I found a 28’ travel trailer and I’m considering adding supplemental air bag suspension to my 2005 Eddie Bauer, but I don’t want to replace the coil spring entirely. Can anyone tell me if this is possible? I’ve had trouble finding them so far.
So you’re trying to make your vehicle handle a heavier load with the trailer, right?
Micah said:
So you’re trying to make your vehicle handle a heavier load with the trailer, right?
No, actually the vehicle is rated for a 9.3k load with the factory tow package and the trailer is only 6.1k. A family member who tows a lot suggested the air bags to help with stability.
Also, the vehicle is close to 20 years old and has almost 200,000 miles, so I’m just looking for anything that can help.
@Briar
I helped a friend install a RAS kit on his F150, and it really helped with stability. I’m not sure if you have leaf springs or not, but it made his rear end much stiffer.
Check out this link: https://activesuspension.com/
Also, my father had great results using a weight distribution hitch. Look into those too.
@Micah
Thanks for the tip, I was already planning on getting a weight distribution hitch.
@Briar
Just so you know, the 9.3k rating is with a weight distribution hitch. Without it, it’s around 6,000 lbs and 600 lb tongue weight. Also, make sure you check your payload capacity.
ParriorSoul said:
@Briar
Just so you know, the 9.3k rating is with a weight distribution hitch. Without it, it’s around 6,000 lbs and 600 lb tongue weight. Also, make sure you check your payload capacity.
You’re right, it’s actually 8.9k, not 9.3k—sorry for the confusion. I was looking at the owner’s manual for reference… but I can’t post pictures here?
Page 249 has a chart that says “5.4L with optional trailer tow package; Max GCWR 14,500 lbs; Trailer weight range 0-8,900 lbs.”
The next page talks about “Integrated hitch rating” which shows carrying capacity vs distributing capacity. Carrying is 6,000 lbs, while distributing is 8,950 lbs.
Is that what you’re talking about?
@Briar
Yes, exactly! If you look at the bottom of your hitch, there’s a label that should tell you. I have a 2008 Ford Expedition and it has the same setup.
Have you thought about sway control bars? I’d definitely recommend trying those first to see how it feels before messing with air bags.