Way To Correct 4 Inches Of Sag In A 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country 4x4 Towing A Boat

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Question:

I have a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country 4x4. I recently purchased a new boat that causes the rear to sag 4 inches. I am considering the Sumo SS45FR to help correct the sag. Looking for your opinion and possible other recommendations. Boat/Motor/Trailer/Accessories weigh in the 7000lb range.

asked by: Darrell

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Expert Reply:

Hi Darrell, congrats on the new boat!

The SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle # SS45FR will indeed help with the sag you are getting. These are a set it and forget it way to go and we have gotten good feedback from others that have gone this route. Plus the install is quick and easy, which is definitely nice. The only drawback to these is that set it and forget it thing. They do not have any adjustments to make them more supportive or less supportive. They work really well for a lot of people, but they aren't my favorite way to go.

I will admit to being preferential to air bags though. I like that they can be adjusted to your load and really dial in what you need them to do. The Pacbrake Alpha HD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle - 5,000 lbs # PB92ZV would be my pick for that as the internal jounce this has lets you run them at 0 psi. I mention that as you will have no difference in the unloaded ride, which is a huge plus in my book. If I were upgrading/supplementing the suspension on my Silverado, this is the may I would go, even with them being a bit more expensive.

What kind of boat did you get? Is it a salt water or fresh water application? Oh and one other thing, does your 23 Silverado 1500 have the active ride control?

expert reply by: Lazer S

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SumoSprings Solo SS45FR
(click to enlarge)

Pacbrake Alpha HD Pro PB92ZV
(click to enlarge)

Darrell

3/19/2026

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions Lazer. I am on the fence about jounce bumpers or air bags. The Silverado does not have auto leveling/ride height control or variable suspension dampening but does have different driving modes. I purchased a Hewescraft Ocean Pro 240 ET HT. It’s considered an ocean boat but I use it mainly on lakes for trolling applications for striped bass.

Jeff P.

3/20/2026

@Darrell Hi Darrell, I used these on my 2022 Silverado 1500 4x4 LT. I pulled a rather heavy travel trailer with a weight distribution hitch. The sumo springs definitely helped with sag and body roll while towing. I ended up adding Road Active Suspension as well. And those together seemed to stabilize the truck and keep it from sagging when towing or hauling heavy loads. Sometimes I wonder if I had just installed the air bags if they would've done the job of both the RAS and the sumo springs. But the air bags really just do the same thing as the sumo springs. The only difference is you can deflate them when not towing for a softer ride. But the short answer is YES the sumo springs took a lot of sag out which also translated to keeping the front tires engaged as well. Not sure if your Silverado is the same as mine but mine didn't come with an anti sway bar. They make an after-market one that can be installed. I think im going to put one on because I tow quite often. And whereas the sumo springs and RAS handle the squat and roll - and are absolutely zero maintenance - they dont handle lateral stabilization like an anti sway bar would. The back end of my truck gets a little pushed around when the wind hits my box trailer broad side. Last thing - the unloaded ride is a little stiffer with the springs but I dont mind - feels like a new truck with an empty bed right after you bought it. Hope this helps.

Lazer S.

3/25/2026

@JeffP Heck of a review! Thanks for your input! ^___^

Lazer S.

3/25/2026

@Darrell I get the apprehension. One of the really nice things about the SumoSprings is they come with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If within 30 days of the install you find yourself not being happy with them, they can be returned. I would honestly try them out and go from there. They may be perfect for your situation, or you may end up deciding to go with air bags after trying them out. You never know. And nice boat! My uncle had a Hewescraft that he took us out on a few times when we were growing up in southern California. Don't remember the model he had as that was the early/mid 90s, but it was a pretty fun boat to play around with! ^___^ Good luck out there on the water! We are taking a group to some of the lakes here in Missouri to see what we can catch this weekend. Hopefully we get some nice bluegills and catfish.

Sam R.

3/20/2026

I installed sumo springs on my 2023 Silverado hi country to help with rear sag on my travel trailer. I used the he highest set one. helped with the sag and towing this worked over a 10000 mile trip from my home in Alaska and Arizona. The. Empty ride quality suffers with the sumo’s suffered. I’m now home in Alaska it has been a long cold winter (below zero for the last 5 months the trucks ride is hard empty like it has no suspension a buckboard, those things are coming off soon as it thaws. I tow a hewes 22et during the summer months without the sumo’s with no problems ocean boat. They are super easy to install I will re install them to tow my travel trailer and remove them when I don’t need the extra help.

Bob P.

3/20/2026

I purchased a longer trailer than the one I had and got a sag on my 1500 GMC 2020. I did not put the 1” spacer on to have a smoother ride when not pulling camper. I like my purchase and it has worked for me.

Christopher Y.

3/20/2026

@BobP I did the same thing you did to my 2024 Silverado, Left the spacer out. It hits a little hard when the temperature drops below twenty but since it warmed up it rides fine. Definitely helps with the sag when towing

Steve G.

3/21/2026

Hello Darrell, I installed these last year on my 2019 Chevy Silverado Ltz We pull a jayco TT @around 5900 lbs with a wdh setup. We definitely have noticed a big improvement in handling. Much less roll in turning and additional stability overall. The only drawback is unloaded vehicle in cold weather 40 degrees and below is a tad rough. Overall the benefits outweigh this. Bottom line they work and are easy to install. Good luck and enjoy the new boat!

Way To Correct 4 Inches Of Sag In A 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country 4x4 Towing A Boat

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