Can Timbren Helper Springs be Used with Weight Distribution on a 1997 Chevy Suburban

Updated 04/15/2015 | Published 04/14/2015

Question:

Hi my question is I have 97 chevy suburban k1500. I have a 6000lb camper I will be pulling. Shocks are good leafs seem fine but it sags doesnt bottom out or anything. I also use a wd hitch. Will this give a a level ride loaded camper 6 people in truck Thanks

asked by: Tom L

Expert Reply:

When sag is caused by trailer then weight distribution is the ideal solution. You mentioned that you are using weight distribution but it may not be adequate for the total tongue weight or it could need some adjustment.

When calculating tongue weight for weight distribution you take the tongue weight of the trailer, when loaded and ready to tow, and then add the weight of anything carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. You mentioned 6 people in your 1997 Chevy Suburban 1500 so I imagine that you probably have at least some extra weight in either cargo or people, if not both, behind the rear axle. that could be the root of the problem.

I have included a link to determining tongue weight. Ideally you would have the trailer loaded and ready to tow, all cargo and people in the vehicle as if you were ready to hit the road. But instead of going on a vacation you would go to a truck scale (should be fun for the kids) or a place that sells bulk gravel might be able to accommodate you. Either scale type would be the most accurate method.

Once you know the true total tongue weight you can compare that to what your weight distribution hitch is rated for. If the total tongue weight is very close to the maximum or over the maximum for the hitch then going to a higher capacity system would be ideal.

Weight distribution and suspension enhancement reduce the need of each other, so that you would not necessarily get the benefits of either system. The weight distribution spring bars are pushing towards and upward at the vehicle end but the helper springs would not all that force to be distributed forward to the front axle like its supposed to. Alternatively the Timbren helper springs would be prematurely compressed so that you would not get the full benefit of them either.

If your weight distribution system is rated high enough then you may just need to fine tune it so that when the trailer is connected the sag is eliminated. How you do this depends on the system you are using but if you still have the instructions it should be explained in them.

expert reply by: Michael H