Half ton tow vehicle air bags or Roadactive Suspension ? Firestone or Airlift ?

[topgun2]

Rob - 

If you look under the rear of that new truck, somewhere there will be a decal stating that you need a WD hitch if the hitch weight is 500 pounds or greater.  

ALL 1/2 ton trucks have something like this.

If for no other reason - I could not afford the liability of not using the Andersen in the event of an accident.  I happen to think that performance and safety are also improved in using it, but, those things are more of a personal choice.

Bill

[routlaw]

36 minutes ago, topgun2 said:

Rob - 

If you look under the rear of that new truck, somewhere there will be a decal stating that you need a WD hitch if the hitch weight is 500 pounds or greater.  

ALL 1/2 ton trucks have something like this.

If for no other reason - I could not afford the liability of not using the Andersen in the event of an accident.  I happen to think that performance and safety are also improved in using it, but, those things are more of a personal choice.

Bill

Bill, yep been aware for that for many years, and ended up adopting the Anderson a couple of years ago although I had towed the Ollie for some 8 years with no issues. However I have seen another Olivers out on the road with half ton pickups with no WDH including last summer in Glacier. I will admit they help, but are also a PITA to use. I hear you though the liability just isn't worth going without a WDH.

Thanks

[rideandfly]

2 hours ago, Tideline77 said:

Thanks for that info

the Timbren is on my list of possibilities 

 

are you happy with the Timbren setup ?

The Timbren system is low cost and easy to install, but it's sometimes tricky to have air gap between the Timbren rubber blocks when Ollie is not connected (see my previous post on first page).  If the bed is loaded when camping and Ollie is disconnected, it's still possible for the Timbren blocks to be contacting the rear differential giving a firm ride if the load in the bed is heavy. 

In our case, without Ollie connected with our normal camping gear load in the bed, there is air gap between the Timbren blocks and rear differential giving a nice ride. With rear differential airbag systems, you can let air out of the bags with Ollie disconnected to give a smoother ride. 

As mentioned above a WDH needs to be used with a TV/Ollie rig when required by the TV operators manual and stated on some trailer hitches. We keep a close eye on our actual ready to camp TV & Ollie weighs using CAT scales to comply with TV/Ollie requirements.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 30 by rideandfly

[Tideline77]

3 hours ago, routlaw said:

I do have the 6.5 foot bed, but doubt it would make a huge difference one way or the other. Just curious are you also using the Anderson WDH? It seems there are still some folks with half tons and not using it so that certain could make a noticeable difference too. Regardless using the RAS system will raise the bed, no way around that, to what degree depends largely on adjustment implemented, ie heavy vs light. Unfortunately I can't take any photos now of my setup having just traded in my older '13 F150. 

I see you have the 2.7 engine, probably somewhat lighter in weight. Curious if that throws the front to rear weight balance off compared to my setup. 

I think I have a PHD on Andersen hitches by now 🤠
Pretty sure we have the Andersen weight distribution hitch dialed in,  we did just replace the friction cone .

Thanks for the info

[Geronimo John]

On 6/29/2025 at 2:05 PM, rideandfly said:

The Timbren system is low cost and easy to install, but it's sometimes tricky to have air gap between the Timbren rubber blocks when Ollie is not connected (see my previous post on first page). 

Bill:  spot on.

My decision was based upon not having a consistent load for the TV.  One moment I have just the TV empty. Later in the day I may be towing Ollie with 540 pounds of Tongue Weight either with or without a cargo load.  Then hauling a super full load of pilots and gear crawling up a mountain.  Then empty coming down.  With a Timbren system it just is not adaptable to such use.  The air bags however are.  

I also agree that the timberline's are good for a consistent load.  Dial it in and you are golden and have not broke the bank. 

But if you load profile looks like a Yo-Yo, then you would want air bags I think.

GJ

[Hull1497]

I have been super happy with the RAS on my 2017 Tundra DC 6.5’ bed. I installed on the middle setting and it’s been great when it’s unloaded and running around town with just the truck, and absolutely no squat with the Oliver attached.

[Tony and Rhonda]

I'm a little confused by this thread but I have minimal experience towing the Ollie. Why would a half ton with WDH need one of these suspension mods

With my 1/2 ton and Anderson WDH, my truck/camper appears to be pretty level. I do have the Anderson chains pretty tight. Can these be over-stressed trying to distribute the weight?

Does extra payload in the bed require the mods?

 

[STEVEnBETTY]

If you do some research other than the internet you will find that the sticker on the underside of your class 3 hitch says 500 tongue weight without wdh, 1000 with, those are recommendations, not legally required. As long as you stay within the weight requirements on your door jam sticker your legal. Even the class 3 hitch is rated for 1000 lbs, the wdh just redistributes weight. 

[STEVEnBETTY]

The point is you don’t need suspension mods unless there’s a problem or you feel uncomfortable.

[Rivernerd]

30 minutes ago, Tony and Rhonda said:

I'm a little confused by this thread but I have minimal experience towing the Ollie. Why would a half ton with WDH need one of these suspension mods

With my 1/2 ton and Anderson WDH, my truck/camper appears to be pretty level. I do have the Anderson chains pretty tight. Can these be over-stressed trying to distribute the weight?

Does extra payload in the bed require the mods?

The tow vehicle suspension modifications are not legally required, but they add some stability, particularly with "porpoising" when going over a dip in the road.  

I note your tow vehicle is a 2023 Tundra.  Our tow  vehicle is a 2019 Tundra.  I installed an Anderson weight distribution hitch when we picked up our 2022 Elite II in Hohenwald, because our Toyota owners manual requires one when towing over 5K lbs.  I am glad I did.

In 2023, after towing our Elite II about 3000 miles, I added Airlift Loadlifter 5000 air bags to the Tundra, based on some informative threads on this forum.  The air bags have added the small margin of stability referenced above when towing our Elite II.  To me, that added margin of control, and safety, has been worth the expense of both $$$$ and my time.

The Anderson chains must be tight to function properly.  Tight does not equal "over-stressed."

Also, suspension mods like air bags do not increase your payload capacity.  But I feel more control, and therefore somewhat safer, when towing our Elite II with the air bags than I did before they were installed.

Edited July 3 by Rivernerd

[routlaw]

I don't recall who the forum member was but a couple years back he informed all who were towing with half ton pickups (or less) insurance companies will take you to the cleaners if not properly equipped at time of wreck including but not limited to you being faultless in the wreck. Apparently he was a retired insurance lawyer who did just that investigated people on behalf of the insurance companies who were towing either at their limits or over. Cutting to the chase as I understood it, you could get t-boned at an intersection but if at the limits or over of your towing capacity get taken to the cleaners financially even though it was not your fault. 

At this point I had been towing for 8 years or more without the use of the Anderson WDH with no issues. I decided it was time to change, bought the Anderson, and still hate it, but also worth the peace of mind not to get taken by insurance companies for all I am worth. Is there a difference using the WDH? Yes. Is the difference monumental? No, but I still keep using it. Not all of us can afford or even want to own a 3/4 ton pickup and for a litany of different reasons. 

In the meantime a couple of issues the RAS does that airbags will not do. Completely eliminate axle wrap on acceleration, some weight distribution, and purportedly better gas mileage. It also has the disadvantages of lifting the rear truck bed especially noticeable with highest setting. Personally I have not realized better gas mileage but the difference in handling, and towing are noticeable. 

Not sure what I will do with new truck yet. 

[STEVEnBETTY]

The only legally binding weight on your vehicle is the door jam sticker, the sticker on the underside of the hitch is a recommendation.

[routlaw]

I'm not a lawyer but even a quick AI research/query provided this info: Regardless better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Generally, a sticker on the bottom of a truck hitch stating load or weight capacities is considered legally binding, but its primary purpose is related to safety and manufacturer specifications, not necessarily creating a contract. 

Here's why and what it means:

• Manufacturer Specifications: The sticker indicates the maximum tongue weight and towing capacity the hitch is designed to handle, which are set by the manufacturer.
• Safety and Responsibility: Adhering to these limits is critical for safe towing and preventing potential damage to the vehicle or hitch. If you exceed these limits and it contributes to an accident, you could be held liable.
• Not a Contract: These stickers are not generally considered to form a contract in the typical legal sense, like a buyer's order or sales contract. Instead, they provide essential safety information that must be followed. 

Important Note:

• Vehicle vs. Hitch Capacity: The sticker on the hitch might indicate a specific weight capacity, but you must always adhere to the lower of the vehicle's towing capacity or the hitch's capacity. The vehicle's towing capacity is determined by the manufacturer based on factors like engine power, chassis strength, and braking systems.
• Tongue Weight Importance:  Proper tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the total trailer weight) is crucial for preventing trailer sway and ensuring safe handling.  

In summary, while the sticker isn't a legal contract, ignoring the information on it about weight limits could have legal consequences related to negligence or contributing to an accident. Always prioritize safe towing practices and adhere to the manufacturer's specifications on both your vehicle and your hitch. 

[STEVEnBETTY]

I stand corrected, in relation to the use of the lower rating, but the hitch is still rated for 1000lb tongue weight. My current weights  are 2860 steer,truck rear 3580 trailer 5480 for a combined weight of 11920. Subtract 2840 from the truck rear and my tongue weight is 740 lbs which is 15 percent , within all the legal guidelines. The wdh does not change tongue weight it just redistributes weight to either the truck or trl.

[STEVEnBETTY]

In reality I would need to put on a class 4 hitch, which is doable, but I’m pretty confident that I can prove I am in no way overloaded.

[Geronimo John]

14 hours ago, Tony and Rhonda said:

 Why would a half ton with WDH need one of these suspension mods

Our 2019 F-150 Crew Cab, 4x4 FX4 had the Anderson.  Prior to our Alaska trip from TX, I added husky mud flaps, Bilstein 5100's on the rear.  I thought that all would be perfect.

I can attest that half way from the CONUS boarder to the Alaska border, I sincerely wished  that :

      A. I had  armored the front of our Ollie with yoga mats.

      B  I had followed my brother's advice and gotten air bags. 

We mitigated the situation by traveling light and very carefully; and a lot slower that many others.  One of which broke his trailer frame by speed on corduroy roads.  

That was my experience.  I suspect that the majority of those that have made the trip would agree.    

My opinion is that most stock half tons need the above mods if boondocking or even if not bonding but plan on going to places like Canadian and Alaska roads.  

The 250/350 HD class:  Yoga mats for sure and full on mud flaps for that trip and likely many here in CONUS as well.  

All would benefit from the wonderful 36 gallon fuel tank!

ON THE OTHERHAND:  If you are a RV Campground user and don't go off road or on fire roads, you likely can do just fine without such mods.  Just take it easy.

GJ