Air Bags

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Traveler II
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Air Bags

Post by Traveler II »

I am waiting for the break in period (1,000 miles) before I hook my new truck up to our trailer. I’m wondering how many are using air bags on your one-ton trucks? My pin weight is 2,625 pounds. On my last truck I had the air bags put on before I even pulled the first time, so I’ve never pulled without them. Do I need them?
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
Nights camped in 2013: 186
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Nights camped in 2016: 165
jtaylor1920

Re: Air Bags

Post by jtaylor1920 »

After this long trip, which is our first with this combo, I'm considering getting airbags to hopefully soften the ride. I know we've got different year trucks and different pin weights but some of those Montana roads have made me consider them and possible a new pin box.
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Mike Clay
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Mike Clay »

No need with mine 3,160 lb pin weight. Drops 2 - 3 inches and sits on top of the over loads.
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Re: Air Bags

Post by dfredendall »

Of the money spent, the air bag pin box was my best value. With a one ton, and lighter than yours hitch, I do not need air bags on my truck. The 5th Airborne kingpin made a marvelous difference in ride. No chucking and banging like I had on the rigid pin. I put airbags on my 3/4 ton truck, then sold shortly afterwards. I liked them for that set up with the same trailer. I would try the hitch pin first, then airbags second of you still feel like you need something. Does your truck squat too much as it is now?
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Randyman »

I guess I have been lucky, when I first bought this trailer I had an 08 F250 and other than the squat, it rode fine. I upgraded to this 2012 F350 and was concerned about the ride until I hooked up and it too rides just fine and doesn't have the squat problem. I personally see no need to spend the money for them.

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Re: Air Bags

Post by Olbird »

Most newer model year trucks have not needed the addition of air bags, but I would not own a 5th trailer without a air pin box or air ride hitch like you have already Jim.
Both units removes so much stress from the trailer frame that it pays for itself every time you hitch it to the truck.
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Rob & Cathy »

Traveler II wrote:I’m wondering how many are using air bags on your one-ton trucks? My pin weight is 2,625 pounds. On my last truck I had the air bags put on before I even pulled the first time, so I’ve never pulled without them. Do I need them?
No air bags here. I have a 2400#+ pin plus all the other stuff I carry in the bed and it rides grest. :thumbrt:

Rob
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Traveler II »

Thanks for all the posts, I knew I could count on you guys.
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
Nights camped in 2013: 186
Nights camped in 2014: 185
Nights camped in 2015: 232
Nights camped in 2016: 165
Torben

Re: Air Bags

Post by Torben »

Jim....when I upgraded from my old 2500 to my new 3500 I stayed with Chevy :d so no airbags and I still have a great ride :thumbrt:
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Traveler II »

Torben wrote:Jim....when I upgraded from my old 2500 to my new 3500 I stayed with Chevy :d so no airbags and I still have a great ride :thumbrt:
Thanks Torben---Jane and I are going to head your way spending Christmas in Pacific Grove, CA.
Jim & Jane
2014 Ford 350 King Ranch, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, IS Suspension, Disk Brakes
Nights camped in 2012: 142
Nights camped in 2013: 186
Nights camped in 2014: 185
Nights camped in 2015: 232
Nights camped in 2016: 165
Torben

Re: Air Bags

Post by Torben »

I hope you stop by, we would like to see you again :thumbrt:
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Re: Air Bags

Post by Samsbird »

On your new Ford, weight isn't the issue because these things are stout. I have towed both with and without the air bags on my 2012 6.7, these trucks with the long wheel base exibits a slight shudder whenever starting off. My 2006 extended cab never had the shudder issue, but the 2012 crew cab does exibit a slight shudder, air bags installed shudder gone. I think you will be much pleased either way, I just didn't like the shudder.

Randall
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2012 F350 SRW King Ranch 6.7 Powerstroke
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