Air helper bags for towing

[pmehringer001]

Not exactly a squarebody, but wasn’t sure where else to find this information. I have a ‘58 gmc 350. Have a semi 5th wheel on the back, nothing else. Leafs are extremely stiff when driving empty, haven’t had a load on it yet. I’ve found the leafs are 52 inches long x 2.5 inches wide. Same as 1/2 and some 3/4 ton squarebodies correct? I was thinking about putting 3/4 ton squarebody leafs on it with air helper bags. So it is bearable to drive empty, but can air up to stiffen up a little with a load. Seems that most of the bags I find are 5,000 lbs. just curious what exactly this means and would that be enough? With a gooseneck would it exceed 5,000 lbs tongue weight with a decently loaded trailer? Truck has a maximum gross combination weight of 32,000 lbs (would definitely not get close to that though) I would guess the truck itself weighs around 6,000-6,500 lbs, but not sure. First time doing anything with bags so I’m not all that knowledgeable about them. Thanks

 

[Bennyt]

I'd look at Sulastic shackles and timbren bags as additional options.

 

[skysurfer]

I have the Ride-Rite helpers on my burb, along with an ARB pump. I can't comment on whether or not they would work for your needs, but they have allowed me to carry 3500# loads with ease. I installed the bags around 2005 and they still work fine. I did go through a few cheap air pumps before the ARB, trying to avoid the higher price, but you can't cut corners on that. When not loaded, I run just a few psi to get rid of the Suburban squat. I have no complaints and consider the helper components money well spent.

 

[TotalyHucked]

I would probably look at Firestone bags that they make for duallies and heavy hauling. I run AirLift helpers on all my half tons but they won't be enough for what you're doing