Should Rear Suspension Enhancement Be Used With Weight Distribution 2011 GMC Sierra 1500

Question:

Will this kit work on a 2011 Sierra Denali with All Wheel Drive? There are factory air shocks on this model for leveling. I want to add some additional ride control and leveling when towing a heavy trailer that is within the vehicles limits. I am also using a weight distribution hitch. Is this an overkill or not recommended?

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

Generally speaking, a properly-rated weight distribution system should provide the necessary correction for rear-end sag in a tow vehicle. We do not recommend using both a rear suspension jounce spring or air spring kit, such as the Air Lift System part # AL59565, along with a weight distribution system as the two can sometimes fight each other and result in erratic handling.

If you have a weight distribution system, your setup is within your towing capacities and you still are experiencing rear end sag I would question whether or not you have the proper rated system for your setup. When matching a weight distribution system to a trailer it is critical to know the actual fully-loaded trailer tongue weight just as it will be when you are on the road. A trailer dry tongue weight (or curb weight) figure will not accurately reflect the actual load on the hitch. It is necessary to measure the fully-loaded trailer tongue weight (with full water and propane tanks, and with all supplies and gear) before selecting a weight distribution system to ensure that it provides the necessary correction to the actual weight load across the trailer tongue and tow vehicle hitch.

expert reply by: Jameson C