Is Drilling Needed For Air Lift Air Bags on 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 With B&W Base Rails & Patriot Hitch

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/23/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle

(1352)

$503.65

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(716)

$1159.00

Question:

2015 GMC 4x4 diesel SLT? will be installing BW Patriot 18K BWRUK 3270 and custom above rail kit will the AL88338 work without extra drilling? Both separate installations appear simple without extra drilling, although the videos show a 2016, it should be similar but the 2015 does not have the main frame rail installed nuts. Thanks

asked by: Donald P

Expert Reply:

Hi Donald,

There is some added small extra drilling for your 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 when installing the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs # AL88338.

I've added a cutout from the instructions of the # AL88338 which show the added step needed. This is needed because the frame brackets of the base rails of the B&W # BW27XR cover the portion of the frame where the U-bolts of the air bags would normally go.

So they are still compatible, and just a wee bit of added drilling is needed.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

Hey Donald, how did the install go with the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 on your 2015 GMC? Did the extra drilling step work out smoothly with your B&W Patriot setup? Your update could make it easier for the next person working on the same combo.