Recommended Rear Suspension Enhancement for Carrying Scooter on Rear of 2013 Hyundai SantaFe

Question:

The rear suspension has not always been good in my Santa Fe Sport 2.0T since I purchased it new. It creaked over speedbumps, etc. I have a Drawtite hitch rated up to 525lbs. I have used my Yakima Bike rack before with no issues. The tongue weight of my Santa Fe Sport is 350lbs. I now have a 97 lb versahaul motorcycle carrier on the back with a 220lb scooter on it. Which still leaves me a little room to spare with the tongue weight. However, I noticed that the back of the vehicle sags quite a bit now obviously, and the front end is lifted when the vertical weight of the carrier and scooter is applied. With that being said I am close but under the tongue weight, so I am fine there. But will the help bags assist in leveling the back end of the vehicle so the front is not so high? I know the bags will not increase the tongue weight, which I am under, but I am looking for more of a level ride and lift in the rear of the vehicle. If there is another option I would like to know what product as well.

asked by: Pete S

Expert Reply:

The Firestone # F4170 Coil-Rite Air Helper Spring kit is what I'd recommend. The single path system allows you to tailor the amount of support according to the load placed on your rear suspension. As you stated, the system won't increase the capacity of the rear suspension of your 2013 SantaFe, but it will greatly reduce the sag in your rear suspension that occurs when carrying your scooter.

This system is a must in your situation, because when the rear suspension sags as yours does when loaded, it changes the aim of your headlights, and can reduce the steering and braking response because the weight bias is moved to the rear suspension. The Coil-Rite kit allows you to run up to 35 psi in the system for maximum leveling, and you must maintain a minimum of 5 psi in the system.

The other available system is the SuperSprings # CSS-1145R which insert between the coils of your coil springs. They're held in place with zip ties, which doesn't impress me. I prefer the adjustability provided by the # F4170 Coil-Rite system.

I've linked you to an install video showing the Coil-Rite system being installed on a 2013 SantaFe.

expert reply by: Mike L