What Front/Rear Axle Suspension do You Recommend for Towing up to 20,000 Pounds on a 2009 GMC 2500?

Published 01/16/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3008)

$398.82

Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Dual Path

(359)

$784.38

Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(829)

$547.11

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Front Axle

(670)

$192.99

Question:

I have a 2009 GMC 2500hd Duramax and I was thinking of installing airbags to help with towing. I tow quite heavy with it. My 10,000 pound bumper pull trailer plus a sled deck in the box with quads on it. I do use a weight distributing hitch with my bumper pull trailer. And I also pull a gooseneck stock trailer hauling cows which is anywhere from 17,000-20,000 pounds. Will the Firestone 2250 airbags have enough capacity to handle that weight or should I go with higher rated airbags? Thanks

asked by: Jonas H

Expert Reply:

I have a great suspension solution for you. While towing a trailer that weighs 17,000-20,000 pounds and other heavy setups on your 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD, the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted # F2250 will technically provide you with a bit of support on your rear axle. However, with the amount of weight you are hauling, I strongly recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # F2700. Since the Red Label springs have a rating of load-leveling capacity of 7,500 pounds (compared to the 4,800 pounds of the # F2250), you will get more firmness from the Red Label springs. Also, with the Red Label springs, you get the benefit of a larger range of psi (5-150 psi compared to the 5-100 psi of the # F2250) to customize your ride.

For more customization of the air bags, I recommend using a compressor like the Firestone Air Command II - Analog Gauge w/ Heavy Duty Compressor # F2219. The reason why I recommend the Air Command II over other compressors is because it will allow you to fully inflate your Red Label springs up to the maximum 150 psi. Also, since the compressor is dual-path, you will be able to inflate the air bags independently from each other.

If you are looking for a boost in the front axle, I recommend the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Front Axle # SSF-201-47. The SumoSprings Solo will help balance out the front end of the vehicle when hauling heavy loads on the rear. One of the great things about the Solo is that these springs do not require any maintenance once installed.