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  • #1

    Improving Rear Suspension

    Our TV is a 2020 Silverado 2500 HD, LTZ, 4WD, 6.5 ft bed. It tows our fifth wheel well, but I’m thinking that the OEM rear suspension could use some improvement for long trips where road quality can vary significantly.

    One option I’ve considered is adding an air bag system like the Ride-Rite air springs. Another option like the Roadmaster Active Suspension promises improved towing stability without air bags.

    Does anyone have experience with aftermarket suspension systems - what works well, what to avoid, etc.?

    ​
    2022 Reflection 280 RS
    2020 Silverado 2500 HD
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Originally posted by BR549 View Post
    Our TV is a 2020 Silverado 2500 HD, LTZ, 4WD, 6.5 ft bed. It tows our fifth wheel well, but I’m thinking that the OEM rear suspension could use some improvement for long trips where road quality can vary significantly.

    One option I’ve considered is adding an air bag system like the Ride-Rite air springs. Another option like the Roadmaster Active Suspension promises improved towing stability without air bags.

    Does anyone have experience with aftermarket suspension systems - what works well, what to avoid, etc.?

    ​
    Buy a Ford.......................just kidding

    There have been numerous threads here on airbags, sumo springs for vehicles, Timber springs and full rear truck spring swaps. Hopefully if you search you might find something. Many times the specific truck forums might offer better information. Last have a chat with you dealer service manager - they may know of a better solution to what your looking for.
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th whee, Star White 2022 F350 King Ranch CC Long bed (HAL) (CCC 4062lbs), B&W 25K OEM Companion,. SteadyFast system, Trailer reverse lights, rear receiver spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, Solar, Custom 6K axles upgrade, and other modifications.

    Comment

    • #3
      Originally posted by BR549 View Post

      One option I’ve considered is adding an air bag system like the Ride-Rite air springs. Another option like the Roadmaster Active Suspension promises improved towing stability without air bags.

      Does anyone have experience with aftermarket suspension systems - what works well, what to avoid, etc.?

      ​
      I added the heavy duty version of the RAS on my 2017 1500 Silverado and my only regret is that I didn't install it sooner. Vehicle ride quality improved when both towing/loaded and unloaded... I didn't experience stiffened or compromised ride quality when unloaded.

      Pros:
      • porpoising eliminated;
      • improved feeling of control & stability;
      • towing stance levelled-out;
      • rear-end side jounce when hitting bumps and uneven surfaces eliminated (unloaded); and
      • less roll when cornering (unloaded).
      Cons:
      • Cost - I had my kit installed for ~C$900 ( Yoda 's tool rental & service rates are too steep for me);
      • Rake - almost 2" increase in rear height in unloaded stance. Not a huge deal, but I notice it when accessing the bed.
      Hope this experience helps,

      Mike
      Mike & Sonya
      2017 Silverado 1500, 5.3, Tow Pkg, RAS
      Blue Ox SwayPro
      2021 2400BH (DeBunked)

      Comment

      • #4
        Messing with factory designed suspension will usually bring more negatives than positives. The engineers who put that suspension together . . . and tested the heck out of the entire system . . . had far more testing resources available to them than any aftermarket outfit has. If you are overloading some aspect of your OE suspension, you are beyond the capabilities of your truck. You can’t fix this with aftermarket parts . . . you need a truck designed to haul what you are towing. (In my opinion)

        Rob
        Cate & Rob
        (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
        2015 Reflection 303RLS
        2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
        Bayham, Ontario, Canada
        • Likes 3

        Comment

        • #5
          I don't know much about modifying suspension systems, I do know that my F250 is a rough ride and the addition of airbags did nothing to improve it :(

          The only thing I've found to improve the ride (as far as harshness) is to air down the tires a bunch, which brings other problems. I think the "heavy duty" trucks are just what they are...harsh, bumpy, bouncy and capable. If there is some kind of upgrade that maintains towing capability and improves ride quality please let me know. That would be awesome.
          Allen

          2021 Momentum 21G

          Comment

          • #6
            acoleman43

            The tire pressures on your door label are matched to your GVWR. When your truck is empty (or near empty) there is nothing wrong with reducing tire pressure to match load being carried. I will add that my F350 is so softly sprung at the top end that reducing tire pressure is not necessary for a reasonable ride quality when empty. My previous HDPP F150 absolutely needed tire pressure reduced for a reasonable ride when empty. Every truck is different . . .

            Rob
            Cate & Rob
            (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
            2015 Reflection 303RLS
            2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
            Bayham, Ontario, Canada
            • Likes 2

            Comment

            • #7
              Yeah I can definitely notice a difference in my 19 to my previous trucks with how progressive the springs have gotten. Nice and light when empty and progressively more stiff as I load the truck.
              Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.​

              Neil Citro
              2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
              2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

              Comment

              • #8
                I agree with Neil that the newer trucks have progressive springs. I added airbags and a wireless compressor. At 40 PSI loaded and 5 PSI empty, the ride is much better -- especially on SoCal freeways, which have many concrete patches and are above average rough. I also have the benefit of IFS on the front axle, which I think helps. You should be within your RAWR even with the airbags.

                Charles
                2021 Solitude 310 GK-R. 2020 F-250LB, 7.3L, 4.30, Reese 27K

                Comment

                • #9
                  I put Timbrens on my truck last year. A big improvement on the ride when the trailer is hooked up with less lateral movement also, and without the trailer, the truck rides like it did before. My buddy put Timbrens on his Chevy 3500 and loves it also. He tows a 13,000 lb TT.
                  2021 GD Momentum 320G 8K Axle
                  2023 Chevy 3500HD LTZ SB CC 4x4 Dmax

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Crespro View Post
                    I agree with Neil that the newer trucks have progressive springs. I added airbags and a wireless compressor. At 40 PSI loaded and 5 PSI empty, the ride is much better -- especially on SoCal freeways, which have many concrete patches and are above average rough. I also have the benefit of IFS on the front axle, which I think helps. You should be within your RAWR even with the airbags.

                    Charles
                    I second this approach. Added air bags with a wireless compressor on my last two trucks after trying the Timbrens and other things. I didn't like the Timbrens at all. Air springs are the way to go IMHO....easy peasy! And you can adjust to road conditions, loads, and etc.
                    40-year Camping Enthusiast
                    2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
                    2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      One thing I have considered is a rear sway bar. Considering getting a 24 here soon, so it's been on the back burner.
                      Joseph
                      Tow                       Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                      Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                      South of Houston Texas

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Jlawles2 View Post
                        One thing I have considered is a rear sway bar. Considering getting a 24 here soon, so it's been on the back burner.
                        The rear sway bar is another addition that I would like to add to my truck but I am waiting to see how the addition of my shocks on the camper, the air pin box, and the air bags on my truck all play together. Seems like those things should work well in making the towing experience even more pleasant than it was but we will see here in a couple months.......
                        40-year Camping Enthusiast
                        2022 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS with tons of upgrades
                        2022 GMC Sierra 3500 AT4 CC LB SRW D-Max 3865 Cargo Capacity

                        Comment

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