Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by Will Sabel
Using the WD in an air suspension car might seem hard as lots of drivers get in trouble on their first attempt. It happens due to the wrong installation after reading the user manual but not understanding a single thing.
So, can you use a weight distribution hitch with air suspension properly? Yup, it’s possible if your car has jack mode. Here’s how to do it yourself:
- Disable air suspension
- Calculate the front and back ride height at the wheel
- Adjust the ball height and link the trailer
- Calculate the ride height again
- Install the weight distribution hitch
- Enable air suspension
To understand the whole procedure, keep on reading…
Can You Use A Weight Distribution Hitch With Air Suspension?
As we have expressed earlier, anyone can add the weight distribution hitch with auto-leveling air suspension on a car with jack mode. The wrong-way application won’t help leveling both the truck and trailer. So, we’ll break down the method in case you are interested to know that –
Step 1: Disable Air Suspension System
Locating the air suspension button is your initial task to activate jack or lift mode. It can be sited in different places based on your truck model and brand.
Mostly, you’ll find the level switch on the trunk or right side of the passenger’s foot. In case you are clueless, we would suggest reading the user manual to find the exact location.
Then, turn off your truck engine when the ignition is on. After that, hold the suspension level switch and move it up or down.
Continue holding the level switch at a position for up to 7 – 8 seconds and let it go. Wait for the air suspension to turn off (the green line on the dash will disappear).
Step 2: Calculate The Front & Back Ride Height At The Wheel
Take a measuring tape to calculate the ride height. Be sure to use the tape from the fender flare (lowest body between wheel wells) to the land. After that, write it down on paper.
Step 3: Adjust The Ball Height And Link The Trailer
You want to adapt the ball height for around 1 – 3 inches to the coupler. Based on the truck leveling, it’s better to do that when you are done inserting the shank, hitch pin, dip, and head. Insert the spring bars on the hitch head. And then, correctly connect the trailer.
Step 4: Calculate The Ride Height
Lift the trailer jack for around 3” to get the raise. Again, you might need to measure the ride height to catch the angle. Take the measuring tape and calculate from the bottom to the fender flare at the wheel. Remember the number.
Step 5: Install The Weight Distribution Hitch
Use the best weight distribution hitch bars to insert them into the bracket. Ensure to properly align and fit nicely. Pry the brackets to keep them in the lock position. Be sure not to put too much tension on weight distribution bars or they’ll bend.
It’s time for you to re-measure the distance. Be sure the 4 wheels point (bottom to fender flare distance) is the same in number. Also, check the evenness of the trailer at the wheel point. Tighten out all the bolts.
Step 6: Enable Air Suspension
In this step, you have to turn off the tire jack or lift mode. To do that, press the air suspension level switch in the opposite direction for 7 – 8 seconds. Look into the dash to see the green line to confirm enabling air suspension.
Note that, adding an airbag system in your car will not increase its payload or towing capacity. You can watch this video for more details:
Overall Thought
Correcting the large trailer ride handling is possible with the WD hitch. It not only ensures evenness when driving under bumpy roads but also lets the truck and trailer stay safe from shock.
So can you use a weight-distribution hitch with air suspension, it’s your turn to decide that and if you’ll add one or skip it.
The above method is explained in case you need the instruction. Hopefully, you find this guide useful and the technique easy to follow. Happy Towing!
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