Towing Issues

RS90 · Jun 16, 2026

I also tow a 45' 18,000 lb fifth wheel with my truck. Completely stock Tremor suspension other than air bags. 37s on OEM wheels.

I use a B&W companion slider mounted to the OEM 5th wheel prep.

I don't even use my air bags when towing my camper. I installed them before I got it thinking I would need them.

I have no issues with sway or stability even with 30-40 mph cross gusts at 75mph on the interstate.

Empty I have the 2-3" of rake like normal but hooked up Im sitting almost completely level. Maybe 1/4" rake still.

Isolating the air bags with separate lines is the first thing you have to do. That will fix a lot of your side to side lean feeling. Right now the air is traveling side to side when the truck leans.

Another issue is you using the air bags to level the truck back out loaded. They are supposed to be used as a helper to the OEM springs. You are pretty much using them to carry the full weight of the load. The OEM suspension isn't designed to keep that much weight stable when only supported by air bags. It has no side to side bracing that actual full air suspension systems have. The only thing keeping the rear axle centered under the truck is the leaf springs.

You need to consider if having a level truck unloaded is more important than having a safe and stable truck when towing at the limits of a SRW truck.

KingTremor · Jun 16, 2026

I have towed a similarly sized 5th wheel with both my 2008 KingRanch with a 3" lift, and my current 2024 Tremor. Both with independently plumbed air springs. I learned a few things over the years that have helped me, and thought a fair amount about your particular problem and what I think would solve it. I was about to write an essay then read Optimus's response, and he'd already done it. He really covered everything I could think of. I will reiterate that I think you'll get more out of placing rear blocks than anything, and the cheapest and quickest gain will come from separating the air springs plumbing. The main factor is your modifications, It's the same physics that makes big air springs less effective that also makes your big tires and shocks a problem, you'll have to decide how you want to deal with the reality that bigger/more volume always means more squishy (wall tension = pressure x radius), "LaPlace's law," if you like science. I've found sway bars to be subtle in their benefit, but you need them. Follow Optimus's plan, don't fear the large trailer, but if you specialize your truck too far in the direction of ground clearance and a soft ride, the less of a towing machine it becomes. RS90 also makes a good point that air springs should ideally "re-balance" your rear suspension If you take too much weight off the leaf springs and shocks, they're left unloaded and unready to absorb bigger hits.

Nickgplv · Jun 17, 2026

You are not going to like this but here goes. The manufacturers obviously do extensive engineering as well as torture testing to ensure the trucks are capable of towing their respective load capacities. A friend lifted his F350 with all the best parts available. He then had serious squat issue when hooked to a dual axle medium duty equipment trailer with a 4 seat Can Am. He asked me why and I basically told him this. He then put air bags on to compensate for the decrease in load capacity. He hated the ride and yanked those. My file of thumb is, if your towing, leave it stock. I will never sacrifice safety and capability over looking cool.