Can anyone tell me the pros and cons if i was to fit air bags to the rear of my ford territory to help level the car while towing my van
deverall11 said
10:04 AM May 23, 2015
Airbags are NOT designed to level your tug/van combo. You use a WDH. Don't confuse the two and it is important in terms of safety that you understand the concept of a WDH. I have air bags in the back of the Landcruiser to help the suspension with the extra weight. I also have the option of fitting harder springs, but this would make the ride harsher when not loaded. With the bags you can reduce the pressure and go back to a supple ride when not towing.
Got mine online from a US site at better than half the cost here and delivered to my door within 6 days.
Larry
Mike196 said
01:29 PM May 23, 2015
A percentage of the weight you place on the towbar is removed from the front axle with the rear axle being the pivot point, the result is you lose steering and braking efficiency on the front.
If the vehicle is tail down with the Van on then you need the appropriate Weight Distribution Hitch to bring the rear back up and replace a percentage of the weight removed from the front when hitched. I believe I read on here somewhere the amount to aim for is between 50 and 60%.
hako said
01:47 PM May 23, 2015
Lots of Territory owners fit airbags to level the rear either with or without a WDH. I use a 4 bar WDH yet is still does not level the car so I will probably buy airbags as well. I've attached a link to a Territory forum article on airbags. There is also a dealer called "Airbag Man" who sells them for this purpose:
You can adjust for varying loads & road conditions by simply inflating or deflating, just like inflating/deflating a tyre for front-to-rear & side-to-side levelling control, this enables a vehicle to "level up" when towing caravans, boats and trailers or when a vehicle is carrying heavy, uneven loads.
The coil rear end sags on Territories and most coil sprung vehicles. Dollar for dollar airbags I reckon are the go with the addition of a WDH if the van is over about 1400KG ATM. Cheapest way to buy a WDH is Gumtree/Ebay where they are commonly available 2nd hand.
Good Luck
Aus-Kiwi said
08:33 PM May 23, 2015
Being coil spring ? With IRS the bags will assist big time..
Can anyone tell me the pros and cons if i was to fit air bags to the rear of my ford territory to help level the car while towing my van
Got mine online from a US site at better than half the cost here and delivered to my door within 6 days.
Larry
A percentage of the weight you place on the towbar is removed from the front axle with the rear axle being the pivot point, the result is you lose steering and braking efficiency on the front.
If the vehicle is tail down with the Van on then you need the appropriate Weight Distribution Hitch to bring the rear back up and replace a percentage of the weight removed from the front when hitched. I believe I read on here somewhere the amount to aim for is between 50 and 60%.
Lots of Territory owners fit airbags to level the rear either with or without a WDH. I use a 4 bar WDH yet is still does not level the car so I will probably buy airbags as well.
I've attached a link to a Territory forum article on airbags.
There is also a dealer called "Airbag Man" who sells them for this purpose:
You can adjust for varying loads & road conditions by simply inflating or deflating, just like inflating/deflating a tyre for front-to-rear & side-to-side levelling control, this enables a vehicle to "level up" when towing caravans, boats and trailers or when a vehicle is carrying heavy, uneven loads.
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11429217&highlight=airbags
The coil rear end sags on Territories and most coil sprung vehicles. Dollar for dollar airbags I reckon are the go with the addition of a WDH if the van is over about 1400KG ATM. Cheapest way to buy a WDH is Gumtree/Ebay where they are commonly available 2nd hand.
Good Luck