Levelling And Towing

T Loz · May 27, 2011

I just installed a Ready-Lift levelling kit in "07" Silvierado. Now I'm having towing issues. The Rv has the rearend sagging a little. I adjusted and readjusted the truck hitch and the equalizer bars but I can't seem to get the set-up right. Sucking back the gas like crazy, and I'm only pulling a 24' RV. My question is do I put in the Ready-Lift rear spring block or go with air bags? Cost wise the Ready-Lift kit is the way to go, but is it the best way?

Fobroader · May 27, 2011

are bags are the way to go.....but....how much does this 24' trailer weigh?? Is it a really old model?? A 1/2 ton truck should be able to handle one of the newer ultra light 24' without flinching. Did you only start noticing the problem after the levelling kit?

20Silverado11 · May 27, 2011

When I noticed that the rear end of my truck was sagging if I was pulling a horse trailer with 2 big horses and a lot of stuff, I went and installed a weight distributing hitch. The truck now sits level and it feels like I have more control. Here's the one I got (but missed out on the sale price): http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3094-va70230.aspx. Works great for me.

Here's a visual from their website explaining what I'm trying to say:

T Loz · May 28, 2011

This trailer is about 4300 lbs. dry...Max weight is 7300 lbs. with a max tounge weight of 630 lbs.I had this problem before the levelling kit too.

are bags are the way to go.....but....how much does this 24' trailer weigh?? Is it a really old model?? A 1/2 ton truck should be able to handle one of the newer ultra light 24' without flinching. Did you only start noticing the problem after the levelling kit?

T Loz · May 28, 2011

I do use equalizer bars as well..

are bags are the way to go.....but....how much does this 24' trailer weigh?? Is it a really old model?? A 1/2 ton truck should be able to handle one of the newer ultra light 24' without flinching. Did you only start noticing the problem after the levelling kit?

Fobroader · May 28, 2011

That doesnt seem to be that bad, either get some airbags, which are the best way to go because when they are uninflated your truck will ride stock, or get some helper springs, the truck will ride like shit unloaded. The trailer is light enough unless you are loading lead bars at the front of the trailer before you leave

T Loz · May 28, 2011

Thanks for the input. Airbags installed (Firestone) are $565. installed Way to much money for pulling abot 4 times a year. I was thinking about the Ready Lift Towing package for $160...http://www.readylift.com/c-122-chevy-silverado-1500-2007-2011-2wd-4wd-6-lug-225.aspx

That doesnt seem to be that bad, either get some airbags, which are the best way to go because when they are uninflated your truck will ride stock, or get some helper springs, the truck will ride like shit unloaded. The trailer is light enough unless you are loading lead bars at the front of the trailer before you leave

Fobroader · May 28, 2011

Oh, those are just blocks. Thats not really any kind of a solution, your truck will look goofy because the ass is gonna sit way up in the air but your leafs are still not strong enough for the weight. You can get airbag kits for under 300 and install them yourself, honestly its the only way Id go. There are cheaper ways to go, but if your trailer is causing that much sag, then you need suspension help. Or get custom leaf packs built with one or 2 more leafs in the pack.

T Loz · May 28, 2011

I phoned Readylift about that and they said that the blocks will only raise the back no more than an inch..And the rack effect will be far less than stock..

Oh, those are just blocks. Thats not really any kind of a solution, your truck will look goofy because the ass is gonna sit way up in the air but your leafs are still not strong enough for the weight. You can get airbag kits for under 300 and install them yourself, honestly its the only way Id go. There are cheaper ways to go, but if your trailer is causing that much sag, then you need suspension help. Or get custom leaf packs built with one or 2 more leafs in the pack.

Blue2500CC · May 29, 2011

Terry,

What brand distribution hitch do you have? What is the rating of your bars? Possible to get some pictures? Also, here is a link to rv-net on hitch set up that has a ton of info.

One thing I read in that thread (or another similar one) was that it is possible to use a gooseneck ball with a 1" rise, then drop your hitch head down to compensate, possibly allowing more links under tension, or in some cases, same amount of links to help level trailer.

Also, does the hitch set up return the front end to the unloaded height, within a 1/2" or so? If so, how much is the rear sagging then?

I have been doing some reading on this to relearn, as I need to set up my hitch for the new truck. That is if it ever stops raining here so I can go pick up the trailer!

Good luck,

Chris