Air bags on a 2016 2500 duramax?

[pd2020]

Wondering if I should install airbags on a 2500hd duramax. My first instinct says no but the first trip of the new year is 9 hrs one way and I don't want to find out the hard way. I'm pulling a Flagstaff 8528 IKWS. The pin weight should be about 1,400 lbs

[MillerTime]

Nope, you should be fine. Probably won't even bring the back all the way down to level

[pd2020]

Thanks

[emm-dee]

Not sure how much leveling you will need but the airbag setup will definitely give you more lateral stability.

[pd2020]

That was my thoughts and reason for asking (stability). I originally started towing this fifth with a half ton chevy that I installed timbrin on and it handled perfectly. A friend had a 1 ton towing a 32' fifth and he needed air bags to make the ride more stable. I understand there could have been a lot of different factors for him but it has me thinking. I hate to spend $500 if I don't need it

[dcheatwood]

No. You shouldn't need it with that pin weight. In my opinion.

[MillerTime]

My old chevy 2500 did fine with the 1900lb pin weight of my 5er. Definitely felt strong side wind (like 20-30mph side winds). You are a lot lighter and your 5er is a lot shorter too probably so you won't have as much side force.

[randygk]

Have same trailer with Ram 2500. Truck lowers very little , very stable towing.
Just check axle weights, if you have a 4X4 nose will be high putting more weight on rear axle.

[offduty11]

My last TV was a gasser 2500 HD 2012 and I installed rear airbags and was glad I did.

[jtesta1]

I have had air ride on my 2009 2500hd for two years now. I don't know if I needed it for the weight factor but it sure makes a difference in the ride . you can pick one up through Amazon.com for around 300. Easy to install.

[MacDaddy]

Running Firestone Airbags on my 2500 HD. Made a big difference in the ride with the 5th wheel on however it did not take all the pogo sticking and chucking out. It helped but doesn't eliminate it. You will have to get a different king pin setup. I can't afford going that route so I just get off the gas and ride it out!!

[WFD]

I have been towing the sister trailer to yours in the Rockwood line for the last 3 yrs with an 11 2500HD gasser, and no issues at all. We have since traded trucks and have the 16 2500HD Duramax now and do not plan on adding airbags, with past experience, can't see that we will need it. I would do without and this trip will give a very good indication. I highly doubt that this longer trip will cause you great concern to wish you had installed them prior to the trip.

[AquaMan]

I put 2300 lbs on my '11 2500 and just brought it to level. Added airbags after a year, but didn't like it aired up very high. Kept about 30lbs in when towing. Switched to a '13 3500 dually and had to add weight to the truck to get a decent ride.

[DDC]

I have 2015 and tow a cedar creek silverback 33IK, when I drop the trailer on it levels out, it tows just fine and I have zero stability problems.

[pd2020]

Originally Posted by MacDaddy

Running Firestone Airbags on my 2500 HD. Made a big difference in the ride with the 5th wheel on however it did not take all the pogo sticking and chucking out. It helped but doesn't eliminate it. You will have to get a different king pin setup. I can't afford going that route so I just get off the gas and ride it out!!

Thanks everyone for the replies and not to hijack my own thread but as far as the pogo sticking and chucking I purchased a Hensley Trailer Saver air bag hitch and I do like it. It takes about 90% of the bounce out. The nice thing is if I sell the trailer I still have the airbag hitch.

[keeprr]

I have a 2015 2500 Duramax. My fifth wheel has an empty pin weight of 1425. Pulled the rig 3500 miles from OKC to Virginia Beach and back. Only annoying thing about the combination is that there isn't enough pin weight to lower the rear of the truck. 6er rides a little high in the front and I have to unhook every night as there is no way to get close to level hooked up.

[Comanchecreek]

Have an 03 Duramax and Air Lift airbag system. Tow a '17 Crusader, but put on the airbags with my old Montana. Had a big effect on the bumps and bounce in the truck, but getting the trailer to ride better is the ticket. My new Crusader is a much smoother ride even though the Montana had shocks. Sounds like you made a good move on the hitch, I've never wanted to spend the money on the expensive hitches, but I'm sure they help. Sounds like the combination of hitch and airbags and you'd be riding on velvet.

[muddyrode]

i put air bags on my 2012 2500hd with pin weight right at 2000#
it helped alot in the crosswinds by just running 20 pounds of air

[340xlr]

Originally Posted by keeprr

I have a 2015 2500 Duramax. My fifth wheel has an empty pin weight of 1425. Pulled the rig 3500 miles from OKC to Virginia Beach and back. Only annoying thing about the combination is that there isn't enough pin weight to lower the rear of the truck. 6er rides a little high in the front and I have to unhook every night as there is no way to get close to level hooked up.

Try drop shackles for the rear or scholastics.

[Electra glide]

2015 2500 HD here and no air bags. I had air bags on my 1999.5 F250 7.3l and the ride seems to be about the same. Both have bounce and chucking in the same spots around here so the airbags didn't do me any good. I may eventually put some on but right now they are not an expense I need.