Rear Suspension Helper Spring Recommended for 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 With Pop-Up In-Bed Camper

Question:

I have a 2021 Chevy 1500 Z71 4WD 6.5 bed truck. I use a popup truck camper, but only for about 15 nights per year, and the occasional long, over 500 mile trip. I also tow a camper on occasion. I know the severe service is recommended for a truck camper or salt truck, but how about in a 1/2 ton with not a lot usage with the camper? The truck is my daily driver so dont want it too stiff if I can avoid it. Regular or severe Timbren springs?

asked by: Mark M

Expert Reply:

What does your truck camper weigh?

I'd personally prefer using the SumoSprings # SS45FR Solo helper springs. These are made of a more pliable material than the Timbren springs, which means better ride quality when the camper isn't in the truck bed. If the pop-up camper weighs less than 1500 lbs or not much more than that, the 1500 lbs of extra support that the # SS45FR SumoSprings provide would be ideal. Keep in mind though, this option doesn't fit vehicles with the adaptive ride control feature.

The Timbren system available for your truck would be # TGMRCK15S for vehicles WITHOUT the adaptive ride control or # TGMR15MR for vehicles WITH the adaptive ride control. The reason I don't recommend this option for your application is that the Timbrens provide up to 8600 lbs of support which is much more than you need. Going that route would cause your ride quality to suffer.

If your slide in camper weighs quite a bit more than 1500 lbs, an air helper spring kit like # F2609 which would allow you to fine tune the amount of air in the system for the best ride quality loaded or unloaded is what I'd recommend. If your Z71 is a Trail Boss model, you'll also need the # F2366 spacer kit.

I've linked to some product videos that you might find helpful.