Air Pressure Guide

Right PSI = smooth tow, no bottom-out, no bounce. Set it once per load and you're done.

Start here

Setting air pressure for the first time? Four answers in 30 seconds.

How do I set it?

Hook up the loaded trailer. Add air until the bump cushion compresses ~1/8". Done.

What PSI should I start at?

Gooseneck/pin-box: 15–25 light, 25–35 heavy. Receiver/tongue: by feel, not by number.

Can I just watch a video?

Yes — under 2 minutes each, one per hitch model. Tap to play in a modal.

Something feels off — now what?

Bottoming = +5 PSI. Too stiff = −5 PSI. Most issues land in one nudge.

One method works for nearly every Shocker air hitch. Use the per-model PSI chart below to pick a starting point.

Air pressure is set with the trailer attached so the air bag carries actual tongue weight.

For receiver and tongue mounts: until the bump cushion compresses ~1/8". For gooseneck/pin-box: start at the load PSI below.

If it bottoms out, add 5 PSI. If it feels stiff, bleed 5 PSI. Re-check next time the load changes.

Manufacturer's recommended starting ranges. Verify yours visually with the bump-cushion rule.

Hitch model	PSI range	How to set
Air Receiver Hitch (HD, HD Max, Trail Force, Sport)	Set by feel	Add air until the hitch frame compresses the tailgate-side bump cushion ~1/8". Add air as you add trailer weight.
Gooseneck Surge Air Hitch	15 – 35 PSI	Light horse trailer ~15 PSI · skid steer ~20 PSI · heavy 25,000 lb load 25–35 PSI. Fine-tune ±5 PSI for feel.
Air Tongue Mount	Set by feel	Compress the top bushing bump stop ~1/8". Same principle as the receiver hitch.
Air Equalizer (WD)	40 – 60 PSI	Goal: truck-side bump cushions not compressed. If the trailer-side cushions are compressed, you have too much air.
Quick Air 5th-to-Gooseneck	15 – 35 PSI	Light trailers ~15 PSI · heavy trailers 25–35 PSI. Adjust 5 PSI at a time.
Quick Air Pin Box with Kingpin	15 – 25 PSI	Valve is at the bottom-rear of the pin box. Heavier = more pressure, lighter = less.