Travel Trailer Making Rear of 2008 Chevy Suburban Squat
Question:
I have a 2008 Suburban 4wd 1500 for towing my 28foot travel trailer. I think that the rear suspension needs a bit more on it. Will the Timbren TGMRYS4 work? My trailer is 6400 lbs empty. The rear is only going down a bit, but I would rather it didnt sink at all. Tnks!
asked by: Hugh S
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Timbren # TGMRYS4 system you'd looked at will fit and would be somewhat effective when towing with your 2008 Suburban, but systems like this work best to counteract rear suspension squat caused by cargo loaded in the rear of a vehicle, rather than the squat caused by a trailer's tongue weight.
Squat caused by trailer tongue weight is best overcome by using a weight distribution system/ sway control system based on the as-towed tongue weight of the trailer. We typically recommend weight distribution if the trailer weighs more than 50% of the vehicle's weight, and you're definitely in that category. Weight distribution systems use leverage to provide lift and redistribute some of the trailer tongue weight to the front truck axle, which levels out ride height, corrects headlight aim and can improve steering and braking performance.
The first step in choosing the correctly rated system is to determine the trailer's tongue weight when it's loaded up as you'd typically have it. Then choose a system with the available capacity to handle that. I'll link to an article that lists a few ways to find your trailer's tongue weight.
I really like the Reese Steadi-Flex. They're one of the more effective options on the market, they're mechanically pretty simple and effective.
Since the empty trailer weighs in at 6400 lbs, the loaded tongue weight is likely in the 800-1000 lb range. If that's the case, I'd recommend # RP66559 which is good for trailer tongue weights up to 1000 lbs. If the tongue weight is greater than 1000 lbs, use # RP66560 for trailer tongue weights up to 1200 lbs.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Standard Duty
- Timbren
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Will the SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs Fit on a 2003 GMC Yukon XL With Coil Springs
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems
- Q&A: What are the Dimensions of the Timbren Spring # TGMRYS4
- Q&A: Recommended Rear Suspension Enhancement for 2018 Cadillac Escalade
- Q&A: Comparing Timbren and Firestone Vehicle Suspension Enhancement for a 2003 Chevy Avalanche 1500
- Q&A: Is There A Spacer Kit For Timbren SES To Fit A Lifted 2007 Chevy Silverado 3500
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Bouncy Ride on a 2014 Chevy Suburban 1500 When Using Weight Distribution
- Q&A: Recommended Suspension Air Bags for a 2008 Chevy Avalanche with Factory Auto-Leveling Option
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams