do I need airbags for '12 3500 Ram megacab

[bhoth]

Here are the stats on the rig that will show up in 2 weeks. Wondering if this will squat my truck when hooked up? If so I am willing to get airbags to keep it level.
Thanks

Shockwave T28RQDX (same as Stealth FQ2817 and Sandstorm 282SLR)

GVWR 12100 lbs.
Hitch Weight 1147 lbs.
UVW 7945 lbs.
CCC 4155 lbs.
Exterior Length 35' 0"
Exterior Height 12' 7"
Exterior Width 102"
Fresh Water 106 gal.
Gray Water 65 gal.
Black Water 40 gal.











TBD

[CaptnJohn]

I'd wait! I'm pulling over 1000# more with over 1200# more in the bed with my 2016 F350. The slight drop puts everything right at level. You should be good unless springs are weak or shocks are shot.

[goduc]

I bet you drop at least 2". The rear should be 3" higher than the front. A good WDH should work to keep things smooth. You are going to use a WDH aren't you? Bags don't transfer weight back to the front end.

[bhoth]

Yes I have already purchased the Equalizer 14K 4 point hitch.

[D_B Travelers]

IMHO you will NOT need air bags. I agree it will probably squat about 2-3", but the beast you are getting was born to handle that weight and it will probably be just about level by the time you hook up.
Send photos of your rig when you get it!

[goduc]

Your EQ should do the trick. I'd try that 1st.. If you're not happy then maybe bag it. The reason I say maybe bag it is because if you air up after you're hitched then you take weight off the EQ spring bars which in turn reduces the friction thats needed for sway control.
I used bags on an F150 with a TT one time. I had a lot of stuff i the truck and trying to use stiff bars to set it up caused a really rough ride. So what I did was to load the truck then air up the bags to bring it back to it's original height. Then hitched up using softer spring bars. It was a really smooth tow. Best yet of the 3 trailers I've owned.
The main thing is weight transfer back to the front end. You're not going to lose much with that big ole CTD up front so you won't have to return much weight with the EQ. Let it settle about 2" when all said and done and it should good to go.

[rdolan5]

I too own a 2011 3500 dodge with cummins. I have had three trucks, all with airbags installed. I presently have airbags ordered for my 2011. Just purchased the truck a few months ago. I pull 2500 miles one way to Whidbey Island each spring. What I discovered is that first, I don't like my headlights pointed up and getting flashed quite often at night by on-coming traffic. Secondly, when you take the weight off your springs and transferred to the airbags, the airbags ride sooooo much smoother than the stock springs on the truck. I add just enough air to raise the hitch back to the height when the truck is empty. Much easier on my back and kidneys! I am retired and travel 5-6 months per year towing my 12k bumper pull with up to 1400# tongue weight. I also use a Hensley hitch to keep this long trailer (38') calm and happy! Love my Hensley!

[awellis3]

bhoth, do not use air bags and a WDH at the same time. Bags are for payload in the bed (as in towing a 5th wheel).
Etrailer says, "Air bags and similar products are best for carrying loads in a vehicle, not towing a trailer. When you use both at the same time, the air bags and weight distribution systems can work against each other and you will not get the full benefits of either system."
Here's a link that explains it with a video: Know the Difference Between Weight Distribution and Air Bags to Level Your Load

[bhoth]

I just pulled this from Fastway's sight. This makes sense to me:

Our weight distribution hitches can be used with airbags. Like they demonstrated in the video, the hitch by itself solves a lot of the problems that people run into, but they can work together. Most commonly I see that combination on half ton trucks and smaller vehicles with trailers that have heavier tongue weights. The important thing to keep in mind is that the hitch needs to be set up and adjusted with the airbags already filled to the pressure you intent to keep them at while towing. We'd recommend starting near the minimum pressure, then you can adjust from there if needed. If you fill them up after you just end up lifting the weight off the spring arms and undoing any positive effect the hitch was having on your truck and trailer.

[Chuckinca]

Don't carry 106 gallons of city water; about 20 gallons is plenty when on the road and will save you about 714 lbs.

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[bhoth]

Originally Posted by Chuckinca

Don't carry 106 gallons of city water; about 20 gallons is plenty when on the road and will save you about 714 lbs.

.

We dry camp alot so this is only an option when we have full hookups.

[Iwannacamp]

My opinion won't count.... Why would 1500# sag a 1T truck.. My 5er has more pin weight than that and it doesn't push it down but 1-1 1/2" inches on a 3/4T... now I gotta measure next time. Mine does have leaf springs??? maybe that's the reason.

[bhoth]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

My opinion won't count.... Why would 1500# sag a 1T truck.. My 5er has more pin weight than that and it doesn't push it down but 1-1 1/2" inches on a 3/4T... now I gotta measure next time. Mine does have leaf springs??? maybe that's the reason.

1,500 lbs over the axle will sag less than 1,500 lbs on a bumper pull tongue.

[guyster]

Have the Sandstorm model and 2016 Ram 3500. I use are bags and B&W hitch.I dont use a WDH. Hook up trailer, air up bags till level and tows excellent. Have thought about getting a WDH but thats about it, just thought about it. I have Firestone bags with wireless controller. Works great, specially if your on a ruff road, you add a little more air to the bags to stiffen up the ride.

[rdolan5]

I agree that airbags can be used with weight distribution hitches. The video offered on awellis3 post did not carry their experiment far enough. They should have aired up the airbags on the truck to bring the truck up to near normal height and then tension the spring bars on the weight distribution hitch. The tongue weight and truck bed load will still be transferred between the truck front axle, trailer suspension, and truck read axle. Been doing this for years and love the way the truck rides. Great braking, great sway control, and no high headlights! Again, sway is never a problem with a Hensley hitch!

[liveoakfl]

I have a 2012 Dodge same as yours and a 42 foot wildcat and have ari bage only because they came on the truck. i have no air in them and never do . no need the truck sits about 1/2 inch lower with the fifth wheel on it. Remember thats a 1 ton pickup.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by liveoakfl

I have a 2012 Dodge same as yours and a 42 foot wildcat and have ari bage only because they came on the truck. i have no air in them and never do . no need the truck sits about 1/2 inch lower with the fifth wheel on it. Remember thats a 1 ton pickup.

You need to keep at least 5lbs of air in the bags even when not in use. Just an FYI.

[bhoth]

Well, I ended up putting the Pacbrake airbags on, I just hate sagging. I don't intend to raise it higher than stock but I will measure before and after to keep stock height. As Fastway suggests, I will setup the Equalizer hitch after setting stock height with airbags and note the psi. for future use.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by bhoth

Well, I ended up putting the Pacbrake airbags on, I just hate sagging. I don't intend to raise it higher than stock but I will measure before and after to keep stock height. As Fastway suggests, I will setup the Equalizer hitch after setting stock height with airbags and note the psi. for future use.

That will be the best setup. I had bags on my 2500 Chevy and they worked great.