Solution for Soft Rear Suspension of 2019 Chevy Silverado When Towing With Weight Distribution

Question:

Hello, I have a 2019 1500 Silverado with the 6.2 V8 pulling a 30 Grand Design Transcend. The hitch weight is about 800 pounds. It’s just my wife and I and about a hundred pounds of dog in the truck. We do not carry water nor do we have much in the bed of the truck. I have the 1000 pound E2 WDH with the sway bars that do bring the truck to level. However, the ride is very soft to me. I’ve considered adding Bilstein rear shocks or Sumo helper springs to help firm up the ride. Would either of these help, or is there something else I should consider? I do plan on replacing this truck with a 2500 when my lease is up in a year. Thank you in advance for your help and advice.

asked by: Ken R

Helpful Expert Reply:

The problem you are having is pretty common with newer 1/2 ton trucks. Due to consumer complaints about the harsh ride, the manufacturers have made the rear suspension more supple which is fine unless you're trying to tow. A product like the easy to instsall SumoSprings # SS65FR would very likely be a good solution for you, but you'll need to take a measurement to determine if they'd work for you.

The SumoSpring # SS65FR is about 5 inches tall, or 6 inches tall if the included 1 inch spacer is used. If the distance between the frame member where the existing bump stop installs and the axle is 6 inches or less with the trailer hitched and 7 inches or less when it's not, then the SumoSprings would be a great solution. The reason you want to take these measurements is because you want to ensure that the springs would 'engage' when they're under load. If the measurement you take in either instance is greater, let me know and we'll find another solution for you.

I've linked to a product description video featuring the SumoSprings product I mentioned above.

expert reply by: Mike L