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sin cal sd

Hooligan #109

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:01am

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Lady Fitzgerald wrote:

sin cal sd wrote:

Lady Fitzgerald wrote:

mkirsch wrote:

If anything airbags will make the problem WORSE because they add more "spring" to the mix.

X2. What is needed are better shocks. Springs absorb the bump/dip but it's the shocks that stop the bounce.

Im a little confused by these statements.

Airbags were invented for 2 reasons.
1. Equalize the load distribution.
2. Cushion the ride.

Wrong on both counts. Add-on air bags are variable overload springs that are designed to prevent rear end sag when under load. They do not equalize the load. They do not cushion the ride; if running anything more than the minimum air pressure required to prevent damage, they will make the vehicle ride harder unless offset by an added load.

No, i am right. They redistribute weight off the rear axle and put back on the trailer. And yes they do cushion the ride. Ask a semi driver the difference between air ride and springs. Oh im a semi driver. Thats what they are designed for. Just like air ride seats. Just like air ride cabs. Just like air ride fifth wheels. Air ride is for "absorbing impact" & "cushioning" the ride. They do in fact equalize load. By inflating them they put weight back on trailer axle equalizing the load, equalizing the load by shifting weight farther back.

Yes by adding air to the bags with no load, it will in fact be a rougher ride. I agree with you on that. Wasnt disputing.

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nayther

Burbank, CA

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:25am

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Air bags definitely help cushion, air is a compressable fluid, therefore the bag does help soften the ride and if you raise the rear it shifts some of the weight off the rear to the trailer and front axle. I found the biggest benefit was getting my old truck off the big overload spring, that helped the ride a lot.

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dedmiston

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Posted: 05/04/12 04:07pm

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christopherglenn wrote:

How do the airbags redistribute weight? I can see changing the vertical position of the hitch point, but I don't see how they could shift weight anywhere.

If it lifts up the tongue, then some of the weight on the trailer has to shift back, like lifting the handles of a wheel barrow.

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christopherglenn

a little over an hour from Yosemite

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Posted: 05/04/12 03:44pm

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How do the airbags redistribute weight? I can see changing the vertical position of the hitch point, but I don't see how they could shift weight anywhere.

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christopherglenn

a little over an hour from Yosemite

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:10pm

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Ok, so we are talking shifting what, 5-10 LBS..
Lifting a 20 foot wheel barrow 3 inches...

Crazy Cooter

Redding, CA

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Posted: 05/04/12 08:51pm

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That is what I have been thinking this whole time about the weight shifting talk.

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tvfrfireman

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Posted: 05/04/12 09:18pm

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rasteck wrote:

The airbags made a noticeable difference for us. The worst stretch we've been on is 880 through Oakland and they helped a lot. Also getting both truck an trailer level when hitched up and EZ-Flex on the trailer has made a world of difference.

I agree.. I put firestone air bags on with and air lift compressor and wireless system. I have a thirty six foot fifthwheel and the air bags eliminated the rebound bounce. Before the air bags I would hit a bump and it would keep bouncing three or four times with each rebound a little less. Now, I hit a bump and the multiple bouncing is gone.