Towing a 5th wheel camper

[Ranger 11]

I have a 04 F250 4x4 SWB Crew Cab 6.0 auto trans 89000 miles on it. We have a 5th wheel we pull now that weights about 6600lbs dry weight. We are upgrading to a 5th wheel that weights about 9600lbs dry weight. I have been told that some type of an air bag system would help with the weight and leveling the truck out when pulling. Any suggestions on which system to go with that will not put me in the poor house. There are so many out there to choose from. Thank you for your time, Jimmy

[MikeThompson]

What's the tongue weight on the new camper? You may not need anything. I hauled a 14000lb 5th wheel for over 5 years with a F-350 and never put any air bags or anything on it.

[jesilvas]

I agree with Mike. Best thing to do is to hook up to it, THEN decide if you need bags or not.

[kendallcschm]

if you really want airbags i recommend the firestone airbags.. they seem to be pretty popular with the dually and lifted towing community.. personally i don't think you'll need them as we can tow 12,500 from our rear hitch, and your going to pull 9600 from a 5th wheel

[Ranger 11]

The spec sheet says 1872 hitch weight. The camper we have now is 1180. Tks

[MikeThompson]

I don't think you'll have a problem. Like jesilvas said, hook it up and see what you think. No need to spend the money if you don't need the bags.

[6.0f250firstcar]

Yeah you shouldn't have any problem with a 9,600 lbs. 5th wheel.

[crazyfrog1983]

Yeah, I agree. You shouldnt need any. I tow mine and it's 9100lbs dry..... Usually around 10500 lbs. Last time I weighed my pin was at 1650 roughly and it just levels out my truck......

[andyrad]

Our 5er weighs in at just under 14K with a hitch weight of about 2300. It has been fine so far without airbags but when towing at night I get a lot of high beam flashes, and I mean a lot. So today I bought some new PIAA bulbs to pierce their pupils and some Ride Rite air bags to help bring the lights back down to the pavement again. We're hauling 1,000 Km on Thursday night so we'll see what transpires.

PS, you will barely notice your 9600 pounds.

[alradco]

No bags here either towing a 38' toyhauler with our F350. Truck rides better with the trailer than without.