hey all,

looking for some info/opinions on air bags vs. a weight distribution hitch. In a couple weeks i'll be doing a 1 time move with a 9000 lb trailer. Obviously, the weight distribution hitch would be ideal, but being they are $400-$500, its difficult to justify that expense for a one time pull.

I've done some reading on air bags and they kind of peaked my interest. I love the low cost option as well as the ability to air up/air down depending on needs of the haul.

The question is, will the air bags accomplish roughly the same mission as a WDH? Some things to think about are rear sagging/front pointed to the sky resulting in poor steering feel, sway with a 16 ft 9000lb trailer, and general handling/ride with the trailer back there. Thanks!

EDIT: and for cryin out loud get over there to the TOTM voting and VOTE!!!! (link in my sig). Theres a realllly nice lookin 2nd gen tryin to break the 3rd gens 4 month streak!

 

lol @ TOTM...

You know what, it depends on how far you are traveling. To be honest, I would trade either one for the other. I think if this is going to be a one time thing, go for the bags. You will be able to use them in other applications, and if you ever do it again, they will be there. Just make sure you get the airlift kit. Nice kit.

The WDH will give you what you want, however I think the bags will give you a little more, especially if you get 5000lb bags. i know hammer, a half ton should never call for 5000 lb bags.. lol

Another thing to remember though, is with WDH, you have the option of a sway bar connection. This option just depends on hw far you are taking the load.

 

i'll be towing about 2000 miles from SoCal to Northern North Dakota. I love the idea of being able to use the air bags more than once, and im sure they'd do great at the distribution part of the WDH, but not sure about sway control and stuff

 

They are really different things, the weight distribution/sway control setup will make the trailer travel better behind you. Where the bags will really help with the lift but not really move any tongue weight back. What type of trailer will you be towing - enclosed? That's a pretty heavy load without a proper hitch setup, I'd not like the long drive holding on. The sway control would help with it wanting to walk back and forth.

 

Thats why I was wondering how far he would be traveling. I would say if your traveling that far, get the hitch. I know the bags are cheaper and more fun, but i think the WDH will be safer for the long haul.

 

im seein several hitches for like $300 w/ sway bar. i'll prob just get the hitch and sell it with the trailer when i get to my destination

 

How much is your safety worth?

9,000lbs is over-spec for all but a 2WD RC. With that out of the way....

9,000lbs at 12% tongue is 1,080lbs on the hitch. Based on weight, I'd expect it to be a fairly long trailer as well. Weight + length is going to give you a serious case of the trailer wagging your truck. As you mentioned, WDH is going to shift the weight so your truck isn't pointing at the sky but it will also get some weight off the rear axle.

If you decide to go with bags, I would really (really, really) recommend you at least get an anti-sway attachment for your hitch. Sway can hit really quick and be catastrophic.

My personal choice would be a) "tow with a 2500 for that much trailer", b) if you have to tow with a 1500, use WDH, c) if you don't use WDH at least get anti-sway, and d)... realize that if "something happens" not only can you be held responsible, but think of what "something" could be as far as injuring or killing somebody.

With all of the above said, at least get the trailer weighed. Find out if "oh, 9,000lbs or so" is actually something like 9,800 or 10,000...

 

Actually, even the 2500 doesn't give you much room unless you have 4.10 or better.

 

no 9000 is a high guess of what the trailer fully loaded will weigh. i think im gonna get the WDH with sway bar

 

i live in Montana, and i can tell you from personal experience, that there frequently are winds up around here, colorado, and NoDak that can blow you off the road. if your trailer gets sideswiped by one of these winds you could easily lose control and get in a wreck. get the WDH and get stabilizer bars.