SUSPENSION UPGRADE FOR A 2013 GMC SIERRA

Question:

Hello, Im a little new to trailering. I mean Ive towed smaller utilities, but nothing large like a travel trailer. Your F2430 says it has a 4800# capacity. I have a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 and am looking at getting a trailer with a max capacity of about 7000#. My question is would this Firestone Ride-Rite kit be right for my use and if not, would you be able to please recommend to me the right kit? Thank you!

asked by: Aaron

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs Item #F2430 is perfect for your 2013 GMC Sierra pulling that trailer because the 4800 lb max load leveling capacity is if the load is in the bed of the truck. This kit gets the back of your truck back up to level when a load is added and takes the extra stress off the rear axle and factory suspension components. It will also reduce body roll when carrying a load in the bed of the truck

Adding the Air Command Compressor System w/ Light Duty Compressor - Wireless - Smartphone Enabled - Single Path Item # F2610 makes inflating and deflating your airbags much easier because you can inflate and deflate the bags with the wireless controller from inside the vehicle.

To help complete your set up so you are safe when towing your trailer I also recommend Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Clamp On - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW Item # BXW1000 2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000 Item # A-90

Adding weight distribution transfers the tongue weight from front of the trailer to the back so the trailer travels level. Without weight distribution the back of the truck sags and the front of the truck raises. When the front raises your headlights aim up and not on the road, your steering is light, your tires camber which causes uneven tire wear, and your breaking is also effected because you don't have as much tire making contact with the road. Bringing the back of your 2013 GMC back up to normal ride height also brings the front of your truck back down so your headlights aim toward the road and not in the air, allows your vehicle brakes to work properly because now you have the proper amount of tire touching the road, your tires will wear more evenly and your steering will be normal. The sway control keeps the trailer tracking behind the vehicle by not allowing the trailer to move off center. Sway is caused by a trailer moving from one side to the other off center from the vehicle towing it. When a trailer is attached to a hitch ball as the trailer moves off center to one side it pulls down on that side of the vehicle, by the time the suspension can react and push that side of the vehicle back up it pushes the trailer to the opposite side causing the trailer to sway back and forth. Air bags alone can reduce sway but it will not eliminate it

I have added video links to help walk you through installing the air bags, compressor and weight distribution. The airbags are installed on a 2018 GMC Sierra. I installed the air compressor on a 2017 Silverado 2500. These kits will install the same on your 2013 GMC Sierra.