Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Ever since we've had the Suburban we've had an issue with the "tail dragging" stance when pulling our trailer. With the new, heavier R-Pod we got in January, the problem is even more pronounced.
Although we did purchase a Weight Distributing Hitch, I really wanted to see if I could correct the problem with air bags (the WDH seems both heavy and complex, I was looking for a simple "plug and play" solution. I also thought a WDH was a bit of overkill for a ~ 3500lb trailer.)
I used the AIr Lift 1000 system with synthetic bags that go inside the coil springs.
On an install like this, step one is to jack the truck up, remove the wheels, and then put jackstands under the frame and let the axle hang down. This opens up the springs so you can insert the bags. You need REALLY tall jackstands for this so make sure your jackstands are big enough. Mine weren't so I had to put them on top of a 3" thick paving stone.
Here's a few tips I wanted to pass on to anyone planning on a similar install:
First of all, the instructions don't say to drop the spare tire but I'd advise you to do it, especially if you plan on running the air lines to the rear bumper. It makes it much easier. Also, you can run the air hoses in between the bottom of the body and the top of the spare tire carrier so the spare doesn't damage the air lines.
Second, the first step which is "deflate the airbags and slip them into the spring" is by far the hardest part of the whole install. Took me a few hours until I finally realized that if I rolled the bags lengthways and then zip-tied them shut they'd go in easier (once they were inside the spring I cut the zip tie and removed it.) The instructions say to "roll the bag from the bottom to the top" to get the air out but that still leaves the top and bottom pieces too big to fit inside the spring.
Honestly, if I had to do it over again I'd get some power tools, like an air powered impact wrench, and unbolt the lower shock and sway bar and let the axle hang all the way down and just pull the spring out. Install the bag inside the spring, put the spacer on top and attach the air hose. It would have taken about 1/3 of the time to do it that way vs. trying to stuff the stupid bag inside the coil.
Another tip: The air hoses are TIGHT and very difficult to fit onto the nipples on both the air bags and the T-connector that connects the two air hoses to the single supply line. I found that if I heated up the hose with a heat gun on LOW, for just a few seconds, it became pliable enough to slip onto the "jaws" of the air connector and once it cooled off it held very tightly.
Our first trip is this Friday so I've got my fingers crossed that with 35lb (max pressure for the bags) it will keep the truck straight and level while towing.
Let me know if you have any questions! Don't have pictures but may try to get some later this week.
Although we did purchase a Weight Distributing Hitch, I really wanted to see if I could correct the problem with air bags (the WDH seems both heavy and complex, I was looking for a simple "plug and play" solution. I also thought a WDH was a bit of overkill for a ~ 3500lb trailer.)
I used the AIr Lift 1000 system with synthetic bags that go inside the coil springs.
On an install like this, step one is to jack the truck up, remove the wheels, and then put jackstands under the frame and let the axle hang down. This opens up the springs so you can insert the bags. You need REALLY tall jackstands for this so make sure your jackstands are big enough. Mine weren't so I had to put them on top of a 3" thick paving stone.
Here's a few tips I wanted to pass on to anyone planning on a similar install:
First of all, the instructions don't say to drop the spare tire but I'd advise you to do it, especially if you plan on running the air lines to the rear bumper. It makes it much easier. Also, you can run the air hoses in between the bottom of the body and the top of the spare tire carrier so the spare doesn't damage the air lines.
Second, the first step which is "deflate the airbags and slip them into the spring" is by far the hardest part of the whole install. Took me a few hours until I finally realized that if I rolled the bags lengthways and then zip-tied them shut they'd go in easier (once they were inside the spring I cut the zip tie and removed it.) The instructions say to "roll the bag from the bottom to the top" to get the air out but that still leaves the top and bottom pieces too big to fit inside the spring.
Honestly, if I had to do it over again I'd get some power tools, like an air powered impact wrench, and unbolt the lower shock and sway bar and let the axle hang all the way down and just pull the spring out. Install the bag inside the spring, put the spacer on top and attach the air hose. It would have taken about 1/3 of the time to do it that way vs. trying to stuff the stupid bag inside the coil.
Another tip: The air hoses are TIGHT and very difficult to fit onto the nipples on both the air bags and the T-connector that connects the two air hoses to the single supply line. I found that if I heated up the hose with a heat gun on LOW, for just a few seconds, it became pliable enough to slip onto the "jaws" of the air connector and once it cooled off it held very tightly.
Our first trip is this Friday so I've got my fingers crossed that with 35lb (max pressure for the bags) it will keep the truck straight and level while towing.
Let me know if you have any questions! Don't have pictures but may try to get some later this week.
