How to Keep the Rear End from Squatting on a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali w/a Duramax Engine

Updated 12/03/2025 | Published 11/20/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1411)

$621.99

Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Single Path

(369)

$599.74

Question:

What solution would you recommend to reduce squatting of my 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, Duramax towing 7000 lbs boat trailer? My truck doesnt have ARC feature.

asked by: Mark S

Expert Reply:

Hey Mark, thanks for the information! The best option to fix your truck's squatting issue is going to be to install the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers item # AL88288. These air springs have a 5,000 lbs capacity that's going to keep your rear end level when you're towing your boat trailer or hauling a heavy load in your bed. Air springs are also not going to affect your daily driving like other suspension enhancement options do.

The Air Lift item # AL88288 includes custom fit brackets and hardware for your 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with the Duramax engine. These are compatible with both the 2WD and 4WD models as well.

I also recommend adding the Firestone Air Command item # F2610 to your truck. This onboard compressor will allow you to adjust the PSI in your air bags from your phone.

I've linked a couple of installation videos below so you can see how to get these parts set up.

Do you haul a bunch of stuff in your truck bed when you're towing your boat trailer?

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

2024 GMC Sierra 1500
(click to enlarge)

Mark S.

11/21/2025

Jerred - Thank you! Since I am hauling my boat only twice a year, I believe manual setup will do the job. I the bed there's some tools, and boat stuff, not much addl load. Also, as you mentioned Firestone, what do you think about Firestone Ride-Rite: 2609 Rear Kit? Is it acceptable equivalent to LoadLifter 5000? Thank you, Mark

Jerred H.

11/21/2025

@MarkS You're welcome! Ok, that makes sense. I was wondering what all you had back there that was causing the squatting issue. Boat trailer's aren't really known for having a lot of tongue weight compared to a standard trailer. All of the Firestone kits like item # F2609 are not compatible with the diesel engine models of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500.

Mark

11/21/2025

@JerredH Understand Firestone isn't going to work. - Thanks for the clarification! Now back to Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate, please. How far can / will it stretch when my truck is raised on a shop lift and rear axle droops freely? Thanks again! Mark

Jerred H.

11/21/2025

@Mark Not far at all Mark. There's no air bag kit that's going to be able to stretched out that much. You'll need to disconnect the u-bolts on the Air Lift item # AL88288 so the bags don't rip. Take a look at the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs item # SS45FR. These have a 1,500 lbs capacity and replace your rear bump stops. For as infrequent as you are towing your boat, I think this is going to be a better option. These are a one piece design that support your rear end when weight is placed on it. The more weight pressed on the rear suspension the more they will engage. So long as you're not hauling 700+ lbs of gear/tools/fishing supplies in your bed, when you're towing your boat, these are going to take care of the squatting issue. I've linked an installation video that also goes into great detail on what exactly these helper springs are going to do.

Helpful Links

tv-install-supersprings-rear-helper-springs-2023-chevrolet-silverado-1500-ss65fr.aspx