Weight Distribution Hitch/Air Helper Springs

[Roaming Europe]

Hello

Just got a new TT Flagstaff 29RKWS. Towing with a 2010 Ram 1500. Weights are OK but should I install air helper springs or use a weight distribution hitch or both?
Thanks

[TheWolfPaq82]

What's the Trailer weight ?

[CurtPutnam]

According to an rv site this are your numbers:

Dry Weight 6,783 lbs
Payload Capacity 1,471 lbs
Hitch Weight 754 lbs.

If those numbers are correct then I am going to opine that you need and want a WDH with sway control.

[MillMitch]

Looks like a 34' 7400# GVW (I didn't see a dry weight) TT. Yes, you will want a weight distribution hitch, and sway control, towing something that big.
Welcome to the forum from MN.

[katkt]

I'd definitely use a WDH(and sway control). If you start doing some research on what you can pull without one, I think you'll find the manufacturer tells you to, above a certain tongue weight. My F150, says to use a WDH above #500 tongue weight.
I think I'd do some serious looking at options, for air bags etc.. Especially, if the trailer weight puts you at the upper end(75% or above) of what the truck specs say it'll haul.
I use the RAS which is designed for leaf springs on my truck. Most half tons tend towards being softly sprung, for comfort.

[Roaming Europe]

UVV 6929lbs

[bikendan]

Read your Ram owners manual's Towing section.
I'm sure it will recommend a WDH for that amount of fictional "dry tongue weight.
What's your Ram's payload capacity?

[nayther]

my son has that truck, newer version. He has an Equilizer WDH but couldn't get it adjusted right so added air bags, now has great adjustment via air pressure plus the bars, tows MUCH better.

[scottnlindsay]

WDH with sway control for sure.

[CUBS_WIN]

2014 Ram 1500. Equalizer E4 Hitch and I added AirLift 1000 kit to the rear. Pulls just fine. 2019 Forest River Wildwood 30KQBSS Dry weight is 6940

[Roaming Europe]

Hello

1440lbs

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Roaming Europe

Hello

1440lbs

so, your trailer has a fictional "dry" tongue weight of 770lbs.
add 60lbs for a couple of batteries, 100lbs for WDH and say, a 200lbs. driver.
now you're at 1130lbs.
that leaves you with only 310lbs for anyone else in the truck and truck cargo. and then you still have whatever water and cargo adds to the 770lbs for actual loaded tongue weight.

loaded for camping, you'll be over your truck's payload capacity.
and airbags will NOT increase your truck's payload capacity. only corrects rear sag.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

Hitch Weight 754 lbs.

according to FR's website, fictional "dry" tongue weight is 770lbs.

[itat]

First, congrats on the new Flagstaff.

You’ll definitely need a good WDH like the 4 pt Equal-i-zer. As Dan said, the air bags will help with any sag but don’t change your RAM’s specs. Rear kitchen models tend to be less tongue heavy but you will no doubt be very close or over the RAM’s GVWR when you’re fully loaded and have everybody on board ready to go camping. See how it tows. Hopefully it won’t be a white knuckle experience. Personally, I can live with 200# over my GVWR but much beyond that and I’m upgrading the truck.

If you stick with the RAM, put LT tires on it if it doesn’t already have them.

[turret_plug]

I have nearly the same setup, those airlifter 1000 helper springs were a game changer! That Ram pulls the heck out of my camper now!

[CUBS_WIN]

I have Falken 35x12.5x17 on my Ram....lol

[katkt]

Bikerdan is technically correct regarding adding suspension help, not increasing the payload. The manufacturer sold the truck as is. They put little stickers on the door post, to show compliance with regulations, and as a place where their responsibility ends.
PU’s and large SUV’s, carry all their weight up high in normal non trailer towing situations. Think 5 or 6 buffet bandits tipping the scales at an 1/8 ton apiece, laughing and joking while rolling down the highway. Said vehicle is extremely top heavy at that moment. PU’s and large SUV’s have a reputation for flipping over when cornering too fast, or doing a defensive maneuver. Cars usually just skid and slide.
The payload limits take that into consideration. This same consideration has an effect on tires and tire inflation, also. That’s a whole other discussion.

You won’t find anything on the door post or in the manual about how stiffening the suspension, increases payload. You won’t find any of those who supply suspension aids willing to carry that burden of responsibility either. It’s a decision YOU have to make. Some people aren’t comfortable doing that, or don’t want to invalidate their warranty.
The simple reality is, if you add a suspension aid, and it helps to level the truck, it is adding load carrying potential.
Does that mean you can go hog wild? No. Be mindful of the fact you’re bumping one of the limits.
With my rig, I’m well under on my GCWR(TT and TV combined). My trailer is a nose heavy Vlite, with the kitchen and one slide ahead of the TT axles. I bought a Sherline scale, so I know exactly what my TW is. Why people who dump tens of thousands of dollars on a TT and TV, won’t buy something so simple to use, is beyond me. If you can’t find a way to accurately determine your TW, without reaching around your behind to scratch your elbow, you might consider buying one.
The WDH, helps to move weight off the drive axle, and distribute it to the steering and TT axles. I’m not about to wring my hands and drop another $50 grand on a different vehicle, because I’m less then two hundred pounds over what the payload sticker on the door post says. Especially, since I’m not jamming a half dozen Roll Tide fans into the cab, and careening down the road like a maniac, with my TT bouncing along behind me.

[Roaming Europe]

Thanks to all of you.
I have ordered a WDH and sway control. Luckily when we travel down to Spain there are only 2 of us and we only carry clothes and essentials so the cargo is at a minimum. We stock up when we get to the site. Usual speed is usually 55mph and 60 is the max anyway so no careening down the road like a maniac :-)

[Arnie M]

Originally Posted by Roaming Europe

Hello

Just got a new TT Flagstaff 29RKWS. Towing with a 2010 Ram 1500. Weights are OK but should I install air helper springs or use a weight distribution hitch or both?
Thanks

Here's a good video that may help you with your question,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg

I use air bags and WDH when towing my 28' motorcycle trailer.

[satdog01]

Have Flagstaff tt with a GMC 2500 tv. Tt is very heavy on tongue weight, drops tv about 2,5 inches. Added wdh, with playing with hitch height and chain links, got the tounge drop to under 1 inch. Added airbags to offset weight of topper. Pulls great, contrary to some mph did not seem to be effected with addition of topper or wdh. Adding half tank of fresh water seemed to help on sway some, tank is on end of tt behind the axles.