How to Correct for Rear-End Sag in 6-Inch Lifted 2006 Silverado 1500 Z71 4X4 Towing 10K Trailer
Question:
Hi i have a 2006 chevy silverado 1500 ext cab 4x4 Z71 package w/ 5.3 motor. The truck has a 6inch procomp lift with 35x12.5x17 tires and 4.56 gears with arb locker in the rear along with a full size spare in the stock location running the MX6 shocks. Im looking for somthing to upgrade the rear suspension [stiffen it up] but maintains the ride height of the lift. I have a 20ft 10,000 lbs rated trailer that I pull loaded with 5 atvs at least 1 a month and a small tractor from time to time. I dont like the amount of sag i get from the truck. What do you recommend with the lift i have that will not affect ride quality and suspension travel? I know there are several things on the market. From helper springs, add a leaf, i even thought bout swapping to a 2500 spring set, air bags to run off current dual onboad air compressor and tank, rubber springs, load stabilizer hitches etc. Im just trying to figure out what would b best for my truck to maintain looks and functionality. Im sure there are other modifications but i think thats all the ones that matter for this project.
asked by: John H
Expert Reply:
The best way to correct rear-end sag in a tow vehicle is to use a weight distribution (WD) system like the Pro Series # 49570 that you referenced. Suspension kits like jounce, leaf or air helper springs can help too but a WD system will do the best job of moving trailer tongue weight forward to the front axle to prevent sag. Rear axle kits are best for loads in the truck bed and WD is best for correcting sag from trailer tongue weight.
The key to choosing a system is to match it to your trailer's fully-loaded effective tongue weight (TW). This includes the trailer TW plus the weight of anything in the rear of the truck, such as a generator or loaded cooler. You want your total TW figure to fall in the middle of the WD system's operating range.
Since your TW is likely to be around 1200-lbs a system like the Reese Strait-Line # RP66130 would be suitable. This WD system works for GTW up to 15,000-lbs. All you need to add is the hitch ball # C40086 and a shank with the correct amount of drop to keep your hitched trailer level.
I linked our main page for WD shanks so you can choose the correct one for your truck and trailer heights.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Raw Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 25000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 15K GTW, 1,500 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1100 lbs
- 1200 lbs
- 1300 lbs
- 1400 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Heavy Duty Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 5K to 8K - Overslung
- Shop: Timbren 1/2" Spacer for Raised Frame Vehicles
- Shop: Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Vehicles w/ 6" Lift
- Search Results: air bag spacer
- Shop: SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs - 2 Piece - Rear Axle
- Shop: SumoSprings Rebel Kit Spacers for Lifted Trucks - 6" Lift
- Q&A: Are There Extra Spacers for the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs
- Q&A: Best Way to Prevent Sagging Suspension When Towing a Trailer
- Search Results: airbags
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Search Results: air lift
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: What is the Difference between Timbrens and SumoSprings for My 2022 Ram 1500 4x4?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Is etrailer Tonneau Cover For 2022 Ram 1500 With 5-1/2 Foot Bed Sturdy & Easy to Remove
- Search Results: sumosprings
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Search Results: timbren
on Weight Distribution Hitch
