UNSTUCK
But stuck more often.
Boy did I jump/fall down a rabbit hole. Not sure I even want to bring this up on here, but I trust you guys more than the random internet. I have literally found every possible answer to this question, and every possible way of setting up the trailer. I have no idea which one is right.
I have a 2021 GMC 1500 with 6.2L, 10 speed, max tow package. It's rated for 11300 towing, 1700 payload and 1100 tongue weight. I installed Timber Grove frame to axle airbags and then built my own auto leveling system. Viair air compressor, 2 gallon air tank. That feeds air to a single semi trailer airbag valve that adjusts air pressure based on the distance from the bottom of the truck bed to the top center of the rear axle.
This is the second truck I have ran with this same set up and it has towed my HEAVY boats flawlessly. My last boat weighing in at 9500 pounds, boat and triple axle trailer was a dream to pull with this GMC truck. Plenty of power and breaking. From what I've read, boats tend to be an easier pull than TTs or enclosed cargo trailers due to less side wall. Wind does not push them as much. I have been in very strong cross winds with the boats and they did fine. Never felt nervous. I've never used a WDH for the boats or the car/Jeep hauler.
I just purchased a 24' enclosed trailer. 10k GVW. 4700 empty weight. 5300 payload capacity. The goal is to eventually haul our household stuff to Alaska, but may see some travel to Arizona before that.
So, some say I still need to run a WDH with my airbags. Some say I don't. The ones that say I need the WDH say set up is critical, but there are a few contradicting ways to set them up. Adjust bags to right height first, then do WDH. Set the WDH first then level as needed with bags. Get bags level, note the PSI. Drain bags, set up WDH then go back to that PSI in the bags........(head exploding).
I emailed Steve at Timber Grove. Good guy. We have spoke several times. He told me the bags are all that's needed, but I should add a sway control system. He just happen to have such a kit he put together for half ton trucks towing heavy. He quoted me that system:
timbergroveenterprises.com
The sway control only system makes sense to me. Level everything with the bags (automatically) and let that system take care of any sway.
Dare I ask your thoughts?
PS. I desperately need new, stiffer shocks for this truck. The Cadillac floating is too much for me, and worse when towing. Does Falcon make a tow mode shock for this truck like they do for the Ram? Any other recommendations?
I have a 2021 GMC 1500 with 6.2L, 10 speed, max tow package. It's rated for 11300 towing, 1700 payload and 1100 tongue weight. I installed Timber Grove frame to axle airbags and then built my own auto leveling system. Viair air compressor, 2 gallon air tank. That feeds air to a single semi trailer airbag valve that adjusts air pressure based on the distance from the bottom of the truck bed to the top center of the rear axle.
This is the second truck I have ran with this same set up and it has towed my HEAVY boats flawlessly. My last boat weighing in at 9500 pounds, boat and triple axle trailer was a dream to pull with this GMC truck. Plenty of power and breaking. From what I've read, boats tend to be an easier pull than TTs or enclosed cargo trailers due to less side wall. Wind does not push them as much. I have been in very strong cross winds with the boats and they did fine. Never felt nervous. I've never used a WDH for the boats or the car/Jeep hauler.
I just purchased a 24' enclosed trailer. 10k GVW. 4700 empty weight. 5300 payload capacity. The goal is to eventually haul our household stuff to Alaska, but may see some travel to Arizona before that.
So, some say I still need to run a WDH with my airbags. Some say I don't. The ones that say I need the WDH say set up is critical, but there are a few contradicting ways to set them up. Adjust bags to right height first, then do WDH. Set the WDH first then level as needed with bags. Get bags level, note the PSI. Drain bags, set up WDH then go back to that PSI in the bags........(head exploding).
I emailed Steve at Timber Grove. Good guy. We have spoke several times. He told me the bags are all that's needed, but I should add a sway control system. He just happen to have such a kit he put together for half ton trucks towing heavy. He quoted me that system:
Weigh Safe Sway Control Kit (SQ9500001) — Timber Grove Enterprises, LLC
Kit includes: (WS6-2-KA) Weigh Safe Aluminum adjustable 6” Drop or 7” Rise, 2” Shaft with 2” & 2-5/16” Stainless Balls. MAX 1,500 lbs. tongue weight, 12,500 lbs. gross trailer weight. V5 & J684 certified. (17200) Curt Sway Bar Kit (SQ9500001) TGE Stainless bolt-on sway brackets.
timbergroveenterprises.com
The sway control only system makes sense to me. Level everything with the bags (automatically) and let that system take care of any sway.
Dare I ask your thoughts?
PS. I desperately need new, stiffer shocks for this truck. The Cadillac floating is too much for me, and worse when towing. Does Falcon make a tow mode shock for this truck like they do for the Ram? Any other recommendations?
) and although they helped with our 8500-pound 24' enclosed race trailer when I was towing, the ride was horrible when I was not towing. The bags only needed to have about 5 or 10 psi in them when not loaded but it was enough that the ride went right out the window when running empty. When towing and the air bags at around 34-36 PSI (where I found they leveled and assisted the best) the truck road well and seemed to handle crosswinds well. My complaint was under heavy braking it was still transferring enough weight that the front end would get light as the weight pushed down on the rear as it was transferring forward.
