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First time towing, rear end squats pretty bad!

buickfunnycar

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buickfunnycar Enthusiast

buickfunnycar

Posted
Posted

Towed for the first time yesterday when a friends towing rig burnt up a tranny and I needed to get him off the side of the road...after getting the whole 2.5" hitch figured out, I was amazed to see the rear squat this much with just this small open trailer and little Chevy II with many fiberglass panels...I tow a 24' enclosed Haulmark with a funny car...so much more than this setup.

 

The truck had just 79k on it when I bought it but most...if not all...of those were 5th wheel towing. Could the rear springs be shot?

They installed a leveling kit on the front, not sure of that would have anything to do with it.

 

Any suggestions or advice before I tow my stuff...?

 

Thanks guys,

John

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sahls01gmc Senior Enthusiast

sahls01gmc

Posted
Posted

The leveling kit can add to the overall illusion of your truck sagging, but I would hit the scales to verify proper tongue and axle weights.

Formulabruce Enthusiast

Formulabruce

Posted
Posted

Trailer axles are far back, making less sway, but a lot more tongue weight. I estimate it as 1 ton at least.

Leveling kits are for looks, and NOT towing. There is a reason these trucks appear to sit lower in front, and its Just for what the pictures show. I would dislike driving that in "boat mode" with the bow high like that.

I put Long Tons of Coal in my truck ( 1.2 tons) and it doesnt sit down that much..

As long as your truck is a levling kit shouldnt be wanted or needed.. good luck

buickfunnycar Enthusiast

buickfunnycar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

If you have proper tongue weight, then maybe airbags to keep the truck level while towing...

That's what I'm thinking, would be a better ride anyway. I don't think this truck came with helper springs, not sure if they were even offered.

Sierra Boy Enthusiast

Sierra Boy

Posted
Posted

Man that Nova is sweet!

 

Sierra Boy

crankman Enthusiast

crankman

Posted
Posted

Did you try backing the the car on there and center the engine on the axles would help. I know you said his tranny went out so that might not be a option but I have a 10,000 car hauler and it helps on the tongue weight. Actually back him up just a bit then strap it i bet you raise up alot. I had that once with a tractor and just backed up 6 inch it made a world of difference. After looking longer at your pictures i would back up and restrap you should see it come up quick and lose the leveling kit if possible. Just small adjustments help in towing many times. Nice looking truck by the way looks well kept.

buickfunnycar Enthusiast

buickfunnycar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Did you try backing the the car on there and center the engine on the axles would help. I know you said his tranny went out so that might not be a option but I have a 10,000 car hauler and it helps on the tongue weight. Actually back him up just a bit then strap it i bet you raise up alot. I had that once with a tractor and just backed up 6 inch it made a world of difference. After looking longer at your pictures i would back up and restrap you should see it come up quick and lose the leveling kit if possible. Just small adjustments help in towing many times. Nice looking truck by the way looks well kept.

Thanks for the comments and you do bring up an interesting point.

 

His trailer/car will probably never be towed by me again so maybe...just maybe...I should attach my 24-footer (even though the funny car isn't in it) and see how she sits???

MORSNO Enthusiast

MORSNO

Posted
Posted

Some lower Tork Lift Stable Loads will help you out and at MUCH less cost than airbags and still provide a stable factory ride. You can engage them while loaded and disengage them when not towing with just a turn of a 3/8" ratchet.

sahls01gmc Senior Enthusiast

sahls01gmc

Posted
Posted

Trailer axles are far back, making less sway, but a lot more tongue weight. I estimate it as 1 ton at least.

Leveling kits are for looks, and NOT towing. There is a reason these trucks appear to sit lower in front, and its Just for what the pictures show. I would dislike driving that in "boat mode" with the bow high like that.

I put Long Tons of Coal in my truck ( 1.2 tons) and it doesnt sit down that much..

As long as your truck is a levling kit shouldnt be wanted or needed.. good luck

Didn't really notice the trailer axles being that far back. That's definitely a huge factor in how your truck sits. I don't know that you'll have that much sag on your enclosed trailer.

 

Hook it up, and see how it looks!

buickfunnycar Enthusiast

buickfunnycar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks guys for all the advice...it sounds like the combination of the car being so far forward and the front leveling kit are causing the truck to squat like it is.

I looked under it yesterday and everything looks stock, the dealer probably just cranked up the keys to level the front so I'll deal with that issue and then attach my trailer and see how she looks and goes down the road.

buickfunnycar Enthusiast

buickfunnycar

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well upon closer inspection the dealer used aftermarket keys and shock extenders so just ordered GM replacements and should be back to stock trim this time next week.

 

Any suggestions on shocks...? Searching now...

jhplak325 Enthusiast

jhplak325

Posted
Posted

buickfunnycar, are you over on NastyZ28 website? Your car looks familiar.

 

On my 2009 Silverado 2500HD, I ran Bilstein 5100's and have towed an enclosed car trailer with different camaros in it along with my travel trailer had no complaints with these shocks.

crankman Enthusiast

crankman

Posted
Posted

Sounds like your on the right track, putting it back stock is a good idea. Thats a beast of a hauler truck you got with that allison engine and the trailer setup good you will rolling on. I dont have any help on the shocks my stock GM shocks are pretty dang good. My truck rides smoooth for a 2500 its nice so I dont mess with my setup. But everyone is different I heard Bilstein shocks are rated very high by some of the men on the forum, might look at them. I agree with sahls01gmc to go ahead and hook up to your enclosed trailer after you get the factory setup back and see how she looks.

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