Recommendations to Improve Ride of 11,000 lb Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

I need help I’m attempting to improve my towing experience. We currently have a 2020 Chevy Silverado 4x4 LTZ crew cab with the 6.2 engine. We are towing a 2015 Livin lite Ford edition travel trailer. It’s 26’ from top to tail and it’s GVWR IS 11286 LB. We are currently using an EZ hitch with the weight distribution bars that go into the L brackets attached to the trailer. Can you help me find something that keeps this fun while going down the road pls

asked by: Peggy T

Expert Reply:

We do have some options to help improve the ride of your 11,000 lb travel trailer you are towing with your 2020 Chevy Silverado. It isn't entirely clear with the issue you are having is, but from what I gather the ride is a bit rough when towing so you want to improve that, which you can do with a suspension upgrade.

For a large tandem axle travel trailer like yours, you very likely have 3" diameter axles, though you will need to verify that as I couldn't find a reference to a 2015 Livin' Lite trailer with a 11,286 lb GVWR. But assuming that is accurate there are a few options I recommend checking out.

The first suspension upgrade, and the best option is the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit with Shock Absorbers # RM-2460-2560.

This will replace your current leaf spring set up and give you gas shocks that keep your trailer from bouncing, smooth out the ride significantly, and even help with sway because of how controlled the ride is. If there is one option I would go with, it's this one.

That is a premium upgrade though so for something a little less drastic and more budgetary, you can still add shocks with the Lippert Components Bolt-On Shock Kit with Heavy Duty Gas Shocks # LC281281.

These aren't quite as significant an upgrade, and are only a pair of shocks compared to upgrading your leaf spring suspension, but they are a really good value and will definitely improve your ride.

I have added links below to video reviews and instructions of these parts for you to check out as well.