Airbags and Pull-rite SuperGlide hitch compatibility?

[Scooby]

I just recently moved up to a 5th wheel camper and installed a Pullrite 16K SuperGlide hitch. My truck squats quite a bit with hooked up and so I'm thinking about the PacBrake air bags. Does anyone know if there will be any interference between the bag brackets and the SuperGlide hitch brackets?

 

[jelag]

I have several trucks all running pacbrakes, air bags and B/W gooseneck hitches and 2 of those trucks use the companion hitch as well... . there is on interference between the hitch and the air bags... . we have installed a pressure regulator so that we can level the truck when we change from no trailer, to a work trailer to a 5er for play... .

Hope this helps. .

 

[DogramTD]

I have the superglide pullrite W/Firestone Airbags... no issues whatsoever. Not sure about Pacbrake, but I couldnt imagine there being any interference

 

[Scooby]

Thanks for the responses! Do the Firestones insert between the springs and axle? I was reading that the bags should ideally be to the inside of the frame - not between the spring and axle... .



A photo or two would be much appreciated! Any special considerations while installing? The interference I was referring to would be specific to the bag mounting brackets and the mounting brackets that came with my Pullrite SuperGlide hitch (with removable rails)..... I know I'm really narrowing down the possibility of an answer here by getting very specific!



Thanks!

 

[DGamelin]

Heres a picture of a airlift kit with a B&W gooseneck hitch. I made some brackets yesterday to hold up the end of the lower bracket, not in the picture. The front of the left upper bracket rubes on the e brake cable. There is enough room to drill a new hole and cut off the end of the bracket.



I dont know if this helps, good luck.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 278k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6speed 116k

 

[DogramTD]

Thanks for the responses! Do the Firestones insert between the springs and axle? I was reading that the bags should ideally be to the inside of the frame - not between the spring and axle... .



A photo or two would be much appreciated! Any special considerations while installing? The interference I was referring to would be specific to the bag mounting brackets and the mounting brackets that came with my Pullrite SuperGlide hitch (with removable rails)..... I know I'm really narrowing down the possibility of an answer here by getting very specific!



Thanks!

Ill post a pic of my pullrite w/firestone airbags by tomorrow. The only interference you will have has already been dealt with, that dang brake line bracket in the way of the upper Airbag bracket. The PR and FS systems dont even know the other is there.

 

[Scooby]

Thank you I appreciate the photos!

 

[DogramTD]

This is the left side, as you can see, the PR bracket is cut to fit around the Air Bag bracket.

 

[Grizzly]

I just recently moved up to a 5th wheel camper and installed a Pullrite 16K SuperGlide hitch. My truck squats quite a bit with hooked up and so I'm thinking about the PacBrake air bags. Does anyone know if there will be any interference between the bag brackets and the SuperGlide hitch brackets?

Tell us about what size truck you have and what size and weight of 5er you're pulling. It may be that what you need are extra springs or overloads on your truck. I have more faith with extra springs than I do with air bags. You could also need more truck if it squats that bad.



You should fill out your signature so that we can get a better idea of your situation.



george

 

[Cosmo]

George, if he's got the 2500 in his sig, then the only difference between it and a SRW 3500 is an overload spring and the stickers. Adding air bags will essentially make the truck a 3500 except in the eyes of the law.

 

[TCDiesel]

TDC -axle airbag ride Never will be as safe or better then 2-point spring with before and after axle support. . add a leaf to overloads or primary spring for best support.

 

[Axion]

I have a 2006 Mega Cab with both a 16K Superglide and Pacbrake airbags and there are no issues at all. Only problem is I wish I had opted for the in-cab controls when I bought the bags. Going back and forth from the bumper to the cab to check pressures is a bit of a hassle. Once my OBA system is complete, in-cab controls won't be far behind.

 

[Grizzly]

George, if he's got the 2500 in his sig, then the only difference between it and a SRW 3500 is an overload spring and the stickers. Adding air bags will essentially make the truck a 3500 except in the eyes of the law.

Scooby just added his truck and 5er to his signature. He has a 2500 short bed and is pulling a 35' Cedar Creek 5th wheel, which is a 33LBHTS model. According to RVCG that model weighs 13,830 loaded. Pin weight is 17 to 18%, which is 2351 to 2489 lbs. Could be it is too much weight for a 2500 short bed. I'm not sure what the GVWR of a 2500 short bed is, but he will no doubt have much more weight in the truck besides the pin weight. Again, he may just need more truck for that size 5er.



george

 

[TCDiesel]

Air bags should never ADD to The GVW, last time I read the disclaimer for any Air lift system they clearly state to Assist GVW.

Now consider the placement of the PIN,You need to check Your Front axle manufacture Gross steering axle (LBS) Most 3gens around 3800-4200 ET,The Gross vehicle on 3gens is I think 4700 (STR-Axle)so now You have some room to set the pin ahead of TDC R-Axle.

I would like to know why the 5th-wheel is so popular with recreational trailers, the goose-neck hook up is much safer and allows much better weight distribution when you know what you are doing. Maybe the Rec-trailer Makers what people to think that the 5er hook up on commercial vehicles are the same as the pickup bed hookups,We'll the commercial 5er is place between to drivers in the tandem's and place 8" to 10" ahead of single drives,look at the surface area of the commercial 5er VS Rec-5er,also the commercial plate is 3-4" above frame rails.



Find a company that will make you a custom hookup that knows what they are doing, Most of the most popular Rec-5ers or goose-neck B&W/Reese/,etc are way below My standards, IMO>

 

[Grizzly]

I wonder what DOT has to say about the use of air bags to raise your GVWR, which of course we know doesn't increase the weight rating? All they do is level off the truck.

 

[Cosmo]

I don't know about his truck, but my 2500 qc shortbed has a payload of about 1900 pounds.

 

[Grizzly]

I don't know about his truck, but my 2500 qc shortbed has a payload of about 1900 pounds.

What year is your truck?



You may want to include a signature.

 

[Scooby]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Thanks for the photo Dogram!



I'm not sure why my signature wasn't showing up, for you George, but I have what is indicated there: a 2006 2500 MegaCab 4x4 pulling a CedarCreek 5th wheel.



TWest, I don't know the reason behind the 5th wheel vs. Gooseneck set up -but I have often wondered that myself. I always thought the 5thwheel offered better weight distribution over a larger surface area, but maybe not? It would seem logical that the gooseneck was used on rural and farm applications because it allowed for pivoting between the truck and trailer in all directions - whereas the original 5th wheel hitches (correct me if I'm wrong) didn't offer left to right pivoting - so they were reserved for on-street applications. This is all just a guess. Personally I like the idea of a gooseneck - it takes up a heck of a lot less space in the bed!... . although they don't make any sliding gooseneck balls! :-laf



And hey... . did I hear someone mention that I should be looking for a new truck! Don't be alarmed, but considering the great reviews lately, I might be convinced to buy a 2011 Ford F450 King Ranch... . if someone could loan (or just give) me $68K!!

 

[TCDiesel]

The DOT here In MN will look at the GVW ,then License weight, then tire rating, then calculate NOT to exceed 600 (LPSI) the tow weight will be the same,but You can exceed the Vehicle GWT as long as you are bridged correctly if NOT $$$. If you point out the air system it will be invisible to the DOT agent.

If you have a crash and serious injury/death occur the DOT will take micro-wrenches to the power & tow vehicle. The area most concern is the tow vehicle axles,most Recreational trailer axles are close to vehicle weight, this does not allow much for gear.

 

[Cosmo]

Mine's an 08 QC shortbed 4x4 laramie diesel.