Tow rig: air bags or helper springs?

[GoSlowGetStuck]

Alright, I would have asked this on fullsizechevy or tahoeforum but both of those seem to be having issues lately. My tow rig is an older Tahoe with the 350, leaf springs in the rear, but it doesn't have the Z82 towing package. (I do have aftermarket aux trans cooler, brake controller, etc.) I noticed when I loaded up my XJ and trailer (~5000lbs) I had some pretty bad spring sag in the back. I don't know if the Z82 units had bigger springs or anything like that, but I'm looking at anything I can add aftermarket to help. I like the progressive steel spring helpers like this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2510-250SUB.html

since they bolt right on and don't require any adjustment or work on my part, and won't interfere with the ride when it's not loaded. I have an air compressor though so it wouldn't be a big deal inflate air bags before a road trip. For that I'm looking at something like this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2101CS6.html

More involved to install, requires a little effort each time I'm heading out, but I get the impression that it might do a better job than the helper springs.

Anyone have experience with one or the other, or both?

 

[ChiXJeff]

A friend of mine used to have a Tahoe that got used for light towing. He said that once he mounted airbags on the rear, it towed like a completely new and different vehicle. The nice thing about bags is that they're adjustable.

 

[squirrel80]

I run air bags on my 1 ton and they are worth the money. Just make sure you hook them up with two air fittings and not tee connect them. They will counter inflate when you go in to a turn and go against your sway bar. Other than that best bang for your buck and easier than swaping springs.

 

[Darky]

My little Nissan has air shocks out back for a similar effect. Put something heavy in the back, give it a couple shots of air and it's back to normal.

 

[FlexdXJ]

Alright, I would have asked this on fullsizechevy or tahoeforum but both of those seem to be having issues lately. My tow rig is an older Tahoe with the 350, leaf springs in the rear, but it doesn't have the Z82 towing package. (I do have aftermarket aux trans cooler, brake controller, etc.) I noticed when I loaded up my XJ and trailer (~5000lbs) I had some pretty bad spring sag in the back. I don't know if the Z82 units had bigger springs or anything like that, but I'm looking at anything I can add aftermarket to help. I like the progressive steel spring helpers like this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2510-250SUB.html

since they bolt right on and don't require any adjustment or work on my part, and won't interfere with the ride when it's not loaded. I have an air compressor though so it wouldn't be a big deal inflate air bags before a road trip. For that I'm looking at something like this:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2101CS6.html

More involved to install, requires a little effort each time I'm heading out, but I get the impression that it might do a better job than the helper springs.

Anyone have experience with one or the other, or both?

PM Big Hank. He has air bags on the back of his Cummins. He can tell ya what to look for!

 

[Big Hank]

Air bags, air bags, and air bags would be my answer. I have Firestone bags purchased from Rough Country. They are good people with a very good price on bags. I do not use a compressor, I just load the trailer and set them at the shop before the trip. I actually haven't touched the air in them for about 4 months. I set them on the lower end of what I like them at when towing (17 psi) and I have left them there ever since. If you call Rough Country make sure you let them know you are with .

 

[FlexdXJ]

Air bags, air bags, and air bags would be my answer. I have Firestone bags purchased from Rough Country. They are good people with a very good price on bags. I do not use a compressor, I just load the trailer and set them at the shop before the trip. I actually haven't touched the air in them for about 4 months. I set them on the lower end of what I like them at when towing (17 psi) and I have left them there ever since. If you call Rough Country make sure you let them know you are with .

And there he is Brad!

 

[GoSlowGetStuck]

Air bags, air bags, and air bags would be my answer. I have Firestone bags purchased from Rough Country. They are good people with a very good price on bags. I do not use a compressor, I just load the trailer and set them at the shop before the trip. I actually haven't touched the air in them for about 4 months. I set them on the lower end of what I like them at when towing (17 psi) and I have left them there ever since. If you call Rough Country make sure you let them know you are with .

Thanks for the info! So you don't have any complaints about the ride when it's unloaded and you've still got pressure in them? Bear in mind I've only got a 1/2 ton, where I'm guessing you have a 3/4 or bigger (since Aaron said you have a Cummins).

I guess either way the overwhelming consensus is air bags, I will get ahold of RC after my next pay day and put my order in. Also, thanks squirrel80 for suggesting not to link the bags together - I can see how that would definitely make things worse in the corners.

 

[Big Hank]

Thanks for the info! So you don't have any complaints about the ride when it's unloaded and you've still got pressure in them? Bear in mind I've only got a 1/2 ton, where I'm guessing you have a 3/4 or bigger (since Aaron said you have a Cummins).

I guess either way the overwhelming consensus is air bags, I will get ahold of RC after my next pay day and put my order in. Also, thanks squirrel80 for suggesting not to link the bags together - I can see how that would definitely make things worse in the corners.

I think with a 1/2 ton you will like them even more than I like them on my 3/4. Just towing a Jeep my truck was already pretty stable, but now I get the tongue weight just how I like it and it is as stable as no trailer at all. My 3/4 ton ride was already poor compared to a 1/2 ton. I really don't think it got any worse, even leaving it at 17psi. You do need to leave the bags with about 5 psi even when not towing. I just push on mine by hand at least every other time I fill up with fuel.

I do plan to add a compressor and gauge just after I win the lottery.

 

[FlexdXJ]

I do plan to add a compressor and gauge just after I win the lottery.

We all plan on winning the lottery, Gene!