[greenboy222]

If repetitive, sorry but I have been looking around forums and only found ones from about 2004-2007.

2008 LE

I tow a Pop-UP camper, only about 3000# and notice sagging in rear and annoying "bouncing" on bumpier highways. I found some people talking about air bag assist and helper springs. It seems like the air bags are the way to go. Any advice and/or product recommendations? I plan on buying a bigger camper in future, just starting out.

I am also interested in a leveling kit, 1.5" and have found mixed reviews on doing this. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[dubyam]

You don't need airbags for the pop-up. You need to solve your tongue weight problems. You've got too much of the load distributed forward in the trailer, it sounds like. A 3000lb trailer should have a tongue weight of 300-450lbs. Think about how much your truck would sag if two full-grown men stood on the bumper. It shouldn't be excessive, by any means. I've had 1200lbs in my 2011 CC Pro4x bed and only dropped the rear by maybe 2".

You should try redistributing the load in/on your trailer and try to get close to "level" for the trailer. That may require a drop hitch, as well. Once you get it close, you can perfect it by going to a scale (local truck stop) and weighing everything. You can get tongue weight, trailer weight, rear axle, and gross vehicle weight. These things will all help you set up your towing properly. You shouldn't need airbags with anything as light as a pop-up. Once you go bigger, you're going to want a weight-distributing hitch setup and you'll want to work that out properly using the truck scales, as well. Depending on the trailer you choose, you may end up wanting/needing the air bags, but for a pop-up, you don't need them and they won't solve the problem you're having with bounce and sag.

 

[MikeClark]

You could try some better shocks as well, the stock shocks on titans dont last very long. Bilstein 5100s are good for the money.

 

[avmaldo]

I run air lift air bags, anti sway bar, and WD hitch for my 6000lb hybrid trailer. It's a single axel which does cause more bounce than dual axel trailers. Air bags do solve sag and reduce bounce. Proper weight distribution within the trailer is the better way to go, but will take time shifting weight around every time. I'm happy not dealing with shifting around the weight and just airing up the bags to take care of it. Really it comes down to personal preference. You don't need air bags but it's faster and more versatile for towing other stuff that you didn't plan on.

The air lift bags are great because they don't effect non towing ride quality, but you have to drill into the frame to install them. Some people don't like that. The other option is Firestone bolt on, but I've heard they don't ride very nice for normal driving.

If you upgrade your camper be sure to go dual axel. They tow much better in my experience.

 

[misterpowertools]

Agree with avmaldo on above...weight distribution. Also, Bilstien rear shocks is definitely the first thing you should do for your truck. Those two should solve your problem easily.

 

[greenboy222]

Which Blistein shocks? I have looked them up and noticed "HD" as well as the 5100's. I was also contemplating putting the 5100's that are adjustable on the front to level the truck instead of an actual leveling kit. Any thoughts?

 

[Blevinger]

Yeah, 3000# ain't much for the T, should tow that like it's not even there. Do:

- proper weight distribution in the trailer
- make sure your trailer sits level with the truck, get a drop hitch if needed
- newer shocks in the rear
- w/d hitch maybe
- consider Roadmaster Active Suspension
- or do Airbags if towing near the Max limit
- LT tires after that

That's the order I'd consider stuff. I'd done or have all of those things across two different Titans.

Good luck.

 

[dkmura]

Which Blistein shocks? I have looked them up and noticed "HD" as well as the 5100's. I was also contemplating putting the 5100's that are adjustable on the front to level the truck instead of an actual leveling kit. Any thoughts?

My Titan KC LWB is a full-time tow vehicle for a 24' enclosed trailer carrying a race Z and spares. I chose the Bilstein HDs with Firestone RideRites. They work well with my load distributing hitch and provide a level ride with little bounce and sway. High winds at highway speeds may cause some problems, but I just back down the speed and carry on. The HDs are non-adjustable, but once the suspension is aligned, I don't have to worry about toe issues (as opposed to the 5100s).