Upgrading Trailer Hitch and Adding Timbren Helper Springs to a 2005 Chevy Suburban 4x4

Updated 03/16/2017 | Published 03/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2"

(168)

$288.73

Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames

(120)

$286.06

Replacement Trunnion Spring Bar for Reese Weight Distribution System - 1,500 lbs TW

(25)

$125.12

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(5924)

$269.36

Question:

I have a 2005 Suburban K1500. It shows a rated capacity of 12000#. I have a Reese WD hitch and suspect I need to add the cam system for anti-sway. I am considering an upgrade for my travel trailer and will be approaching the limit. I am considering tweaking my Suburban to avoid buying another tow vehicle. I am reading about the Timbren Enhancement kits. Would you suggest them? Front and rear? I am also concerned about the receiver hitch that is OEM. What about an upgrade? Any informed opinions and suggestions are appreciated.

asked by: Wayne W

Expert Reply:

You can install a different hitch or suspension enhancement but the vehicle capacity is set in stone. Adding the above mentioned parts or other parts won't increase the capacity of the vehicle. The 12,000 pounds you see in the owner's manual is actually the gross combined weight rating. This is the most that the trailer and vehicle can weigh together and not the towing capacity of the vehicle.

For the 1500 4x4 models if you have the 4800 motor with 3.42 rear end the maximum trailer weight is 6,500 pounds and with 4.10 rear end it is 7,500 pounds. If you have the 5300 motor then the capacities are 7,500 with a 3.42 rear end and 7,800 pounds with the 4.10 gears. And if you have the 5300 motor and the "extended" version of the Suburban then the capacities are 7,200 for 3.42 gears and 8,200 with 4.10 gears.

The only models rated for 12,000 pounds trailer weight are the C2500 and K2500 with the 8100 motor and 4.10 rear end.

You can upgrade the hitch using # C15324 which is rated for 2,400 pound tongue weight and 16,000 pounds gross trailer weight but again you are limited to the capacity of your 2005 Chevy Suburban 1500.

To add the dual-cam sway control # RP26002 the spring bars on your Reese system will have to have the hooks on the end, such as # RP58369. And if you wanted to add Timbren helper springs I recommend # TGMRG25C. Its the only rear option for the 1500s.