Weight Distribution Hitches vs Rear Axle Airbags | Fastway Trailer (2024)
Nobody wants sag between their tow vehicle and trailer while towing. Different options are available to solve this dilemma, including both weight distribution and air bag suspension. Both will raise the back of the tow vehicle, reducing some of the sag caused by the trailer's tongue weight, but we wanted to investigate the difference between the two and discover the secrets behind each one.
Weight distribution hitches are designed to improve the balance of weight between the tow vehicle and the trailer. These systems use a hitch with spring bars that shift weight from the back of the tow vehicle to the front and rear axles of the trailer. By redistributing the weight, the tow vehicle and the trailer essentially become a single unit, instead of two separate ones. This results in better handling, braking, and a more comfortable ride. It also helps to prevent excessive sway and rear-end sag during turns or while braking.
Airbags are another method for leveling loads. Airbags work by providing additional support to the tow vehicle when it is under heavy load. By adding extra air pressure to the bags, the vehicle raises up and levels with the trailer. This helps to prevent rear-end sag and improve handling. Airbags are often used as an alternative to weight distribution systems, as they can provide the support without the need for a separate hitch system.
Watch our video to learn how weight distribution and air bag suspension solve sag differently, and why. For more information about weight distribution and rear axle bag systems check out our infographic below. Then like us on Facebook; we hold regular giveaways you won't want to miss.
A WDH resists the trailer's nose-dive, and keeps the trailer's tongue weight transferred forward. By using airbags instead of a WDH, in the same panic stop as above, the trailer weight will shift forward, pushing down on the hitch ball.The hitch will then push down on the rear of the truck.
Airbags cannot distribute the weight from the rear axle, so a weight distribution hitch is recommended for a safer journey, even with an airbag system. Ensure that all manufacturer guidelines are followed for maximum safety while towing.
However, by redistributing weight across all axles of the caravan/tow vehicle combination, the WDH will play a role in significantly reducing the chances of sway occurring. The main drawback of any weight distribution hitch comes down to the stresses it places on and through the towbar and chassis.
No!A distribution hitch does not mean you can tow more weight. You always need to be within the weight ratings of your towing vehicle, trailer hitch, and trailer.
Airbags are primarily a suspension system; they can improve your handling but they do not effect your towing capacity. Weight distribution hitches, on the other hand, are capable of doing both. Even if you have airbags installed, its important to get a weight distribution hitch to compliment them all the same.
By adding extra air pressure to the bags, the vehicle raises up and levels with the trailer. This helps to prevent rear-end sag and improve handling. Airbags are often used as an alternative to weight distribution systems, as they can provide the support without the need for a separate hitch system.
Can you back up with the True Tow Weight Distribution Hitch? Yes you can back up with your hitch attached as long as you're not backing up a steep driveway or anything that is a significant change in grade.
If you don't have enough weight distribution, it is called Under Distribution, and can cause loss of steering and braking control. If you have too much weight distribution, it is called Over Distribution, and can cause brake and axle fatigue and failure.
The best rule of thumb is to compare your trailer and vehicle weights. You will need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing starts to outweigh your vehicle's weight by one-half. For a 5,000-pound truck, that would be around 2,501 pounds.
Using a weight-distribution hitch can help minimize sway by lifting up on the back of the tow vehicle and pushing the front axle of the tow vehicle back down to stock weight, drastically reducing trailer sway.
There are several benefits to using a weight distribution hitch, including improved handling and braking, increased stability, and reduced wear and tear on the tow vehicle and trailer.
Don't overdo or you will rupture the bags. 100psi is the absolute max. I run 70 PSI on the air bags when taking shorter trip without much load. When fully loaded for the summer I usually bump it to 80-85.
The indicator comes on to alert you that the front passenger's front airbag has been turned off. This occurs when the front passenger's weight sensors detect 65 lbs (29 kg) or less, the weight of an infant or small child, on the seat. Children age 12 or under should always ride properly restrained in a back seat.
Your truck's suspension is the key to your towing experience, and the best setup you can have is air suspension. Pretty much any truck you can buy these days will hit the limits of its suspension before it runs out of power, and that includes even the gnarliest one-ton diesel dually.
Well, our technical answer is no, a weight distribution hitch will not actually “increase” the towing capacity of your vehicle. However, it evenly distributes the weight and the trailer will be less likely to sway, promoting a much safer and smoother ride.
The best rule of thumb is to compare your trailer and vehicle weights. You will need a weight distribution hitch if what you are towing starts to outweigh your vehicle's weight by one-half. For a 5,000-pound truck, that would be around 2,501 pounds.
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