Air springs vs. Equalizer Hitch

[ANDREW SMITH]

Hey Boaters, should I outfit my trailer with a load distributing hitch, or add air bag helper springs to my tow vehicle? Here are the details: boat is a Searay 180 about 2600 pounds with trailer, vehicle is Windstar 3.8L with tow package. I have some rear end sag when I load up the Windstar with "stuff" and add the trailer. What do you think, air springs or equ hitch???

 

[gspig]

Re: Air springs vs. Equalizer Hitch

Find out what your gross axle weight rating is for your van. An air bag increases the spring carrying capacity of the van, but you might overload the axle. A load distributing hitch will move some of the weight carried by the rear axle and place the weight on the front axle of the van and the axle of your boat trailer. So you need to know the gross weight rating of your boat trailer axle. Another consideration is the frame on your boat trailer, some frames are not capable of being used with a distributing hitch.

 

[Orlando Len]

Re: Air springs vs. Equalizer Hitch

First it sounds like you need a bigger tow vehicle . Moving your boat further back on the trailer will decrease the tong weight. You might have a little room to play with here but be careful, too little tong weight will cause your trailer to start swaying, DANGER DANGER!

 

[ANDREW SMITH]

Re: Air springs vs. Equalizer Hitch

thanks for replies, I'll look carefully at the capacities of my van and boat trailer tonight. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Air springs vs. Equalizer Hitch

If your Windstar is set up with factory tow package then you should be good for 3500#, but the weak link is still rear end sag, air bags would be the way to go, a level trailer/tow vehicle is going to handle better and being FWD will have better traction at the launch ramp. If your not sure about a Factory tow package on your Windstar, a quick way to get an idea is to see if your van is equipped with external trans cooler, If not I would add one, and do not tow in overdrive, and be sure the cooling system is in good condition, those 3.8's do not like being run hot, for a minivan the Windstar does a decent job of towing under 3000#.