1st Gen 2004 DC- Need Air Bags

Good morning- I have a 2004 DC, 3.4L, with only about 109K miles on it. I tow a small off road trailer, basically, an enclosed queen size bed on wheels- no kitchen, bath, nada. You can't even stand up in it. It weights, empty, as it's outfitted, about 1500-1600 lbs. I figure I have another 400-500 lbs. in it. These tiny trailers are known to be tongue weight heavy, I'd figure about 200 lbs. I have sag where the hitch and coupler meet. I try to distribute weight by storing things in the trailer behind the axel, but it isn't enough. I think I need air bags. Is this the preferred way to solve this issue? Trailer manufacturer discourages a WDH.

If so, does anyone have any recommendations for a particular brand, if so why? Are there different styles of air bags? Is there a down side to air bags? Because of health reasons, I only get to camp 5-6 x year, are air bags going to suffer from infrequent use?

TIA.

 

Take some pictures !

What sort of Receiver Mount are you using ??

I have the extended Cab and pulled that type of weight all the time with no problems.

 

Add a leaf is an inexpensive "fix".

https://tierprice.com/catalog/produ...YiUXnPJvC_lsrqSdxuGfLQ_V9U1lGJ5UaAgSmEALw_wcB

The downside is that once they are on they are on and the ride is stiff when unloaded, airbags have downsides too, if the line leaks then the bags sag and unless you go with an on board compressor you are at the mercy of where you can find compressed air.

 

Thanks for both replies. I can't get photos at the moment, trailer is tucked away. I've towed Boston Whalers that were heavier than this little trailer, and didn't experience the sag. I have to say, the 6 cyl. engine isn't and has never been, a hill climber or a tow machine. It takes a while to get to freeway speed and it is awful on inclines. This is a low mileage, well maintained vehicle, that is a gas hog. I don't want to add a leaf, for the reasons that you've mentioned. I've seen a lot of people in the camping forum for these particular trailers, add air bags to a variety of tow vehicles, given their tongue heavy design, hence my questions. Is it common for air bags to leak??? I am not sure what you are asking about what kind of receiver mount I have, are you asking what class of receiver, brand, etc?

 

I use the Firestone air bags for the same exact reason. I have OME Dakar leaf springs with extra leaf but they are flexy for off-roading. With about 10psi in the airbags it evens it out and I am not stressing my leaf springs so much. Good idea watching that tongue weight. I think the 1st gen is rated at something like 600lbs.?

 

Its not so much the bags as it is the lines connections and the schrader valve.

 

Just that when attached your trailer and truck sit level!!
I have a huge selection of different inserts to raise or lower how the trailer sits on level ground!

 

I installed general spring HD leaf springs for heavy loads. Worked well for my use.

Use caution loading a trailer too much behind the axle. Just putting that out there.

 

It is 500 lbs. with a class III hitch and the manufacturer's tow package, which I don't have. Otherwise, tongue weight is 350 lbs.