Rear Suspension Helper Springs for a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

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Question:

Thanks for the follow up. I haven't decided on what I would like to do for rear suspension enhancement for my 2018 GMC 2500. At this point I'm asking for the best recommendation for my truck so that I'm happy with the quality of Towing my 5th wheel trailer. Please see pictures attached.

asked by: JG

0

Expert Reply:

Hello,

I will be happy to help you select some helper springs to improve the ride and level out the truck when you are towing.

Timbren springs are an easy install but they will make the ride stiffer when you are not towing. The similar SumoSprings Solo # SSR-207-47 will also level out the truck but will not be as stiff when not towing compared to the Timbren springs.

Another option to consider is RoadActive Suspension # RAS3611-HD. Installation is easy with this kit as well. It will also improve stability, handling, and control, prevent excessive sagging, and allow the full travel of the factory suspension so it will have the least effect on the unloaded ride quality.

Air bags are also an option, and in my opinion the best option, but it will depend on the frame bracket design of your 5th wheel hitch install kit. Most air bag brackets mount to the same or similar locations as 5th wheel frame brackets. If you are interested in air bags and can snap a picture showing one of the frame brackets on the frame of your 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 I can make recommendations.

Air bags will allow you to cushion the ride, loaded or unloaded, and level the truck when towing or carrying heavy loads. You can also level the bed side to side if needed.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

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Craig K.

6/10/2020

Will the F2702 Firestone airbags work with a gooseneck hitch?

Reply

Chris R.

6/13/2020

Yes, the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Springs # F2702 are compatible with a gooseneck hitch. The spring brackets mount to the bottom of the frame so they won't interfere at all.

Reply

Jeff

4/13/2018

Thanks for the follow up. I haven't decided on what I would like to do for rear suspension enhancement for my 2018 GMC 2500. At this point I'm asking for the best recommendation for my truck so that I'm happy with the quality of Towing my 5th wheel trailer. Please see pictures attached.

Reply

Michael H.

4/13/2018

Thank you for the pictures. I have an excellent air bag option for you. The Firestone Ride-Rite system, # F2702. It will not interfere with your 5th wheel hitch brackets! Air bags will allow you adjustability, leveling, reduce body roll, and have a minimal impact on the empty ride quality of the truck. I have included a link to a video showing and example installation. I also recommend, though it is not required, a compressor kit which will allow you to add or remove air from the air bags from the comfort of your truck cab. This means that you would not have to have a separate air compressor for the air bags. There are 2 types of compressor systems; single path which adjusts the air pressure to each air bag at the same time or dual path which also you to adjust the bags individually if needed. For a single path with standard duty compressor you can use # F2158. The dual path version is # F2178. I have linked some videos of these compressor systems for you as well.

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Answer 1

The Timbren Springs part #TGMRTT35D for the 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 have a 8,000 lb capacity are designed for service vehicles such as tow trucks. The Timbren Springs part #TGMRCK25D have a 8,600 lb capacity but as designed for heavy duty pickup…

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Answer 2

Yes, a Timbren kit like the part #TGMRCK25D would be exactly what you'd need to beef up the rear suspension of your 2017 Chevrolet 3500HD Duramax when towing a fifth wheel trailer. This is a confirmed fit for your truck and will provide you…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

There's not many differences between the Air Lift WirelessONE item #AL25980EZ and item #AL25980. The main difference is that the item #AL25980EZ has a slightly higher CFM at 1.03 compared to 0.92 and it runs slightly more efficient at 9% over 15%…

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Answer 7

I can definitely help and point you in the right direction. Both brands make a great quality air bag kit. Personally I prefer the Firestone Ride-Rite #F2709. The air bags themselves are known to be more durable than others. They can hold more PSI…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 10

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 11

If you are considering Timbrens like the #TDR1500DQ and the SumoSprings like the #SSR-307-47 for your 2022 Ram 1500 4x4, I recommend the SumoSprings #SSR-307-47. The SumoSprings will offer the same quality as the Timbrens in terms of suspension…

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Answer 12

There are a number of differences between the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F2445 and Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs #AL88299, starting with fit. While the Air Lift will fit all models of the 2018 Toyota Tundra, the…

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Rear Suspension Helper Springs for a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

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