Suspension Upgrade - Keeping Truck Level With Heavy Load - 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Updated 01/07/2021 | Published 01/04/2021

Question:

Hi. I am leasing a 2021 Chevy z-71 rat. It sags a lot more compared to my 2018 z-71 LT. My equipment/car hauler trailer s it about 3-1-2” when empty. The trailer weighs just under 2700lbs. It never ped that much on my 2018. I am looking at SS45FR to help. It says it will work, want to make sure? Also are spring usable on different make truck where as I would get different brackets or mounts to make the springs work because I lease and change truck every 2-3 years.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

I have a couple of solutions that should work well for you, depending on what you're really trying to accomplish. If you're mainly interested in just modifying your current 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z-71 RST, then these Sumo Springs # SS45FR will work great for you. They will help considerably to keep your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z-71 RST level when you're pulling a heavier loaded trailer, such as the car hauler you describe.

As for multiple applications of different makes, these particular springs are only interchangeable between Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks from 2019-2021 model years in 2WD and 4WD configurations. But that doesn't mean there isn't a product out there that will accomplish this goal.

For a solution that will work well for your Silverado as well as other makes and models of trucks, I recommend looking at a weight distribution hitch system. These systems do an excellent job fighting squat in the rear of your truck and sway as you drive, and as long as you choose a system that pairs well with your loaded tongue weight, it should work to eliminate bounce as well.

If your loaded trailer weight is 2700 lbs., then your loaded tongue weight is likely somewhere between 270-405 lbs. My best recommendation is to go with an entry level system that includes a shank and sway control like the Fastway Fast Way e2 Weight-Distribution Hitch # FA92-00-0600. The Fastway works with tongue weights from 250-600 lbs. This system is a great fit for your truck and loaded trailer, and it will even allow you to put some additional weight in the bed of the truck if you need.

expert reply by: Aaron A