What Suspension Support Works With Adaptive Ride Control on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?

Updated 09/14/2026 | Published 09/04/2026

Question:

2023 GMC1500 Denali WITH adaptive ride control. Bumper s 2.5-3 in. with trlr even with equalizing hitch. Suggestions for overload spring compatible with ARC?

asked by: John H

Expert Reply:

Hello John,

Thanks for writing in.

Yes, you can absolutely add suspension support to your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with Adaptive Ride Control.

For your truck, you will want the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit - Heavy Duty # RAS54FR. This kit works with the Adaptive Ride Control on your Denali, and with the 2-1/2" to 3" of sag you are getting when the trailer is hooked up, I would definitely go with the Heavy Duty RAS.

The RAS works with your factory leaf springs to give the rear of the truck more support when that weight is added. It will help with the sag you are seeing and give you some added stability while towing. I also like that once it is installed, there are no air bags to fill or pressures to keep up with.

Since you are already using a weight distribution hitch and still getting that much sag, I would also make sure the hitch is dialed in correctly for your loaded tongue weight. The RAS will help support the truck, but we still want that weight distribution hitch doing its part too.

What kind of trailer are you pulling with your Denali? Any big adventures you are gearing up for?

expert reply by: Kate F

RAS Installed
(click to enlarge)

John H.

9/10/2026

I looked at the videos. Will adding this kit increase the riding height of my truck when not loaded? I'm pulling a 26' travel trailer with a tongue weight nearing 1000#. This truck is my everyday ride so I don't want to change riding height and firmness when not loaded.

Kate F.

9/11/2026

@JohnH The RoadActive Suspension Heavy Duty # RAS54FR is a good fit for what you are trying to do, especially with your travel trailer getting close to 1,000 lbs of tongue weight. I do want to point out that you may see a small increase in rear ride height when the truck is unloaded. RAS says it can be around 1/2" to 1-1/2", depending on the truck, condition of the leaf springs, and how much tension you put on the system. The nice part for a daily driver is that the RAS works progressively with your factory leaf springs, so it is not going to give you the same stiff unloaded ride you can get from some other suspension upgrades. I would set it toward the lower end of the adjustment range so you get the support you need while towing without adding more preload than necessary. For you, these will be best over Air Bags, Timbrens, and even the SumoSprings which are pretty nice!

Kris M.

9/10/2026

Hi John, I have a 2021 Silverado Trail Boss. I’m towing a 28’ trailer and was getting the kind of sag you experienced. I’ve had air bags before and didn’t want those, so I went with the RAS from e-trailer. I installed it myself and it made a huge difference right away. I still have a little sag, but I am going to adjust the RAS and I think that will take care of it. Without a load in the back or my trailer, I haven’t noticed any difference in the ride of the truck. Since I have a trail boss it was already lifted a bit (2”) and I didn’t want a system that lifted it more. I don’t think the RAS lifted the truck. I am a shorter woman (5’ 5”) so I already use running boards to get in. Overall, I’m happy with the RAS. For how I use my truck it was the best option.

Kate F.

9/14/2026

@KrisM Thanks so much for jumping in and sharing your experience with John! Hearing from someone who has actually installed and used the RAS on a similar Silverado is incredibly helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share what has worked for you!

Todd H.

9/10/2026

I have a2020 Silverado WT with a 5.3, tow capacity of 11,500# . Before installing the RAS I experienced a little sag when attached to my Airstream with a 1000# tongue and the axle wrap when I hit bumps and accelerated. Also added gas shocks and the sag is gone and it’s a solid safe ride. It now like driving a truck with POSI traction and no axle wrap

Kate F.

9/14/2026

@ToddH Thanks for the response Todd! Sounds like you have things dialed in just right =)

Stan S.

9/10/2026

Game changer for sag and sway reduction we did get a small ride height difference but did not notice any difference in daily ride comfort

Kate F.

9/14/2026

@StanS Thanks for the response Stan, nice to hear it from a fellow neighbor (customer). I am happy to hear these made quite the difference for you.