Stiffen up rear suspension on 2019 Silverado 1500?

[jenandjon]

I don't know if can be done on that new of a truck but in the past I have swapped out Chevy 1500 leaf springs with 2500 springs. Made a huge difference.

[LifeSalt]

Air bags will do wonders..... Completely levels your truck... When not towing you can lower the pressure to the minimum setting to restore the softer ride.....

[aaron_t]

I’m comfortable with the possibility of having to upgrade my truck. I want to try a few things to see if that improves the situation, which is really not all that bad to begin with.

In this thread I’ve heard the whole range of perspectives from “don’t do anything - it’s probably fine, to “only adjust your hitch,” to “add some accessories,” to “buy a new truck.” Ultimately, nobody is right and it’s going to be a call I’m going to have to make as I get more experience with this rig. I opted to try some accessories that I can easily install myself and see how those help. I’m not going to put my family in a dangerous situation - we’re going to be very cautious on how we approach this and try different things.

Thanks again for the thoughts.

[Louie0913]

I put a product on my 1500 silverado called Active suspension kept my truck level easy to install wasnt expensive Just google search active suspension

[jimmoore13]

Oh. It's turned into one of those.


The OP's TV and RV are a good match by the numbers...with room to spare.

[LifeSalt]

Doing nothing is not good advice. The tow vehicle and rv should both be level...

[Scooter363y]

I had a 94 Chevy suburban 1500 that I towed a 24' enclosed race car trailer. The vehicle was rated for 10k but wasn't very comfortable with the 7k load that I was towing. I ended up installing rear air shocks along with a load distribution hitch (Reese brand heavy duty). I also had a sway control friction damper. I finally got it to tow better.

Later on I upgraded to the hitch that had the arms that hung down with the small ramps/cams that increased loading during a sway. This made a big difference in handling of the total rig.

But I later upgraded to a dually diesel and no problems at all. While the 1500 was rated to tow 10,000 I don't think it's comfortable doing it. Way too close to the max limit for comfort.

Tow safe
Scooter363y

[aaron_t]

OP here. Just an update: I installed the Sumos on the truck and absolutely hated them. Felt like the truck was on basketballs every time I hit a bump. Took them off and have been happily towing without them. $400 . We’ve been able to keep the tongue weight close to 900lbs which keeps us in a nice healthy range for the truck. (Love this truck BTW. Handles my 6k GVWR trailer marvelously.)

[tuffr2]

Thanks for the update. Too bad about the $400. Maybe try to sell them to recoup some of that $400.

Are you getting use to towing and how the trailer affects the truck or are going to try something else?

My experience with a F-150 towing 5,500lb travel trailer. Yes, on rough road I could feel the trailer but on 95% of the time it was smooth sailing. Oh, yes you will feel a minor jolt as the road meets a bridge.

[kdauto]

Originally Posted by aaron_t

OP here. Just an update: I installed the Sumos on the truck and absolutely hated them. Felt like the truck was on basketballs every time I hit a bump. Took them off and have been happily towing without them. $400 . We’ve been able to keep the tongue weight close to 900lbs which keeps us in a nice healthy range for the truck. (Love this truck BTW. Handles my 6k GVWR trailer marvelously.)

I have no personal experience with Sumo springs but should you ever find you need a bit of suspension help Timbrens are wonderful. My 94 Suburban is still wearing a front and rear set, one is 14 years old, the other about 12. Very linear and soft, but they work.

Many people simply don't use weight distribution hitches properly.

FWIW the day I purchased our first TT which was around 6500-6800GVWR I used the hitch without installing the weight distributing bars and sway control. Drove approximately 300km to a friends who schooled me, but we had no issues,sway,nor that much sag either. It's not something I recommend doing though.

[aaron_t]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Are you getting use to towing and how the trailer affects the truck or are going to try something else?

I am definitely getting used to it (and getting better at backing up, but that’s another story). In addition, I determined that my tongue weight is ~1150lbs dry (!!!). That puts the truck close to payload with passengers. Towing like that is not pleasant. However, loaded, with several weight distribution tricks, I’ve been able to get the tongue down to ~900lbs (~15%) and that has made a huge difference in the way this tows. The whole rig is level front to back, less porpoising, and our e2 hitch keeps the sway at bay. At 60mph, even on a windy day or with tractor trailers passing, it’s almost boring, which is how I like it!

[Jay D.]

ANOTHER happy 1500 towing experience! stowing your gear is very important to a good towing trailer.
Jay D.

[09 harley]

Trade in the truck for a 2500 or 3500. It’s what you need and you will be happier. The less stress while towing will make it worthwhile. Searching for answers or advice on the internet is like trying to herd chickens.