Air suspension on 5th wheel?

[Dieselnerd]

I'm getting ready to have the suspension rebuilt on my 5th wheel. After about 50,000 miles the springs are sagging, everything is very rusty from salt and getting loose and I'm sure the shocks are bad.

I plan on having the whole suspension replaced, new axles, brakes, the whole works rather than messing around. I have a very steep driveway and get a lot of drag when going in and out too. While I have heavy duty casters on the rear, I also plan to have the trailer raised a couple of inches so maybe it won't drag at all.

I've been toying with the idea of an air suspension instead of the standard spring setup. Looking online I see a lot of options including some from Dexter. I'd like to be able to raise it up higher to go in and out of my driveway and then lower it level again for going down the road if that's possible.

I'm not on a tight budget so paying more for air is not a problem. I was thinking of a new trailer too but my interior and exterior is still like new so I'd rather spend 5k-8k on upgrades rather than 70k-80k on a new trailer at this time.

Anyone have any experiennce or know anyone that has switched to air suspension on a 5th wheel? Glowing reports from the manufacturers sites but I'm looking for real world knowledge. I have double 7000# axles with G rated Goodyear tires.

Thanks for any help or ideas.

 

[Bob4x4]

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-how-to/trailer-tech/bounce-be-gone/ an interesting read

 

[Cummins12V98]

If you really want the best suspension just order the MorRyde IS suspension with the 8K Kodiak disk brake system installed.

 

[Dieselnerd]

If you really want the best suspension just order the MorRyde IS suspension with the 8K Kodiak disk brake system installed.

Definitely on my list! Thanks...

 

[Dieselnerd]

http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-how-to/trailer-tech/bounce-be-gone/ an interesting read

That looks good too. Not as well known as some others but it can be used for leveling and has rubber supports inside the air bags so it won't collapse with a leak. Thanks for the link!

 

[TDB67]

Though not a 5th wheel trailer, I have a 15,000# Gooseneck horse trailer with the Dexter air suspension. Axles are rated at 8,000# each. I like the extra travel the suspension offers; combining the torsion axle with the air bags. Really like the suspension and worth the money. I have to check the mirrors to be sure the trailer is still behind me. The setup I have has an automatic level control valve which gives a fixed ride height. When I'm parked, I can dump the air bags to lower the step in height for the horses. Others I've seen have added two separate dump valves to level the trailer from side to side when parked. I would think if you wanted to rise the trailer higher from the standard ride height, you would have to over ride the level control valve somehow.

 

[6speed]

I have a 46' G-Neck living qtrs. race car trailer that I put a Kelderman Air Ride on back in 12. It was by far the best investment I did. The very back of the trailers really bounce. It broke the golf cart roof arms 3 times and possibly the fairing on the HD. That damage can not be verified, but its not ruled out either. The trailer bounced so bad it jerked the truck back and forth. It has a dump feature and that makes it great for stability when parked. I would recommend air ride on any trailer. With the air ride assist on my dually and the air on the trailer it just the most amazing ride.

 

[Dieselnerd]

I'm working with a local custom trailer builder now and looking at the various options. I am probably going to go with the Dexter independent suspension. I have 7000# axles now but I plan on upgrading to 8000# axles with Nev-R-Lube bearings and disc brakes. Never hurts to have a little extra capacity. Also raising the trailer about 3 inches and that should get rid of my steep driveway problem.