Air bag add ins for towing

[Chris_Top_Her]

Anyone have experience using something like this for towing? http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Mazda/CX-5/2013/F4178.html?vehicleid=201314655 Will be towing an un-braked trailer about 188mi from TX to CA, through some mountains. These appear to just slide into the spring, although they may require some type of mounting. I have lowering springs, so I am considering these to preserve the springs and keep the rear from sagging.

Edit I ordered them and will report the details.

 

[deepfriedsushi]

I've read about these for the honda Odyssey, as I knew someone who was also interested in installing them.

The CX5's and Odyssey's rear suspension design are fairly similar so I guess what I saw for the Odyssey can apply for the cx5. The airbags just slip into the diameter of the spring and what seemed like the hardest part was figuring out how to plumb the air lines through the suspension components.

Are you planning on routing the air lines to the interior of the car for easier inflation/deflation?

 

[MikeM.]

Anyone have experience using something like this for towing? http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Mazda/CX-5/2013/F4178.html?vehicleid=201314655 Will be towing an un-braked trailer about 188mi from TX to CA, through some mountains.

The CX-5 is not designed or rated to tow heavy loads. As long as you stay within the rated tow limits and use a properly set-up and loaded trailer, you do not need supplemental air bags and, in this application, they will have little benefit. If you plan to exceed the rated limits or tow a poorly balanced rig, good luck telling the State Patrol "but I have airbags to increase my safe tow limits" while explaining why you caused an accident.

The rated tow limits of the CX-5 are very modest and it should tow these amounts quite competently (possible power limitations aside) in a stock configuration. Keep in mind, there is a limitation of 32 Sq. ft. Frontal area limit.

 

[ourlee]

I use these on our pilot to tow our waverunners. They work great, keep everything level and safe. They'll also work great on the cx-5. I'll be using these with my H&Rs.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

The CX-5 is not designed or rated to tow heavy loads. As long as you stay within the rated tow limits and use a properly set-up and loaded trailer, you do not need supplemental air bags and, in this application, they will have little benefit. If you plan to exceed the rated limits or tow a poorly balanced rig, good luck telling the State Patrol "but I have airbags to increase my safe tow limits" while explaining why you caused an accident.

The rated tow limits of the CX-5 are very modest and it should tow these amounts quite competently (possible power limitations aside) in a stock configuration. Keep in mind, there is a limitation of 32 Sq. ft. Frontal area limit.

Actually, I ended up not using them because I have lower springs and they don't have the height that would need. You don't have to tow over your rating to see a sag in the back of the car. They are not intended to allow increased towing capacity. I'm actually not making that (*1888 mi) trip anymore, but towing a 1500-2000lb load with small brakes, through mountains; a $99 accessory (rated well, and used in OEM setups as well) doesn't seem like bad investment. My main concern was that I am using a different set of springs that have less travel, I'm sure you're spot on about the OEM springs; the airbags are for improved ride quality and wear and tear.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I use these on our pilot to tow our waverunners. They work great, keep everything level and safe. They'll also work great on the cx-5. I'll be using these with my H&Rs.

Ourlee, do not use the Firestone bags, they will not fir H&R's. They do not offer a short enough bag to use them with. The Firestones are 4"x8", H&R's will need something like a 3.25"x7" (they only had weird sizes below that). I would not install the springs until you find an airbag that fit's the H&R's well (if you decide to put bags in them). On a side note after about 15000 miles on H&R the stock dampers seem to be doing just fine (and I drive hard). I haven't towed with them yet though.

 

[ourlee]

Thanks! My local guy will figure it out for me. Bought my silver GT awd yesterday, picking it up tomorrow. Very pumped.