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Old 09-29-2020, 07:02 AM   #1
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Weight distributing vs airbags

Anyone take airbags over a good equalizer system? Just bought a used Wildwood but deal didn't include an equalizer. Got suspension salespeople telling me to ditch the equalizer for an airbag system.
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Old 09-29-2020, 07:14 AM   #2
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An airbag system wont help with sway. I think the money is better spend on a WDH for travel trailers.
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Old 09-29-2020, 07:38 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by sdelam View Post
An airbag system wont help with sway. I think the money is better spend on a WDH for travel trailers.
Sdelam, I still thinking that way too. I'm thinking if I were going to drop a pickup camper on the truck I'd be more open to airbags. I'm no engineer but it seems intutively better to distribute that tongue weight rather than bumper it.
Thanks for weighing in. Been 20 years since I've towed.
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Old 09-29-2020, 07:38 AM   #4
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airbags do not transfer weight back to the front axle
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Old 09-29-2020, 08:26 AM   #5
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WDH and air bags serve two entirely different purposes, one isn’t a substitute for the other. Do it right and get a good WDH.
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Old 09-29-2020, 09:15 AM   #6
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WDH and air bags serve two entirely different purposes, one isn’t a substitute for the other. Do it right and get a good WDH.
This^^^^^^^
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Old 09-29-2020, 09:22 AM   #7
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Airbags (or "Timbrens") don't increase the rear axle weight capacity either. They will level the truck which is of some value carrying cargo as long as you don't exceed the vehicle's capacity but they're no help for towing.

Don't confuse the symptoms with the disease: Proper weight distribution equals level towing. Level towing does NOT equal proper weight distribution.

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Old 09-29-2020, 09:39 AM   #8
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This^^^^^^^
X 3
Reese with built in sway

https://www.rvautoparts.com/66074-Re...4aAljFEALw_wcB
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Old 09-29-2020, 09:45 AM   #9
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Thirteen minute video on youtube discusses this very subject...

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
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Old 09-29-2020, 10:15 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by 2tracks View Post
Anyone take airbags over a good equalizer system? Just bought a used Wildwood but deal didn't include an equalizer. Got suspension salespeople telling me to ditch the equalizer for an airbag system.

This 'suspension salesperson' is a danger to anyone foolish enough to take his/her advise. The 'airbag system' serves a purpose and the Weight Distribution System serves a purpose. They can complement each other, but the WDS is always a Must. I installed a set of Timbrens last year (I have always had a WDS for over 35 years). I love the Timbrens for the stability of The Truck, I wish I had installed them many years ago. But..... I would never pull my trailer without the WDS. I would and have pulled my trailer without the Timbrens. Timbrens compliment the whole setup, but are not (or airbags) a replacement of a good WDS.
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Old 09-29-2020, 10:30 AM   #11
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Thanks all for your timely responses. I've conferred now with my local RV dealer who originally sold this unit. We discussed My situation in detail with me. He basically said that airbags are not required for my situation but a good equalizer system is a must. I'm accepting that advice along with most of the posts here as the gold standard. Thanks again case closed.
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Old 09-29-2020, 12:01 PM   #12
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This is an RV Forum. The case is never closed.
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Old 09-29-2020, 12:06 PM   #13
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This is an RV Forum. The case is never closed.



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Old 09-29-2020, 12:53 PM   #14
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Air bags / WDH

I use both on my Ford F-150
I air up my air bags to 30 or 40 lbs before setting up trailer and then set up WDH accordingly. Truck rides level and have no sway issues. Trailer weighs 6,500 lbs
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Old 09-29-2020, 02:57 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rsdata View Post
Thirteen minute video on youtube discusses this very subject...

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
This video is a great reference. It not only discusses the theories behind a WDH and Airbags, it shows in numbers that airbags can actually create an opposite effect with even more weight on the rear axle.
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Old 09-30-2020, 11:16 AM   #16
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Watch This First - Weight Distribution

Before you decide you should watch this YouTube video which really explains and proves the advantages of one system over the other.

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
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Old 09-30-2020, 11:20 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by MisterVick View Post
Before you decide you should watch this YouTube video which really explains and proves the advantages of one system over the other.

https://youtu.be/XBZu39pQ8Gg
That was already posted in this thread. But yes, good video showing the differences.
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