How much is to much? Air hitches, bags, pin boxes

[DHayden]

I currently have a gooseneck and I'm in the market for a toyhauler while prices are low. I think I am sold on air ride technology but my question is this: How much is too much? What is the best combination?

There are air ride hitches, air bags, air suspension (kelderman)and air pin boxes.

Pin boxes - Great systems like 5th air that cushion and help stop forward and aft slop, cushions connection between truck and trailer but can only stay on one trailer.



Air hitches - cushion connection between truck and trailer, works on all trailers.



Air suspension - cushion between sprung and unsprung weight on the truck, I'm sure obsorbs trailer weight and ride characteristics nicely.



In my mind an air ride hitch and air suspension would be great considering the area's each one helps take care of. But is the ride worth the cost? which ONE system is most effective? Which 2? Would 3 be even better or would all the "air" connections start having negative effects with to much "slop" for lack of a better word.



Didnt talk about air bags as I dont personally consider them a true "air connection" I'm sure they help support load and maybe improve ride quality but I'm more interested in the true "air" effect of a suspension that removes the springs.

 

[Turboman]

I built an airride hitch from a B&W companion hitch, I love it!! It took all the fore and aft jerks out. You can't even feel the trailer tire cross a rr tracks! Go for the airride hitch, youll love it.

 

[CUMMINZ]

Here is the best on the market.



Please click here for photos of GlideRide installation.



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[DHayden]

I built an airride hitch from a B&W companion hitch, I love it!! It took all the fore and aft jerks out. You can't even feel the trailer tire cross a rr tracks! Go for the airride hitch, youll love it.

I have a B&W hitch already and would LOVE for them to make an air hitch.



I am already sold on air ride I'm just wondering if there is such thing as to much. If all the air in my first post was installed would it create a "squishy" feel? Would it make bounces "resonate" and feed off of each other? I cant see a benefit of an air pin box and an air hitch, but I think an air hitch and air suspension would be excellent.

 

[DHayden]

I built an airride hitch from a B&W companion hitch, I love it!! It took all the fore and aft jerks out. You can't even feel the trailer tire cross a rr tracks! Go for the airride hitch, youll love it.

I would really like to see pictures of the B&W hitch you fabbed if its possible.

 

[HBarlow]

DHayden,



All of that aftermarket equipment probably makes a slight contribution to a smoother towing ride but much of it would be hard to justify in terms of dollars per result.



An engineer at NuWa (HitchHiker) told me that they studied the issue for years and finally determined that the source of the majority of the unwanted motion transmitted to the tow vehicle came from the fixed kingpin on the trailer and was eliminated by the Demco Glide-Ride.



He had no reason to try to "sell me" because NuWa has provided the Demco as standard equipment on new HH fivers since about '06.



I have pulled hundreds of fifth wheels tens of thousands of miles as an RV transporter and am convinced that my HH pulls smoother than any of the others with just the Demco. I have pulled some expensive trailers with air ride hitches also.



Standard disclaimer applies.

 

[Curious Dave]

I have air bags and the trail-air pin box. I have replaced the stock axles under my 364q Everest with 7k/8k hybrid axles with 8k slipper springs. I also put on some Rickson 19. 5's and the ride is pretty good. Much better than it was. I am also trying to get time to do the Kelderman setup for the trailer and thinking about it for the truck. At least on the front. I just installed air ride seats in my truck and the ride is much better. Everytime I have upraded to "air" on the truck or trailer the ride improves quite abit. I would not think that there is such a thing as to much "air". The reason I say that is because I have not run across it yet. I do not believe that it is something to worry about though. At least not unless you lose some shocks. Then I could see a mess with the bouncing effect. I talked to the guys at Keldermann and the bag system for the trailers are meant to cushion the impact that is less than the springs are rated for. The bags they use are 16k combined and are of course adjustable. I know that when I went to the Ricksons on the trailer the trailer quit bouncing. Before it was like pulling a giant bouncy ball. Now it just sits back there and moves according to what the springs and the pin box need. My reasoning for looking at the Kelderman scenario is for the softer ride for the structure of the trailer, potentialy a little more ride height, and of course the shocks.