Hi all,
I installed some Firestone Ride Rite air bags on my 2010 Tundra TRD, which carries a 2000 Hawk shell. The shell has a furnace, heavy old school battery, a counter/sink, and benches built in. Not sure how much it weighs--not as much as a fully pimped out Hawk, but not as light as a basic shell. I'm guessing the Hawk will stay on the Tundra full time during summer, and take it off for winter. But I might decide to just keep it on year round.
I drove the Hawk on the Tundra for a few months without air bags, and it was pretty clear that the driver's side was lower than the passenger side, by a couple inches. This makes sense, given that the propane, furnace, counter, sink, and battery are on the driver's side. I tried my best to counter-balance the lighter passenger side by placing water on that side (usually carry 40 liters), and placing kitchen gear and personal gear on the passenger side when driving.
My question is...now that I have air bags, how important is it that I try to distribute the weight evenly? I can compensate for an uneven truck by blowing up the air bags more on the lower side. But does this solution have safety/performance drawbacks? Should I still try to distribute the weight as evenly as possible so there is less difference to compensate for?
I suppose that eventually I may get a lighter lithium battery, and/or even move the battery to the passenger side. But kind of hoping that I don't have to do that.
Thanks in advance for any wisdom. This is such a helpful group.
Ian
I installed some Firestone Ride Rite air bags on my 2010 Tundra TRD, which carries a 2000 Hawk shell. The shell has a furnace, heavy old school battery, a counter/sink, and benches built in. Not sure how much it weighs--not as much as a fully pimped out Hawk, but not as light as a basic shell. I'm guessing the Hawk will stay on the Tundra full time during summer, and take it off for winter. But I might decide to just keep it on year round.
I drove the Hawk on the Tundra for a few months without air bags, and it was pretty clear that the driver's side was lower than the passenger side, by a couple inches. This makes sense, given that the propane, furnace, counter, sink, and battery are on the driver's side. I tried my best to counter-balance the lighter passenger side by placing water on that side (usually carry 40 liters), and placing kitchen gear and personal gear on the passenger side when driving.
My question is...now that I have air bags, how important is it that I try to distribute the weight evenly? I can compensate for an uneven truck by blowing up the air bags more on the lower side. But does this solution have safety/performance drawbacks? Should I still try to distribute the weight as evenly as possible so there is less difference to compensate for?
I suppose that eventually I may get a lighter lithium battery, and/or even move the battery to the passenger side. But kind of hoping that I don't have to do that.
Thanks in advance for any wisdom. This is such a helpful group.
Ian