[VAC] Re: How much is too much? Air shocks vs weight equalizing hitch

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim,

I know it seems to work for you, but pumping up air shocks is not a great
way to counteract a continuous load on the rear.  Shocks are a damping
device (to reduce oscillations after you go over a bump) and are also
designed to absorb (dampen) sudden loads (like a bump or pothole).  The
mount for a rear shock absorber is usually on the modest side (to be polite)
so it is not designed to support a heavy load  - that is what the springs
are for.

A supplementary  air   load support system would be to install air bags
i.e.. Air Lifts which would go between the frame and the axle.  These are
designed to support a load.  They can be pumped up, as required, to support
an increased load (within designed capacity, of course)

The weight equalizing hitch utilizes the spring bars to transfer some of the
hitch weight to the front wheels (and springs) of the vehicle, thereby
reducing the load on the rear springs of the tow vehicle.

I know that a lot of people use aftermarket air shocks to support a heavy
rear load, but the laws of physics are not on thier side.

Adjustable or auto leveling shocks or suspension systems which are a factory
option offered on some vehicles (Mercedes E320 Wagon, Chevy Tahoe, etc.) are
a slightly different animal.  These systems have sturdy mounts, and the
adjustable shock is directly in line with the load (not at an angle [and
mechanical disadvantage] like most rear shock absorber mounts).

As has been pointed out already, increasing the capacity of the rear
suspension doesn't help with the reduction of weight (and traction) on the
front wheels of the tow vehicle.  In short, if the trailer hitches aft of
the tow vehicle's rear axle, and the hitch weight is substantial, a weight
equalizing hitch is your best bet to avoid the wheelie phenomenon.