How to Select Weight Distribution System for 2006 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L V8 4WD

Question:

I have a 2006 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L V8. We just purchased a Travel Trailer that is well within the tow range of this vehicle, but the vehicle does sag a little when we hitch the trailer. I want to make sure that the CSS-1225 Sumo Springs Coil Helpers will work on the rear axles suspension of my vehicle.

asked by: Carlos C

Expert Reply:

In most cases the best way to fix rear-end sag in a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer is a weight distribution/sway control system (WD/SC). These systems do not simply stiffen the rear suspension but instead they actually shift some of the trailer's tongue weight (TW) forward to the vehicle's front axle. This helps restore braking and steering performance that can suffer when the vehicle's front end if lifted up by the weight on the rear hitch. These systems also have the ability to prevent trailer sway from passing trucks and wind gusts; suspension kits cannot do these things.

Rear suspension kits confirmed to fit your 4WD Yukon SLT are shown on the linked page, for your reference. SumoSprings # CSS-1225 are not a fit.

The way to pick out the right weight distribution setup is to know the actual tongue weight (TW) of the fully-loaded trailer, with water and propane tanks filled, supplies and sporting gear loaded, etc. You can do this most easily with etrailer TW Scale # e99044. This will also add the weight of any cargo items in the truck that sit behind the rear axle, say a big cooler or generator.

Once you know this total weight you can select a system. Ideally your total TW figure will fall in the middle range of the system. All WD/SC operate over a range of trailer TW so minor changes during the course of a trip will not matter. I linked our main page for complete WD/SC systems that fit a 2-inch hitch and work with electric brakes. Click on your TW figure to see suitable options.

For instance, if your total TW were to be 700-900-lbs then a perfect setup would be the Equal-I-zer # EQ37100ET which operates over a TW range of 600 to 1000-lbs. This includes everything, even a 2-5/16-inch hitch ball. You can find out more about WD systems by reading the linked article.