot at first!
@@dewrus2153 jejejejeje
- Andersen Hitches Trailer Jack Block with Magnets - amzn.to/32QcOAo
Dang dude it only took me 20 videos to find the one that is 100% correct. Most all the other videos are 60-70% correct.
Love the zero line idea so simple why get exact numbers for that part. Just work + & - from zeroing out. Love that!
Air bag explanation was spot on!
I bought a harbor freight 10k WDH for $250. My tow vehicle is a 2021 4Runner and my camper is a 16 foot wolf pup that weighs 4000 pounds and has a tongue weight of 500 pounds. I’m gonna be golden after following your tutorial. Thanks very much.
Happy New Year! 😎
Great video!! I've been having a hell of a time getting my trailer so I don't feel like I'm going to die driving down the road! I'm going to readjust my setup after watching this.
Same story. I've live with a poorly adjusted hitch with to much sag for 3 seasons now.
This is the 1st video which demystifies the set yp process. Other videos try but fail to explain the process of diagnosis of a improperly setup WDH
Love the video
Great video
Great video thank you nice trailer I just got a ORV
Thank you. We love our 270RKS
The best!
That pail is amazing
Lol
- Andersen Hitches Trailer Jack Block with Magnets - amzn.to/32QcOAo
Everywhere I look I see they say dont use your air bags. I always see to deflate to minimum pressure and set it up. I'm looking for a new hitch cause the one I have isn't working.
All other videos say to set trailer level and set ball on hitch 1 1/2 to 2" higher than top of the tongue of trailer. To allow for drop and the put sway control bars on and connect them.
I need a different hitch cause I currently use blue ox and it doesn't work with the trailer. Its a older style and is borrowed. The trailer it was paired with the hitch was on bottom of frame. My trailer is on top. Great detail and great explanation on how you setup. I am also pulling a 34 ft trailer with a half ton f150
People tend to use too much air in the airbags when using WD setups. I run 25psi at the most and that's with 1400+lb tongue load. The air bags are more of just adding comfort to the ride with the heavier tongue loads. Make sure to follow your WD manufacturers recommended setup when installing. Not all are the same. Some have you setting ball and hitch height equal vs higher.
I switched from a Fastway E2 to a Equalizer 4 point / 16K. Much better towing with the 4 point especially in winds and now that its actually rated for more than my current tongue weight.
That sounds like a lot of trailer for a 150 :)
Appreciate the video and the info. Out of curiosity, what did the initial raising of the airbags do?
Good video. I only ask because I put bags on my truck and my wdh is set up wrong and I want to do it the correct way. Thank you
You'll have no troubles with this rig nice job! Air bags alone can provide some distribution and sway benefits but certainly not like a proper weight distribution set up does. The important thing to remember is not to over inflate airbags which can reduce the benefits of the weight distribution/anti sway system when both are used.
Actually airbags work against weight distribution hitches. Rather than transfer weight back to the front, air bags transfer more weight to the rear axle and to the axle of the trailer. There is a great video on RUclips that demonstrates this.
ruclips.net/video/XBZu39pQ8Gg/видео.html This is a great video to watch. explains exactly why airbags are counter productive to weight distribution.
Very nice setup. Can you share some specs on the truck. In the market for an f250. Year, engine, trim, lift/level, tires. And trailer also. Length, dry weight, max weight. Thanks buddy
Enjoyed the video and will reference when re-checking my sway/weight distribution hitch after getting bags installed. One question - why not perform this check with fresh tanks full and truck bed with wood/generator in?
I have done both... there no change for me on the WD... I usually add a KTM into the bed of the truck too... When I do that, I add just a couple more psi to accommodate additional squat.
@@DinkGear wouldn't adding air to the bags while under load reduce the effectiveness of the WD hitch? Would it be better to add air to gain some height then adjust/engage the bars to distribute the weight?
Hey an ORV! Those are rare over here in Texas. I have a 2021 20BD
It looks like you have the same airlift system as me with the remote. I can rarely get the remote to connect to the compressor from inside the cab. I often have to stand at the bed and squat down on my knees to get the remote to connect so I can adjust the air pressure. Did you add any sort of antenna? I'd love to be able to adjust on the fly while driving if needed. That's half the reason I installed the remote system.
Great, well explained video. Thank you
I went from a Ram 1500 too a Chevy 2500 when I bought a larger camper. I went from 4600 to 6240 lbs. I also went from one battery and one propane to two batteries and two propanes. The 2500 seems to bonce more and while sag is less, I think it could be less.
Great video, just one suggestion though is to use the term "parallel to ground" instead of "level" on the trailer. I know you explained how you "leveled" it but someone might actually try to level their trailer instead of making it parallel to the ground LOL.
Jeff Martinson just reading your statement made it more clear to me.
Thank you.
Great video and exactly what I need. I take delivery of my new TT tomorrow. So am I correct that once you’ve done all this and as long as your weights in the trailer stays the same then all you have to do is hook up the trailer, engage the weight distribution hitch, add 27 psi and you’re good?
Your psi may be different... but yes, I hook up and go as my weights and distrobutions are pretty much always the same
That is one STONG bucket!!
Yes... they are awesome!
- Andersen Hitches Trailer Jack Block with Magnets - amzn.to/32QcOAo
This is a great video for weight distribution! I am curious as to the location of your onboard compressor. Did you mount it under the hood or on the frame under the cab?
The installer put it under the cab
What was the parallel measurement when you were finished. All other videos say 5psi in air bags for best weight Distribution results. Good video. I was told to setup Hitch ball 1 1/2" higher than the coupler when setting up the weight Distribution Hitch.
Yes.. this would help with keeping the trailer parallel to ground and truck squat when finished. So its not a saggy mess in the middle.
Thanks for the video, I have the same hitch but no air bags, it works great but the ride is very harsh. Do the air bags make a big improvement on the ride?
Yes, I run low psi (25) and it smooths out the rear ride without sacrificing ride control or negating the weight distribution. The purpose is to provide a more comfortable ride.... not to level the truck.
Have you actually weighed your trailer & tongue weight, at that height? Batteries, full or empty propane, load in the storage bay, and trailer angle all play a part on ultimate tongue weight. One of the main things you are shooting for, even more important than having your trailer level is 10% or a little over (of the total weight) on your ball. The lack of that is what promotes sway in the first place, and allows the sway system to have less of a job to do. Also, another function of the air bags is often to get your headlights down to the proper level, so you can both see properly at night and not make more glare for oncoming traffic.
Great video.
Just experienced my first ride with a new toyhauler and it was scary. Went with setting the dealer did and it was a mistake.
With a toyhauler, do you feel it is safe to do this calibration with the atv in the back?
I would think it would be fine... it is just payload. Just make sure you are not over what is stated
Appreciate the video.. Question: I don't want to have to re-setup the hitch every single time i hook up my Toyhauler. I have air bags and will definitely follow this. Can I load the trailer with what I expect to haul , 80% of the time, and expect the WDH to still work correctly? My TH is only 8200 dry, so approx 9500-10k loaded. I definitely have zero interest in doing this every single time we take it out. Thanks in advance!
Yes... If you notice a change in your ride, I would simply just recheck your measurements for peace of mind
When setting up your WDH, I noticed you did it in the street. I know the surface needs to be as level as possible, but does it matter if there is a crown in the street making the trailer and truck lean some with the slope?
Our street is barely off camber as well.. no issues
How many passengers Any luggage or items in the bed of the truck? Also adds to the payload
When you state anytime you add weight to the tongue, does this also include any weight you put in the box of the truck? Thanks
So is this basically the technique to use on a leveled vehicle which will surely squat after the trailer is hooked up? I have bags but only used them occasionally to control porposeing but I had stock suspension so the stock rake kept me level after hooking up. Now doing a level kit and not sure how much rake I should keep.
Thank you for the video, it helped me alot with my coil replacement bags on a ram 2500. Question: If you wanted an inch of squat, wouldn't you want the ball an inch higher than coupler with the trailer level? It seems to me that your trailer is now sitting an inch low in the front connected to a 1" squatted truck.
The slight downward angle helps with the towing and keeps weight where it belongs
I agree, as to personally I prefer the trailer to be as close to level as possible going down the road.
what were the front measurements after connecting the WDH but BEFORE adding air to the bags?
I’m curious if this procedure is the same for trucks factory equipped with air bags such as my Ram 3500 Dually? It has a trailer leveling system where all I have to do is hit a button and the rear of the truck self levels but I believe that’s about it.
Thanks
I did all this and I do have a F150, all was fine until I put all together at the scale. The F150 is not the right truck for my 28 cougar. Truck matter and I am going to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Check your door sticker and follow the weight for each axle. Very nice video.
Thank you. Yes, many out there are towing with vehicles that are not rated for their current setup. You will enjoy the tow experience with a larger truck. 😀
Do you have any kind of lift or leveling kit installed on your Ford in this video?
Can I use a WDH with auto leveling airbags? I have no way to turn airbags on or off or to adjust...
Great video. This will help me properly set up my equalizer hitch. Since your hitch weight is so heavy, how are you doing on your payload capacity numbers given that this is a F-250. I have the same truck and my payload capacity is 2121. Subtracting the weight of the hitch plus passengers and cargo in the truck, are you over?
We are sitting good. My payload capacity is 2950#
@@DinkGear thanks again for the great video.
husky Centerline WD hitches require the ball to be 1 inch above the hitch of the trailer !
so do I raise or lower the air bags to get the hitch level with the trailer, or unbolt the thing and adjust it that way?
Do you need to reconfigure the setup again after loading cargo (people, pets, etc.) in the truck?
I typically do not reconfigure. I might add another psi or two into the airbags if I am closer to payload capacity. Proper loading techniques are very important will ensure comfortable travel. Do not overload the tail end of the trailer as it will cause sway.
I’m trying to make sense of what certain adjustments do. Like if my truck still has a little rear squat when set up… Could I raise it up a hole or two where bars get pried on? Or should I be adding more washed at the hitch point?
A little rear squat is ideal... I don't run level as seen in the video... perhaps 1" or so squat. WD bars need to be level with trailer frame so they sit square on the L brackets. On my setup washers start with weight rating ie: tongue weight is higher than 90% of the hitch’s max tongue weight rating (e.g. TW > 1,440 lb), you may want to start with 6 spacer washers or more as the tongue weight approaches the maximum hitch rating. Some setups with lighter tongue weights may only need 4 spacer washers.
Check your manual for recommendations on your specific setup. Also consider a scale to weigh your hitch weight.
Can you have to much tension on your weight distribution bars? I have 1000 pound capacity set of husky bars and I’ve tried link 4 and 5 on different trips. Link 5 feels like there’s less weight behind me.
Thanks
Yes, I believe so. Make sure to check your vehicles max tongue weight as well as what your WD bars are rated for. If there is to much tension, try adjusting the brackets or hitch head to a different height
So what would happen if you have an auto leveling air bag system? Have you added more air to the bring the rear height to its original height?
I would take the same measurements and see where your front height ends up... it might possibly be just fine. I am still running 22 - 25 psi in my current setup
I’m curious as to what your set up weighs in at each axle. Per what the axel weight rating is for the front and back axles on your truck.
Looking to hit the scales shortly when I get it out again
How much did the 27psi raise the rear of the truck without the trailer on the ball?
But how do u alighn the rear brackets where exactly do they fo