What can I do to help this

^^^ & center the weight on the trailer.

If that doesn’t do it, go w the bags.

 

I wasn't a huge fan of air bags either.
They work no doubt but seems like they never have the air pressure I needed that day. So I put the wireless compressor on. And it always seemed to be making noise when I didn't want it to.
Personally there no making up for worn out springs. If yours are worn
Can you post a loaded and unloaded picture of your springs?

 

Air bags

 

Airbags kept this level.

 

I am very new to airbags vs other options. What makes the air bags an extra PITA, if you are looking for only occasional heavy loads? TIA

 

Remembering to put air in them before you leave.
Ruf ride if you un hook on a trip to drive around.
Finding air to set them again before heading home.
I had the auto compressor. And it would maintain a pressure. And it would just turn on and do all sorts wierd stuff.
They def work for sure once you find the correct pressure. But for me it's just to much nonsense.

 

Here are two more loaded. Different machine. However one has tailgate down. Will get a empty shot when I get out of work




In these pics the driveway is bumpy so parts can be deceiving a bit

 

I dont think it looks bad. I'd just shift that mower back 18 inches and I think you'll be in great shape.

EDIT: Moved back 18 inches from how you have it on the bottom picture.

 

Ride Rites for sure. They are basically maintenance free other than periodically checking them

 

Airbags are just a bandaid to the bigger issue. You have crappy stock leaf springs and that load is not properly distributed. My truck barely squat in the rear with stock springs when I had my trailer hitched up and the weight distribution hitch set and the tongue weight in my trailer is 600lbs.

I'm running Dakars with the 3rd leaf removed now (same as the newer regular duty Dakar). The truck sits nice and level even when loaded up.

First pic is with the WD hitch set and second pic is without the WD set....this is with a 5,500lb trailer and 600lb tongue weight.

 

Firestone Ride Rites, or Sumo springs are your best bet.

 

Center the mower over the axle. Less weight on the truck

 

Here it is unloaded and not hooked up

 

Bad pic but here is my 09 pulling my four wheeler. Squats some. I have a aal in the back

 

Any links to which Dakar set you have. Or model #.

Also what hitch is it you have?

 

Your trailer's load looks to be way too far forward.

Before I load my mower onto my trailer, I hang something off the bumper or tailgate, like a rope or ratchet strap, to where it is a couple inches off the ground. Make sure you can see it from the mower when you're driving it onto the trailer. Pull the mower forward until the rope/strap touches the ground then stop and strap the mower down in place. This will ensure an adequate amount of tongue weight without over loading your rear suspension.

 

I'm using an Eaz-Lift Elite WDH. I ordered the leaf pack from @HeadStrong Off-Road. I'd recommend contacting them regarding the recommended leaf pack since the part numbers have changed since I ordered.

 

How high exactly off the ground. I will try this.

 

It depends how much weight you want on the tongue. I usually give it about an inch and a half. Enough to put some weight on the tongue but not enough to make the truck squat too much.