The dealership is going to set the hitch up for me and adjust it correctly, so I'm not worried about that part. Just want to make sure that, with a trailer that long, the 'tail doesn't start wagging the dog'.Just take your time and do a real good set-up on whatever hitch you use...
I also want to make sure I don't overwork the truck as it is a bit heavier than my old one, but I've seen people on here towing heavier.Yeah, I'm ok that way. The equalizer brand hitch does both weight distribution AND sway control. Heading to the dealership today to pick up the trailer and have the equalizer properly adjusted to match the truck and trailer.Maybe look at a friction sway-bar.
I only have a 24' trailer but I put one one. "Elmer the Safety Elephant" moment I guess - but I'm not concerned about swaying anymore.
Ok, so I brought the trailer home. It is a load, but towed ok. However, the back-end of the truck is down quite a ways. Nearly bottomed out. So about the airbags......what is the best brand to get and where is the best place to get them? How much can I expect to spend? Part numbers would help as well. How hard are they to install? I'm thinking I will be doing this during this week.Something that could also help with sway is Airbags and better tires.
Some like Firestone air bags but I dont ...
I have Airlift air bags and if you are technical and have a battery drill this should be easy.
I got mine form Summit but PRG has them as well. (PRG) is a sponsor and knows his stuff (his name is Greg).
Link: Air Lift 59554 - Air Lift Ride Control Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com
I also have the compressor and gauge: Air Lift 25592 - Air Lift Load Controller II Systems - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Enjoy
I have my trailer set correctly, I did this myself and I understand how to do it. I will tell you the 40PSI in the bags helps a lot. At 40PSI I gain ~ 3 inches of lift and then every 5 PSI I get about 1/2 inch.
Why Airlift: I have both Firestone and Airlift. Airlift makes the ride better, even when you don't have a load, just air them down to between 9-10 PSI. Firestone you need to have some extra weight in the bed of the truck all the time, or the ride is crappy. The Firestone bags are good, don't get me wrong, but I would not want them on a daily driver!
I think the reason for the above is the placement of the bags.
So, for anyone following this thread...here are the results. After a lot of adjustments the rear was still sagging and there was only about 1 1/2" clearance on the bumper stops (on the rear suspension). I wasn't comfortable with this so I installed the air bags before the trip. They were surprisingly easy, though they took a few hours to do all the wrenching, etc. I placed the air chucks into the metal piece that also holds the trailer wiring bracket on the back.I decided I wasn't going to mess with having the dealer try to set it up....
I added 3 washers (total 7) and brought the L brackets up one notch. It made quite a bit of difference, but there is still a little way to go. It does sit better.
I did order a set of airbag from someone on this site and will be installing those as well.
