Air Bag Helper Springs for a 2011 Chevy Tahoe with Autoride System and Blue Ox Weight Distribution

Updated 03/31/2017 | Published 03/30/2017

Question:

I am towing a 30ft Rockwood ultra lite at 6300 lbs. I have a blue ox weight distribution hitch with sway control bars in one. When going over 60 mph it still sways. I see that the code on my glove box is zw7 which is Premium Smooth Ride. Can I use the air bags to stiffen and help the stock coil springs in the rear or will this interfere with anything. I dont want to modify too much as this is our every day vehicle. I am leaning towards the air bags because when I am not towing, I want to deflate them so the Tahoe functions as normal.

asked by: Don T

Helpful Expert Reply:

It does sound like your 2011 Chevy Tahoe has the Autoride system that can level itself. If it is the type that will level itself while traveling then it will need to be turned off if using weight distribution. You can use air bags # F4186 with the Autoride system and when using weight distribution.

There are other things you can do to combat sway since rear helper springs aren't really designed for that. First, make sure the trailer is being towed level and that the tongue weight is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. These are essential for providing the best towing experience.

Also make sure that the Blue Ox system that you have is rated properly for the tongue weight of the trailer. A 6,300 pound trailer should have a tongue weight between 630 and 945 pounds but when calculating tongue weight for weight distribution you also have to add in the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

expert reply by: Michael H