Recommended Suspension Enhancement For 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have 2020 Chevrolet 1500. I am going to be installing the bandw gooseneck hitch. I was wanting to know will air bags work with a bandw hitch installed? Also do you recommend air bags or roadmaster active suspension? I plan to pull a fifth wheel and i know i am going to need some type of suspension help. Not pulling all the time about once a month.

asked by: Joshua G

Expert Reply:

There are air bags that are compatible with the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit part # BWGNRK1019-5W and part # BWRVK3500-5W for the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500! I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs part # F2609 because they are compatible with an in-bed hitch without drilling compared to some of the other air bag brands that require drilling through the brackets of your hitch to install the bags. These bags install in a different mounting location then the B&W so they are compatible. They will also work with the slider version of the B&W if that is what you are using.

I also recommend the Firestone air bags over other suspension options such as the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit like part # RAS4611. Although the RAS does a good job at supporting the suspension, the air bags are better for towing a fifth wheel because they are adjustable and do a better job at fixing rear sag. Although RAS is adjustable it is not as easy to adjust them or convenient. The bags are adjustable from 5 psi to 100 psi so they allow you to keep the load level without sacrificing ride quality.

I do recommend to add a compressor system to your truck so you won't need to always stop at a convenience station or carry around a bulky compressor in the truck with you to inflate the bags. I recommend Air Command Compressor System part # F96VV which is a wireless system so the installation does not require you to extend air lines to the cab. You can inflate/deflate the airbags with the remote from inside or outside the cab.