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Coil spring air bags vs weight distributing hitch

7K views 25 replies 8 participants last post by  AirJunky 
#1 ·
I am towing a pop up with my 2015 JKUR. I would like to get rid of the sag in the rear and level it out. Looks like my options are coil spring air bags, weight distributing hitch or heavier coil springs. I don't want the heavier coil springs. Thoughts on coil spring air bags such as air lift 1000 or WD hitch.
 
#2 ·
WD hitch should be your first stab as it if you ask me, if you get something like an Equalizer you're getting WDH and anti-sway in one. Once setup properly then you should be good to go.
 
#5 ·
I already have anti sway. Wouldn't the coil bags shift the weight forward as well when leveling the vehicle?

Also I don't want to make the tongue weight too light.

Also not mentioned above but wanted to reduce sag while using a hitch cargo basket which WD hitch will not do.
 
#22 ·
Wouldn't the coil bags shift the weight forward as well when leveling the vehicle?

Also I don't want to make the tongue weight too light.
Definitely not, coil bags will not shift weight off the axle. It will just add more supporting capacity to the spring, but the weight is still on that axle. If you want to reduce the weight on the rear axle, you either need to use a WD set-up or readjust the load inside the trailer to make the tongue lighter.
 
#8 ·
Okay I see, that is much the same as the equalizers anti-sway.
I have not looked into air bag systems so I can not comment on how effective they are in the transfer in weight but I am getting heavier springs for her JKU anyway in the form of a lift kit anyway. When I put the camper on a standard hitch, without the weight distribution, it sinks the tail pretty well so yeah something is definitely necessary.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I have the air bags in my F250 for when I put the camper on the truck. They make a substantial difference in the weight distribution especially when the trailer with the Jeep on it is hooked up. When the camper is on the truck I inflate both bags to 80psi.
We recently put the air bags in my GF's Commander 5.7 Hemi when we want to tow with that vehicle. The bags for this vehicle have a PSI rating of 5-40 psi. If you go with an Anti-sway hitch spend the extra money on the one you can back up.
If you go to E-trailer.com they have a lot of information to allow you to make an informed decision. Regarding putting to much weight forward you want your weight balanced so all four wheels of tow rig have good traction for braking AND steering
 
#10 ·
I have had plenty of campers before and previous to this pop up I had a 32" travel trailer with slides. Definitely heavy but I towed that with a truck. Now that I'm in a Jeep with this pop up its different choices. I think either way would probably work. Cost is about the same as I would get the compressor for the air bags. I dont to get heavier springs and change the ride when unloaded. I have a 3.25 suspension lift currently. I currently sag about 2 inches in the rear with loaded pop up. The Jeep tows the camper really well actually as is but need to level it out.

Actually looks likes the cost for a WD hitch is less than the coil bags with compressor.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I currently sag about 2 inches in the rear with loaded pop up. The Jeep tows the camper really well actually as is but need to level it out.
Can you measure the front to see what the change in suspension height on the front axle with the trailer fully loaded? 2" sag in the rear is a good bit. With all that extra weight BEHIND the rear axle, the result is a LIFT or rise in the front. I bet your front end is actually sitting a little bit higher.

Lightening of the front end can make for less responsive steering. Yours might be minor enough that it is not that big of a issue, but a WD setup can correct that, airbags cannot.

Obviously I prefer WD set-ups when it comes to compensating for a heavy tongue weight.:)
 
#12 ·
#14 ·
If the trailer is heavier than the Jeep is rated for, then the WDH might be necessary.

I have an 05 Chevy Avalanche 1/2 ton, rated for 7700 lbs. And a 5k lb boat & trailer. The Av pulls it fine, but sags a bit in the rear, not to mention bottoms out when i drive over a bump, especially with lots of people & gear. I installed the Firestone air bags in the coils like 5 or 6 years ago & run about 5 psi in them. They barely lift the truck at all, but definitely firm the ride up, and keep the headlights aimed right.

Using the bags it is a lot easier to hook or unhook the trailer to the truck. Plus no greasy parts to deal with.
 
#24 ·
If the trailer is heavier than the Jeep is rated for, then the WDH might be necessary.
Not to be offensive or argumentative here but, if the trailer is heavier than the jeep is rated for, you should not be towing that trailer with the Jeep. You need a bigger tow vehicle. The engine might be plenty powerful for the load, but there many other factors that need to be consider. Tow vehicle brake capacity being one of the biggest.
 
#15 ·
I'm under the vehicle weight but when fully loaded with kids I'm close to max. I just want to correct the sag and level out. Everything tows fine and steady. It really seems like either will do the job and I am thinking now that the coil bags are a better option for me as sometimes I don't take the pop up and just use a hitch carrier and when that is loaded I sag enough to get flashed.
 
#19 ·
This pop up has a full boxed frame so it is rated for WD hitch. I think I'm going with coil spring air bags though.

I'm only towing 2500lbs but pushing the max TW and my rear end sags quite a bit.
 
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