Rear Spring Airbags vs Weight Distribution Hitch

Rear Spring Airbags or a weight distribution hitch? This is a common question that comes up when towing a camper, trailer or boat. Rams and Jeeps have great towing capacity – the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 pounds and a 2022 Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds. These are incredible numbers, but the weight of a camper can still make the vehicle sag in the back, which can present a number of issues. Also, where does the weight go when the vehicle is leveled? Is it even a factor? If you’re wondering what the best option is to eliminate sagging and to help with gas mileage and braking, Hebert’s Town and Country Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Shreveport, Louisiana has the answers. 

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Air Bags

Rear spring Airbags are a good option when trying to eliminate vehicle sagging when towing. When the vehicle that’s towing is sagging, the nose of the vehicle sits up higher which creates more drag leading to a decrease in gas mileage. Also, the vehicle will lose some braking ability leading to an unsafe quick stop. An Air Lift LoadLifter air spring kit is a good option to curb these issues. It offers up to 7,500 pounds of load-leveling which is super helpful. The Air Lift system is essentially balloons that inflate or deflate to level the vehicle, eliminating sagging caused by the extra weight added to the tow hitch. The airbags do the trick but what about the weight from the load you’re hauling? The vehicle is level but the weight sits on the rear axle. This takes away braking ability and adds stress to the vehicle’s rear springs because all the weight is held in the rear where the camper or trailer is attached.

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Weight Distribution Hitch

A Haul-Master weight distribution hitch is another option to help with towing and hauling. It hooks into the vehicle’s two-inch tow hitch receiver then directly to the trailer or camper’s trailer tongue. This option has a 10,000-pound weight capacity. It can level the vehicle to eliminate sagging, but it does more than that. When a vehicle sags in the rear, the vehicle’s nose is lifted which causes more drag and results in more gas being used on trips. This system distributes the weight back to the trailer or camper’s axle as well as to the front axle. By distributing the weight, the back springs don’t get overworked and the vehicle will perform better. When the weight is taken from the front axle, the vehicle loses braking capability, adding problems in situations that require a fast stop or an emergency maneuver. The hitch also provides more stability when encountering crosswinds. 

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Why You Need a Ram This Summer

Rear spring Airbags vs. weight distribution hitch is a question that we often see, no matter if you’re hauling equipment for work, hauling a camper for vacation or hauling a boat for weekend fun. Sagging, safety and the stress applied to a vehicle are areas to think about. An airbag kit is an option that helps with some of those common issues but the safer and stress-free option is the weight distribution hitch. This option not only eliminates sagging but it distributes the weight properly allowing all axles to carry the load. 

If you enjoyed reading this blog and you’d like more tips and ideas for vehicles, peruse these blogs. If you’re interested in a new Ram 1500 or a new Jeep Gladiator, browse our inventory today. We’ve got the best selection in Louisiana!