Air bags ?

Can I get some opinions on air bags. TV is a 2001 Chevy K1500 (not HD option) with a 5.3L. Looking to pull 8500#s (using equalizer brand weight dist with 4 pt sway control). Any advice greatly apprecitated!

You don't need to use air bags with an equalizer hitch.

The use of a weight Dist. hitch will level the truck and trailer without the use of air bags, when properly set up. We had a Valley round bar W.D. hitch and it worked great.

8500 lbs is a lot of weight for your 1/2 ton. I don't think your hitch will level it out because the trucks frame can't bend that much. It's best to try it out first on a dry run.
Keep an eye on your rear end temps towing that much weight. My 07 chevy 1500, and 2010 Ram's rear end overheated towing 8000# up long grades. (had to buy oversized Maghytec differental covers)

I had air bags on my truck while towing with a weight distribution hitch,loved them. They made the ride better my wife even asked what I done to the truck. It rode that much nicer.