Vehicle Suspension Support Guide

Towing, Hauling & Ride Control

Written by: Sam C.

Last updated: 8/13/2025

What suspension upgrade is best for towing or hauling?

At etrailer, we help thousands of drivers reduce squat, level their ride, and tow more safely with the right suspension enhancement. Whether you're carrying a truck camper, towing a gooseneck trailer, or just hauling a weekend load, this guide breaks down air bags, jounce springs, sway bars, and more to help you choose what works best for your setup.

towing a camper with suspension upgrades.

In this article:

What is Suspension Enhancement and Why Does it Matter for Towing?
When Should I Use Weight Distribution vs. Suspension Enhancement?
What Types of Suspension Upgrades Are Available?
How Do I Choose the Right Suspension Upgrade for My Vehicle?
What Suspension Enhancements Can and Can’t Do?

What is Suspension Enhancement and Why Does it Matter for Towing?

Suspension enhancement involves aftermarket upgrades that improve your vehicle’s original suspension system. Although your vehicle is factory-rated to tow or carry certain weights without these upgrades, suspension enhancements are highly recommended to prevent sagging and squat when hauling heavy loads or towing trailers.

When the rear of a vehicle sags, the front end lifts, which can reduce braking efficiency and steering control, therefore creating a safety risk.

Key Benefits of Suspension Enhancement:

Extends the life of your factory suspension components
Enhances safety by keeping the vehicle properly aligned while loaded

At etrailer, we often see drivers turn to suspension enhancement after noticing rear-end squat when towing. These upgrades help correct the problem without sacrificing ride comfort.

IMPORTANT: These upgrades do not increase your vehicle's legal towing or payload capacity, which is set by the manufacturer and linked to your VIN. Suspension enhancement is also not a substitute for worn-out shocks or springs

When Should I Use Weight Distribution vs. Suspension Enhancement?

Ideal for campers and enclosed trailers, that have an A-frame style that will allow for a weight distribution system to be installed. These systems improve stability and handling by evenly distributing the load across the tow vehicle’s axles, not just putting all the tongue weight on the rear axle of the towing vehicle that can cause excessive squat when hooked up to the trailer.

CURT TruTrack Weight Distribution System.

Also reduces squat, but in a different way than weight distribution systems does. Suspension enhancements provide additional support to the vehicle’s existing suspension and are intended to keep the OEM suspension from bottoming out under a full load.

When to Use Suspension Enhancement:

Gooseneck/5th-wheel trailers (in-bed hitches)
In-bed campers
Variable pickup bed loads (landscaping supplies, tools)
Utility trailers with shifting cargo

Suspension enhancement is especially helpful when tongue weight varies or is distributed inconsistently.

What Types of Suspension Upgrades Are Available?

Here’s a breakdown of popular suspension upgrade types—ranked by how commonly we see them used at etrailer. Each kind will be fit guided based on the year make and model of your vehicle

Air Bags for Suspension Enhancement

Air bags are adjustable suspension upgrades that mount between the frame and axle, offering tailored support for vehicles with changing or uneven loads, such as in bed truck campers, in-bed hitch trailers, or RVs. By adjusting air pressure (5–100 PSI), you can fine-tune ride height, comfort, and stability.

System Types:

Manual: Uses a Schrader valve (like a tire)
Compressor Kits: Let you adjust pressure from the cab
Lifted Trucks: May need cradles or spacers for proper fit and movement

Many etrailer customers prefer onboard compressors for added convenience when adjusting for varying trailer loads.

Vehicles with changing or unpredictable loads
Truck bed campers that need side-to-side leveling
Fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer towing
RVs carrying gear or towing additional vehicles
Drivers who want comfort with flexibility

Adjustable Support: Customize pressure for varying loads
Side-to-Side Leveling: Great for off-center loads like truck bed campers
Smooth Ride: Minimal impact on comfort when unloaded

Higher upfront cost than passive systems
Requires regular pressure checks
Compressor kits add convenience—but also cost and complexity

Installation Summary:

Installing air bags is a more involved process, whether you choose DIY or professional help.

Professional Install: Typically takes around 5 hours (plus labor costs).
DIY Install: Totally doable, but expect to spend most of a weekend.

Jounce Springs

Jounce springs, also known as bump stops, are supplemental rubber springs designed to engage when the vehicle's suspension compresses under load. And provide a cushion to the vehicle axle itself. They are an easy-to-install, maintenance-free upgrade designed to improve stability and reduce squat. Once installation is done, there is no additional adjustment needed. Often referred to as a passive system because they do not engage until compressed under load.

Trucks regularly carrying heavy or consistent in-bed loads
Vehicles towing heavy trailers or hauling equipment
Drivers wanting a simple, no-maintenance suspension upgrade
Situations where suspension adjustment is not needed or wanted

Simple installation with basic tools—no special equipment needed
Maintenance-free (no pressure checks or adjustments required)
Provides reliable support when carrying heavy loads
More affordable than air suspension systems

Fixed support level; no adjustability
Can cause a firmer, sometimes harsh ride when unloaded
Provides reliable support when carrying heavy loads
May lead to bumpiness on uneven terrain or without a load, especially in Timbren systems with minimal gap to the axle

Installation:

Typically, you remove the original bump stops and replace them with larger, aftermarket jounce springs made from different materials.

Leaf Spring enhancement installed on vehicle.

Leaf Spring Enhancements

Leaf spring enhancements are easy bolt-on upgrades that help trucks and vans handle heavy loads better. They're ideal for vehicles that regularly carry loads on the suspension, such as contractors, or for hauling heavy trailers.

These systems work with vehicles that already have leaf spring suspension and are easy to install near the factory springs. They only engage under heavy loads, so they have little impact on everyday ride quality. Some users even report a smoother ride when unloaded, though the support level isn't adjustable.

Trucks and vans with consistent heavy payloads
Hauling equipment or trailers
Users seeking a low-maintenance, install-and-go solution

Minimal to no impact on unloaded ride
Maintenance-free design
No compressors or air systems required
Can improve stability and reduce body roll under load

Not adjustable for changing loads
Only compatible with vehicles that have leaf spring suspension

Overload Spring Enhancement

Overload spring enhancements are spacer-style upgrades that help engage your vehicle’s factory overload springs sooner. By eliminating the gap between the overload spring and contact pad, they activate support earlier during heavy loads—ideal for truck campers or vehicles carrying weight directly in the bed.

How They Work:

These components bolt onto the leaf spring stack or frame and are designed to support vertical loads without altering your ride when unloaded. Many systems can be deactivated when not needed, offering flexibility for part-time use.

Truck bed campers
Heavy service bodies or toolboxes
Work trucks with consistent payloads

Boosts support for heavy bed loads
Maintains factory ride feel when not loaded
Easy to install, no major modifications required
Often reversible or deactivatable

Not adjustable on-the-fly
Less effective for tongue-weight-heavy trailers or uneven loads

Coil Spring Upgrades: Flexible Support for SUV and Light Truck Suspensions

Coil spring enhancements are ideal for vehicles with coil spring suspension that will not be towing more than 10,000 pounds, such as SUVs, vans, and half ton pick up trucks. These upgrades are ideal for lighter-duty applications where moderate support is needed and ride quality is a priority.

Types of Coil Enhancements:

Coil Inserts: Maintenance-free, easy to install, and reduce sag under load.
Internal Air Bags: Adjustable support, ideal for varying loads but require careful inflation and occasional checks.
Heavy-Duty Replacement Springs: Firmer springs that replace the factory coils, offering long-term support with more involved installation.

Road-tripping SUVs or vans with gear
Light trucks with moderate cargo
When preserving comfort is a priority
When coil design limits other upgrade options

Maintain ride height and reduce squat
Easy DIY options available
Good for light towing or gear hauling
Useful when other systems won’t fit

Less support than air bags or leaf systems
Not ideal for very heavy loads
Some options (like internal airbags) require careful installation and occasional checks

Anti-Sway Bars: Control and Stability for Tall Loads

Anti-sway bars, also known as sway control or stabilizer bars connect the left and right sides of a vehicle’s suspension to reduce body roll during turns. While they don’t address sag, they greatly improve stability, and reduce body roll. Sway bars are particularly beneficial for vehicles, with top-heavy loads (like RVs) or trailers that induce lateral sway. By improving cornering stability and minimizing lean, they make your driving experience more comfortable and safer.

Truck bed campers or rooftop cargo
Enclosed trailer or RV towing
Motorhomes and tall vans
Vehicles that lean or feel unstable in corners

Reduces sway and body roll
Improves cornering stability and control
Boosts driver confidence in crosswinds or turns
Works well with air bags or helper springs
Requires no maintenance once installed

Doesn’t help with lift or squat
May require extra hardware or drilling
Limited improvement if a factory sway bar is already installed

Suspension Solutions for Lifted & Off-Road Vehicles

Lifted Trucks: Some air bags manufacturers require spacers to match lift height. Some jounce spring products also offer lift-specific solutions.
Off-Road Vehicles: Cradle systems allow airbags to maintain articulation. SumoSprings and Timbrens are better suited when articulation is important.

Suspension Solutions for Lifted & Off-Road Vehicles

Lifted Trucks: Some air bags manufacturers require spacers to match lift height. Some jounce spring products also offer lift-specific solutions.
Off-Road Vehicles: Cradle systems allow airbags to maintain articulation. SumoSprings and Timbrens are better suited when articulation is important.

How Do I Choose the Right Suspension Upgrade for My Vehicle?

Suspension enhancements are not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right solution depends on your vehicle's suspension type, the nature and frequency of the load, your comfort preferences, and how much adjustability or maintenance you're comfortable with. Consider the following criteria when selecting a suspension support system:

Key Factors to Consider:

Load Type & Frequency: Are you hauling heavy loads every day, or occasionally towing?
Vehicle Suspension Type: Do you have coil springs, leaf springs, or a lifted setup?
Ride Comfort vs. Load Support: Are you prioritizing daily comfort or maximum hauling capability?
Adjustability: Do you want to fine-tune your setup based on changing loads?
DIY vs. Professional Install: Are you installing at home, or relying on a shop?

How Do I Choose the Right Suspension Upgrade for My Vehicle?

Key Factors to Consider:

Load Type & Frequency: Are you hauling heavy loads every day, or occasionally towing?
Vehicle Suspension Type: Do you have coil springs, leaf springs, or a lifted setup?
Ride Comfort vs. Load Support: Are you prioritizing daily comfort or maximum hauling capability?
Adjustability: Do you want to fine-tune your setup based on changing loads?
DIY vs. Professional Install: Are you installing at home, or relying on a shop?

Variable Trailer or Bed Loads:

Air Bags (adjustable support and leveling)

Constant Heavy Bed Loads:

Timbren SES (durable, no-maintenance support)

Occasional Light-Duty Towing:

SumoSprings or RAS (progressive support with better ride)

Preserving Factory Ride Comfort:

Overload pads or Coil Sumos (minimal impact on unloaded ride)

SUVs/Vans with Moderate Loads:

Coil Inserts or HD Coil Spring Replacements

Truck Campers with Uneven Weight:

Dual-path Air Bags (side-to-side leveling control)

Commercial Use or Plows:

Timbren SES or HD Leaf Upgrades (rigid support under load)

Off-Road or Lifted Trucks:

SumoSprings, Air Bags with Cradles/Spacers (maintain articulation)

Variable Trailer or Bed Loads

Air Bags (adjustable support and leveling)

Constant Heavy Bed Loads

Timbren SES (durable, no-maintenance support)

Occasional Light-Duty Towing

SumoSprings or RAS (progressive support with better ride)

Preserving Factory Ride Comfort

Overload pads or Coil Sumos (minimal impact on unloaded ride)

SUVs/Vans with Moderate Loads

Coil Inserts or HD Coil Spring Replacements

Truck Campers with Uneven Weight

Dual-path Air Bags - Side-to-side leveling control

Commercial Use or Plows

Timbren SES or HD Leaf Upgrades (rigid support under load)

Off-Road or Lifted Trucks

SumoSprings, Air Bags with Cradles/Spacers (maintain articulation)

This chart is a great starting point, based on the most common choices from etrailer customer installs and feedback. For best results, check your vehicle’s suspension and reach out to our team at etrailer for help.

What Suspension Enhancements Can and Can’t Do?

They DO:

Improve stability and handling
Reduce rear-end sag (squat)
Level the vehicle under load
Protect OEM suspension from premature wear

They DON'T:

Increase your vehicle’s towing or payload capacity
Replace worn shocks or broken springs
Guarantee a smooth ride when empty (especially with jounce springs)

Understanding the limitations helps set expectations—and keeps your towing setup safe.

About Sam C.

Here at etrailer I spend my day working on trailers, fixing RV's, and building training aids/displays to keep all of employees up to speed on how things in an RV work! I'm also responsible for training all of our Customer Service/Content teams, so it's important I'm out doing things keeping up with changes in the RV industry.

In my personal time I stay in my camper up at a large fishing lake here in Missouri with my wife, and am always doing something to it. It's a 2005, and I'm cheap, so I will keep it for as long as possible!

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