Choosing Jounce Springs or Air Bags for 2017 Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab Towing 9K Trailer
Question:
I haul a travel trailer, 8600 pounds loaded, 1100 lbs tongue weight, I use a Hensley with weight distribution and have it adjusted correctly but the ride is harsh due to the weight distribution needed to be so tight to make the units level I have talked to Hensley and sent pics, they confirmed everything is correct. Would these help level the truck/camper so I dont need as much tension on the weight distribution. I thought about airbags but dont want the unloaded ride to change and I like the idea of no fuss with air.
asked by: Doug
Expert Reply:
If your weight distribution system is rated appropriately for your actual loaded tongue weight and installed correctly it should not make your ride particularly harsh, but you can soften some of the effect of that extra weight on your truck's suspension with a rear axle helper spring kit. Suspension enhancement kits are not a substitute for a properly rated weight distribution setup but they can help restore more of the usual ride quality you're accustomed to when not towing nearly 9K in trailer weight.
Air bag systems do take more effort to install but they pay off with the ability for you to adjust pressure for varying load, temperature and road conditions. Jounce spring kits like the AirCell are definitely easier to install and they can certainly help but they offer no adjustability. Air springs along with a compressor let you tweak pressure while you drive and this makes it absolutely a snap to find that sweet spot and you can avoid changes to unloaded ride quality by pressing a button. AirCell kit # AL52203 fits your 1500 and won't take much time to install. Its low cost may make it a better way to test this one form of suspension enhancement. If it does the trick, then great, you're done!
But there really is no substitute for an air bag system like # F2430 mated with a compressor like # F2158 which gives you on-the-fly control. You can check out the install video to see if this kit is something you want to seriously consider.
Products Referenced in This Question
Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wired Control
- Single Path
- Analog Display
- 100 psi
- Firestone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
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