Troubleshooting Rear End Sag On a 2022 Chevy Suburban With Weight Distribution Hitch

Published 09/22/2022

Question:

I have a 2022 suburban with the max towing package, my trailer is well under the weight the suburban can tow, as well the tongue weight is less than what the max of the suburban specs. I also have a weight distribution hitch Tow capacity = 8100lbs Trailer weight = 4800lbs Tongue weight max 810lbs Trailer tongue weight 700lbs The say is so great that i have had to replace rear tires, and i have only had the suburban 6 months. It even sags when towing my seadoo’s, although not to the extent it does with the travel trailer. I have had it at the dealership several times and they there are no parts to fit it, either airbags or heavy duty shocks. Do you have any recommendations or parts you would recommend? Thank you

asked by: Lori L

Expert Reply:

I do have one recommendation as there is no suspension enhancement for your 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. With the issues you are having it sounds like your Suburban doesn't have the weight distribution set up correctly for your Suburban. I have seen similar issues on vehicles that have air suspension systems. If your Suburban has the Four Corner Air Suspension System there is a particular way you need to set up the weight distribution.

1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to "Normal Ground Clearance Height."
2. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep trailer detached).
3. Enable air suspension ‘Service Mode’ in the center infotainment screen under Settings/Vehicle/Suspension.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening at the fender to the ground (H1).
5. Attach the vehicle to the trailer, do not attach weight distribution bars at this time.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to the ground (H2).
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the manufacturers’ recommendations so that the height of the front fender is approximately H2- [(H2-H1)/3] (1/3 between the two measured ride heights, below the secondary ride height {H2}).
8. Disable air suspension air suspension "Service Mode."
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure that the manufacturers’ recommendations have been met.

If you do not have air suspension the steps are the same but you will disregard steps 3, 8 and 9.

If this still does not fix your issues please let me know what weight distribution hitch you have and the make, model of your travel trailer.