Suspension Enhancement and WDS for 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hauling Lawn Equipment Trailer

Question

Question:

Looking for recommendation on economical option for rear suspension upgrade. My son has 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 short bed. Truck has 1 inch raise in rear leaf spring block that was part of level kit. He pulls a 7x14 enclosed cargo trailer with his lawn mowing equipment about 4-5k loaded. What would be a good option to upgrade rear suspension for pulling this around town ?

asked by: John

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Expert Reply:

The first thing I suggest is that you ensure there is a Weight Distribution System being used with the trailer set-up. There may still be need/benefit of suspension enhancement to the truck even after a WDS is installed, but this should be first priority in arranging a safe towing situation for something with that much weight. Please note the link to help articles below on this subject, hopefully you will find these to be of value and assist in making an informed decision. Please checkout the attached articles and then look at the Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control, # BXW0556. This is for a trailer with 350 lbs. to 550 lbs. of tongue weight that only experiences occasional sway. The shank fits 2" hitches and offers up to a 13" rise and a 7" drop. System uses optimal points of tension to help prevent sway while it balances your trailer's load for a more level ride. Clamp-on brackets require no drilling. You may also get some great benefit in Tongue Weight Scale like the etrailer scale # e99044; especially due to the nature of what type trailer he is hauling. Adding and removing equipment will cause the trailer's tongue weight to shift.

The Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System, # TGMRCK15S provides additional support as needed allowing the leaf spring ample movement while cushioning light loads but becoming more rigid as more weight is added. This is the most economical way of increasing the stiffness of the rear suspension of his 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. But since he has a raised frame, he will need The Timbren 1" Spacer For Raised Frame Vehicles - 1/2" bushing, # TA25723-90AD00.

expert reply by: Michael R

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Answer 1

Out of all the weight distribution hitches we offer I personally prefer the Blue Ox SwayPro because it's the easiest to install and use. With your tongue weight being less than 10% of your GVWR you could definitely benefit from loading more in…

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Answer 2

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want one that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight when it is loaded and ready to tow. For your trailer, 10 to 15 percent of the gross…

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Answer 3

Ideally you want your loaded tongue weight to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of a weight distribution system. Since trailer tongue weight is typically 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight the Blue Ox Sway Pro part #BXW0550…

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Answer 4

I can help you find a Weight Distribution (WD) system that works for you, but since it looks like you will have a pretty big range of weight capacities it is impossible to use the same WD system without changing out at least the arms. You will want…

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Answer 5

We can get your 2019 Viking 17FQS travel trailer with about a 4,280 lb GVWR set up with the right Blue Ox SwayPro, which is simply determined by the tongue weight. Since the tongue weight is going to be somewhere in the range of 10 percent to 12…

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Answer 6

According to Blue Ox, in order to achieve the proper weight distribution performance, the chain hanger bracket would need to be installed no more than 1 inch fore or aft of plumb. The portion of the frame bracket that passes over the top of the frame…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 11

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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