Best Way To Enhance The Rear Suspension On 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 Z71 When Pulling 5th Wheel

Updated 04/13/2021 | Published 04/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(2852)

$669.22

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path

(335)

$467.95

Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - 2" Spacers - Qty 2

(42)

$103.57

Question:

I have a 2021 Duramax 2500HD Crew cab LTZ Z71 with standard bed and tow a 40 foot Montana 5th wheel. I was wondering what you would suggest I do to upgrade my suspension.

asked by: Norm C

Expert Reply:

Beautiful truck and travel trailer you have there! Airbag suspension enhancement is the best way to reduce rear sag and improve the handling of your truck when you are pulling a heavy load, such as your 40 foot Montana 5th wheel. You can then deflate the bags when not pulling, therefore giving you back the factory unloaded ride height and quality.

I recommend going with a Firestone setup as these are typically higher quality than other available kits. I would go with the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2613. This is rated for up to 5,000lbs which is plenty for your travel trailer. Firestone does state that Lift Spacers 2" Spacers - Qty 2 # F2366 are typically needed for the Z71 models, but this really depends on if you have the factory level/lift kit or not. If you do not have the factory level/lift kit then you do not need these spacers.

If you do not want to manually inflate or deflate the airbags at the back of your every time weight is added or removed, then I recommend adding a compressor so that you can do this from the cab of your truck. A good compressor for your application is the Firestone Air Command I - Analog Gauge w/ Heavy-Duty Compressor - Single Path - 150 psi # F2097. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 5 psi in the bags at all times, and inflate them upon loading the truck with weight. Never exceed 130 psi. I attached demonstration videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Andrew N